Key Takeaways
1. Meta is testing a new “Shopping research” feature within its AI web experience for select U.S. users.
2. The feature provides product recommendations with images, prices, and links to external merchants but does not allow direct purchases.
3. This testing phase has not been officially announced by Meta, and details about supported retailers are currently unavailable.
4. Meta is enhancing AI-driven shopping support across its platforms, directing users to partner sites for purchases.
5. The company is also exploring AI to improve advertising and messaging products, including AI assistants for advertisers.
Meta is said to be testing a new shopping feature within the Meta AI web experience, available to select users in the United States. This feature is identified as a “Shopping research” option that shows up in the prompt box when using desktop browsers.
How It Works
When users request product recommendations, the tool reportedly provides a carousel of items featuring images, prices, and links to merchants or brands for further information. However, the current version does not allow users to complete purchases directly within Meta AI. Instead, users are directed to external websites for checkout, indicating that this tool is more about product discovery than a complete buying process.
Testing Phase
This feature is being labeled as a test rather than an official rollout, with at least one report noting that a Meta representative confirmed the company is evaluating the shopping tool. As of now, Meta has not released a specific press statement or product page for the “Shopping research” feature, which means information regarding supported retailers, ranking factors, and the extent of the rollout is not available in any official documents.
Ongoing Developments
Meta continues to enhance its AI-driven shopping support throughout its platforms, including Marketplace features that propose questions for sellers and provide AI-generated insights for certain listings. In many instances, buyers are still directed to partner sites for making purchases.
In addition to these shopping advancements, Meta is also leveraging AI to boost business outcomes in its advertising and messaging products. This includes testing AI assistants for advertisers and enhancing business AI capabilities.
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