Highlights
- Microsoft Copilot now lets users browse and buy products directly within chat without visiting retailer websites.
- It is rolling out on Copilot’s US web client with payments handled via PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify.
- ChatGPT and Perplexity also enable in‑chat purchases, while Google Gemini redirects users to external retailer sites.
Microsoft has begun integrating shopping directly into Copilot, allowing users to complete purchases within a chat conversation. With this update, users can ask Copilot for product suggestions such as help choosing a pair of sneakers. AI can now surface a checkout option for the selected item without requiring users to leave the chat interface.
In-chat Buying Without Visiting Retailer Websites
In a YouTube video shared by Microsoft, Copilot is shown helping a user find a bedside lamp. Alongside the recommendation, the interface displays a “Details” option for more product information and a “Buy” button. Tapping the buy option launches an in-chat checkout flow where users can enter delivery and payment details and complete the purchase, entirely bypassing the retailer’s website.
The in-chat checkout feature is currently rolling out on the Copilot web client in the US. At launch, it is limited to a group of partner retailers including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Ashley Furniture, and select Etsy sellers.
Microsoft has partnered with PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify to handle payments with broader retailer support expected to roll out over the coming weeks.
AI Chatbot Shopping
This move broadly mirrors how other AI platforms are handling shopping assistance. OpenAI’s ChatGPT focuses on product discovery, comparisons, and guiding users through purchase decisions within chat, while also enabling checkout.
Perplexity follows a similar path, offering a conversational shopping experience that combines product discovery with an integrated checkout flow powered by PayPal.
Google has taken a different approach with Gemini. While Gemini uses AI to assist with product discovery and comparisons, it redirects users to retailer websites to complete payments. Unlike Copilot, it does not currently offer an instant checkout option that allows users to finalise purchases without leaving the platform.
FAQs
Q1. What new shopping feature has Microsoft added to Copilot?
Answer. Microsoft has integrated in‑chat shopping, allowing users to browse products and complete purchases directly within the chat interface without visiting retailer websites.
Q2. Which retailers and payment partners are supported at launch?
Answer. The feature is initially available with partner retailers like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Ashley Furniture, and select Etsy sellers. Payments are handled via PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify.
Q3. How does Copilot’s shopping experience compare to other AI platforms?
Answer. Copilot offers instant checkout within chat, unlike Google Gemini which redirects to retailer sites. ChatGPT and Perplexity also provide conversational shopping with integrated checkout flows.