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Amazon’s New AI Shopping And Healthcare Assistants: What You Need To Know

Amazon is stepping up its game in the realm of artificial intelligence by testing new AI-powered shopping and healthcare assistants. As the company pushes to embed generative AI across a broader range of its services, consumers and tech enthusiasts alike are watching closely.

Key Developments

  • Artificial intelligence has become a primary investment focus for Amazon, being utilized in e-commerce, cloud technologies, devices, and healthcare.
  • Amazon’s existing AI offerings include shopping chatbots, seller assistants, and AI-based shopping guides.
  • Recently, new features appeared on Amazon’s website and mobile app in beta mode. They are being tested with a limited group of users.

Learn more about AI trends in global industries.

Shopping and Healthcare Integration

Amazon’s Interests AI invites users to describe what they’re interested in using natural language, such as “coffee brewing gadgets” or “latest pickleball accessories.” The AI then curates suitable products based on user descriptions. Notably, this feature is separate from Amazon’s main search bar.

Experimentation extends into healthcare with Health AI, a chatbot designed to:

  • Answer wellness-related queries
  • Provide information on common health conditions and care options
  • Recommend healthcare products such as medications and accessories

Unlike Amazon’s shopping chatbot, Health AI offers detailed medical advice, marked as “Clinically Reviewed” when vetted by licensed U.S. medical professionals.

Health AI also directs users to Amazon’s online pharmacy and One Medical services, which Amazon acquired for $3.9 billion in 2022.

Future Prospects

Amazon’s blog post reveals plans to roll out Interests AI to all U.S. users in the coming months. CEO Andy Jassy has noted nearly 1,000 generative AI applications developed or in development by Amazon staff. Besides e-commerce solutions, AWS customers can access a business chatbot dubbed Q.

MENA Venture Capital Stable As International Investor Activity Shifts

A Data-Led Analysis Of Investor Behavior In A War-Affected Region

Venture capital activity in the Middle East and North Africa remained relatively stable one month after the escalation of regional conflict. Early data, however, indicate changes in investor behavior rather than immediate shifts in funding totals. Initial signals are visible in investor participation, capital allocation, and deal pipeline activity.

Venture Markets And The Lag In Response

Funding announcements reflect decisions made months earlier, meaning that today’s figures do not capture the full impact of current events. Investors typically adjust strategies gradually, signaling future shifts long before they are immediately visible in total funding numbers.

International Capital As The Key Pressure Indicator

Participation of international investors remains a key indicator across the MENA venture market. Global capital has historically accounted for a significant share of funding in the region. Following global interest rate increases, international participation declined through 2023. This shift was reflected in lower cross-border deal activity, more cautious capital deployment, and longer fundraising timelines.

Implications For The Broader Startup Ecosystem

Changes in international investor activity affect multiple parts of the startup ecosystem. A recovery in participation was recorded in 2024 and continued into 2025, supporting funding activity and cross-border investment. If uncertainty persists, potential effects include slower investment decisions, reduced cross-border engagement, and extended fundraising cycles. International capital also plays a role in supporting larger funding rounds and access to global networks.

Next Steps For Stakeholders

International capital represents one of several factors shaping venture activity in the region. Its movement often precedes changes in late-stage funding, startup formation, and exit activity. Investors, policymakers, and ecosystem participants rely on data and scenario analysis to assess these trends and adjust strategies.

For A Deeper Insight

Further analysis on venture activity, capital flows, and geopolitical impact across the region is available in the full MAGNiTT report.

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