Walmart and Google have partnered to allow customers to voice-order groceries from their Google Home or smartphone.
Starting later this month, Walmart customers will use Google Assistant to add items to their Walmart grocery cart, and the system will identify what particular brand a person wants based on user description. Walmart said the system also learns from previous orders, so if a customer orders a specific 1% organic milk, it will assume the customer wants that same brand the next time they order.
As Google Assistant is available on many smart devices, patrons will be able to add items to their cart from anywhere. The system also allows for users to accumulate items over time, adding one item on one day, a few items on another and throughout the week. Then customers can either use Walmart grocery pickup or delivery.
Walmart plans to initially roll out the service in the next few weeks and then roll it out to more customers at a later date.
According to IHS Markit, smart speaker penetration was 21% in the United States in 2018, with the forecast for the technology to grow substantially this year. As the market for voice-activated smart speakers gains further penetration, the more companies are looking to partner with voice assistant vendors to create new value.
