Starbucks wants you to ask ChatGPT about what coffee to get, right as America boils over with AI backlash vibes |
Starbucks wants you to ask ChatGPT about what coffee to get, right as America boils over with AI backlash vibes
Starbucks has a solution for unsure coffee lovers who face a truly dizzying amount of choice: Just let software make a selection for you.
The Seattle-based chain is testing a beta app in ChatGPT that helps users discover drinks based on vibes and gut feelings alone, the company announced Wednesday, marking another step in corporate America’s bid to make business-facing activities feel less like a menu search for customers.
The beta app is built directly into ChatGPT, where users can enter a prompt describing their caffeine-laced needs and wants. Asking for “something sweet and nutty” can generate a pistachio latte recommendation, for instance. Users can also upload photos and ask the app which drinks would aesthetically complement their clothes or environment.
Starbucks joins retail and travel booking services that have already rolled out similar features offering personalized recommendations to users. Companies are looking to slowly chip away at the burden of choice that comes with shopping, travel, and dining, but in relieving customers of their decision-making, firms might run into some unexpected risks.
Take Walmart as an example. Last year, the company announced a partnership with OpenAI that would allow some customers to shop for Walmart products and check out directly with ChatGPT. The program was first available for around 200,000 Walmart products, and executives were looking most closely at conversion rates, the........