One would think that the last thing I need from Amazon is another way to make buying things even easier (Amazon Prime, I love you) but they’ve found one: let me buy stuff via SMS!
The best description of the feature I read today comes via CrunchGear:
Need something immediately? Want to check on a price? Text your search term to 262966 (”AMAZON”) and Amazon will hunt down a few items from its online store. Reply and Amazon will call you to confirm your order.
The usage model is fairly compelling: you’re in a store, and you see something you want. You simply text Amazon to confirm that it’s cheaper online and then spit in the face of the salesperson working with you, cackling that the “Internet knows more than him or her.” Remember: What technology takes away our daily social interactions it gives back in low, low pricing.
For an actual analysis of the process of using it, check out Whitney Hess’s excellent, detailed walkthrough.
Needless to say, I can’t wait to try this out.