Amazon's app is one of the most widely used shopping platforms globally, but beyond its well-known features like the shopping cart, Prime benefits, and recommendations, there are many lesser-known features that enhance the user experience. Here’s an exploration of some of the less famous yet impactful functionalities of the Amazon app.
### 1. **Amazon Smile**
Amazon Smile is a feature that allows users to contribute to charity without any extra cost. By simply selecting a charitable organization, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible items to the charity. Although this feature is more popular on the desktop version, it's also integrated into the app under the settings. Many users overlook it, but it offers a seamless way to give back while shopping.
### 2. **Alexa Integration**
With the Amazon app, users can tap into the power of Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa. This feature allows users to use voice commands to search for products, track packages, and even reorder items. It also supports hands-free functionality, making shopping more convenient when multitasking. Beyond shopping, Alexa on the app can also control smart home devices, answer general queries, and provide weather updates, which makes it a multifunctional tool.
### 3. **AR View (Augmented Reality)**
Amazon’s AR View feature helps users visualize how products will look in their space. While it's commonly used for furniture or home decor, AR View can be applied to a variety of product categories. With this feature, users can see the actual dimensions of items like electronics or appliances in their homes before purchasing. It’s particularly useful for those who are concerned about fit or aesthetics, such as when buying a couch or a TV stand.
### 4. **Camera Search**
The Amazon app has an integrated camera search feature that allows users to search for products by simply taking a picture. This feature, hidden under the camera icon on the search bar, can scan barcodes, photos of products, or even texts and logos to help users find matching or similar items. This is incredibly helpful for those who come across items they like in a store or at a friend’s house and want to find them on Amazon for a potentially better deal.
### 5. **Deals of the Day and Lightning Deals Notifications**
While Amazon’s daily deals and flash sales are well-known on the desktop platform, the app allows users to personalize their deal experience further. Users can set notifications for specific products, categories, or upcoming Lightning Deals. The app will notify users when the deals go live, giving them a better chance of grabbing time-sensitive bargains.
### 6. **Amazon Assistant**
Amazon Assistant is often overlooked in favor of the desktop version, but it is present on the mobile app. This tool offers a comparison feature where users can compare prices between Amazon and other retailers while browsing, ensuring they get the best deal. It also tracks order statuses and can suggest better alternatives based on user searches and preferences.
### 7. **Amazon's Subscription Manager (Subscribe & Save)**
Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program is an underused feature that allows customers to set up automatic deliveries of frequently purchased items. In exchange for subscribing, users often receive discounts ranging from 5% to 15%, depending on the number of items in their subscription. The app offers tools to manage these subscriptions easily, allowing users to pause, skip, or adjust delivery dates directly from the app without needing to visit the desktop site.
### 8. **Virtual Try-On for Eyewear and Shoes**
Similar to AR View, Amazon offers a virtual try-on feature for select eyewear and shoes. Users can upload a picture of themselves and virtually "try on" glasses or even sneakers to see how they look before making a purchase. This feature, while not widely promoted, can significantly improve the shopping experience for those who want a better sense of fit and style.
### 9. **Amazon Pantry (Available in Select Countries)**
In regions where Amazon Pantry is available, users can order everyday essentials, such as groceries and household items, in bulk or single quantities. The Pantry feature also allows users to build a box of items at discounted prices. The convenience of this service can be compared to visiting a local store without leaving the house, and the app offers tools to manage recurring purchases, subscriptions, and shopping lists seamlessly.
### 10. **Amazon Household Sharing**
Through Amazon Household, users can share their Prime benefits, digital content, and payment methods with up to two adults and four teens or children. The app allows users to manage household settings, monitor purchases by younger members, and share things like Prime Video or Kindle eBooks seamlessly. This feature is incredibly useful for families or roommates looking to consolidate purchases or share subscriptions.
### 11. **Voice Shopping**
Voice shopping is a less-advertised feature of the Amazon app that allows users to purchase items directly using voice commands. With Alexa integrated into the app, users can ask Alexa to reorder previous purchases or add new items to their cart. This can save a lot of time, especially for regular shoppers who have a clear idea of what they need.
### 12. **Customer Q&A**
Customer Q&A is another lesser-known yet valuable feature on the Amazon app. Unlike traditional product reviews, this section allows users to ask specific questions about a product, and other customers or sellers can respond. This real-time community-driven feedback system often provides more detailed insights than product descriptions, especially when users are interested in niche or technical details.
### 13. **Amazon Live**
Amazon Live is a relatively new feature where users can watch livestreams of influencers, brands, and experts showcasing and reviewing products in real time. Through the app, users can engage with the hosts, ask questions, and shop for featured products as they watch. This feature merges entertainment with shopping, creating an interactive experience that can help users make informed purchasing decisions.
### 14. **Shopping Lists and Wishlists**
While most users are familiar with the concept of wishlists, Amazon’s app offers a deeper level of organization. Users can create multiple shopping lists for different categories, such as home, office supplies, or gift ideas. These lists can be shared with others, making it easier to coordinate group purchases or gift-giving. Additionally, users can set notifications for when items in their wishlist drop in price or come back in stock.
### 15. **Amazon Assistant for Browsing History and Price Tracking**
Amazon’s app keeps a detailed history of users’ browsing activities, which can be accessed at any time. This history feature is useful for finding products that users may have forgotten about. Moreover, the app also offers price tracking for certain items, notifying users when the price of a product changes so they can make the most cost-effective decision.
### 16. **Amazon Gift Finder**
Finding the perfect gift can be overwhelming, but the Amazon app’s Gift Finder feature simplifies the process. Users can input specific details such as the recipient's age, gender, hobbies, or interests, and Amazon will generate personalized gift recommendations. This feature is especially useful during holidays or special occasions when time is limited.
### 17. **Amazon Dash Replenishment Service**
The Amazon Dash Replenishment Service allows connected devices, such as printers or smart refrigerators, to automatically reorder supplies like ink or food when levels are running low. While the Dash buttons were discontinued, this service is still available through the app for compatible devices, providing a hands-off approach to ensuring essential supplies are always in stock.
### 18. **Amazon Credits and Promotional Offers**
Amazon frequently offers credits or discounts for completing certain tasks or using specific services. For example, users can earn credits for choosing no-rush shipping or for signing up for services like Amazon Photos or Music. These offers are not always obvious, but the app helps track and redeem these promotional credits directly during checkout, helping users save money on future purchases.
### 19. **Product Recommendations Based on Purchases**
Amazon’s AI-driven product recommendation engine is well-known, but the app also offers more nuanced suggestions based on users’ purchase history and browsing behavior. These personalized suggestions often include complementary products, such as accessories for a device the user recently bought or upgrades to previously purchased items. This feature helps users discover products they may not have considered, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
### 20. **Amazon Hub and Locker Pick-Up Options**
In areas where Amazon Lockers or Hubs are available, users can choose these secure, self-service locations as their delivery points. The app allows users to manage their locker pick-up preferences, view available lockers nearby, and receive notifications when their package is ready for collection. This is a useful option for those who may not be home during the day or want to avoid package theft.
### 21. **Live Package Tracking with Map View**
While tracking packages is standard on most shopping apps, Amazon’s app offers a live tracking feature where users can see their delivery on a map as it gets closer to their location. This feature provides more precise information about delivery times and can help users better plan their day around receiving packages.
### 22. **Gift Wrap Option and Gift Messages**
The Amazon app allows users to select gift wrap options and add personalized gift messages for many products. This can be done directly during the checkout process, making it a convenient feature for those sending gifts directly to recipients. Users can also select to hide the item price on the packing slip.
### 23. **Amazon Pay**
Amazon Pay allows users to make payments on third-party websites using their Amazon account. While this is mostly used externally, the app supports managing Amazon Pay settings, viewing transaction history, and tracking any refunds or charges made using the payment service. This adds another layer of convenience for those who shop online frequently but want a unified payment method.
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In conclusion, the Amazon app is packed with features beyond simple shopping, many of which are underused but add immense value to the user experience. From integrating Alexa and AR functionalities to supporting charitable donations and hands-free shopping, Amazon continues to innovate in ways that make shopping more convenient, personalized, and interactive. Taking advantage of these lesser-known features can provide a smoother, more
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