[cwilson]

I really don't think being terrified of competition is a good reason to create something, so I hope that's not why they are doing this.

I'm struggling to find a reason why ordering anything via Echo is a good idea. I wouldn't use Siri to order anything, so I'm not sure why I'd want to do this either. I like to research things before I buy them and so do most Amazon users (even if it's a quick glimpse at the overall rating). Do I have to have a long Q/A session with Echo to determine which specific type of socks I'd like it to order? It seems faster to just do this myself via my phone or laptop.

I'm not going to switch to Google Shopping because I can tell my phone to order things. I use Amazon because Amazon is the best place to buy things (for numerous reasons), and until that changes talking to my phone or a device in my house ins't going to effect this decision.

This just feels like a solution that no one was asking for, and that's generally the worst kind of product.

Edit: After multiple people pointed out that this WOULD be useful for re-ordering certain types of things (mainly food/kitchen stuff), I agree it would be useful for that purpose. That said, I think Amazon should be marketing this with that in mind, and the first place this should live is your kitchen, not your living room.

[jedberg]

> I'm not going to switch to Google Shopping because I can tell my phone to order things.

Have you tried Google shopping with Voice integration? It's pretty amazing. You say "Ok google, buy me Triscuts" and four hours later, there's Triscuts at the door.

If my grandpa were still alive I would totally set him up with this.

[schwabacher]

I am asking for it - I think online shopping is one of those those things, like driving to the store, where you will not realize how annoying it was until you no longer have to do it.

I definitely would like to read reviews and compare prices when buying a big ticket item like a tv or computer, but for repetitive or impulse purchases I would love to be able to make them with the least amount of friction possible.

[mgkimsal]

"I'm struggling to find a reason why ordering anything via Echo is a good idea"

I agree.

But reordering things...

[waterlesscloud]

Amazon pretty clearly has a mid-range strategy of being the place you order groceries and consumables as a first choice. Weaseling into your household with Echo is a likely part of that. No research needed when you're ordering the same Wheat Thins and toothpaste you've ordered a dozen times before.

I also think the drones are for this small, frequently ordered stuff.