Tesco is launching a new voice shopping service that can let customers complete the whole process on a Google Smart Speaker for the first time.
The new service will be the first from Tesco capable of automatically integrating customers’ online accounts with Google Assistant to enable them to “talk to Tesco”.
Previously, Tesco has relied on a separate app, called If This Then That, also known as ‘IFTTT’, to integrate the two. The method has added layers of complication for customers by requiring them to install the IFTTT app on a Google Assistant-enabled device, such as an Android phone, and link it to both their Tesco and Google accounts. It has also meant they can only add items to a basket, not complete the whole shop. To book a delivery slot and check out, they have had to log in separately to Tesco.
Now the supermarket has developed the software that integrates shopping accounts with Google, doing away with the need for IFTTT. To use it, customers with a Tesco account need only say to their device, “OK Google, talk to Tesco”. Google will then ask for permission to link to their Tesco account before they can begin shopping.
The new service is currently in a test phase that will help determine its full capabilities, but The Grocer understands the final version could allow customers to complete a full shop, including checkout.
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The supermarket is revealing little further detail at this stage. But a Tesco email sent yesterday to customers who have previously shopped with IFTTT revealed it was on the way.
‘We’re getting in touch to announce a new service we’ve developed,’ the email said. ’It’s called Tesco on Google Assistant and it gives you the power to shop online, using only your voice!
‘It works on any Google Assistant enabled device, including Google Home smart speakers, Android mobile phones and even iPhones using the Google Assistant app.’
The mailout revealed the new service would let customers confirm a delivery slot, something they couldn’t do with IFTTT.
‘We personalise your experience based on how you already shop and you can provide any dietary or lifestyle preferences you have,’ it added. ‘We’ll also make sure you don’t miss out on promotions.’
Customers are invited to ‘Leave us the email address you use with Tesco Groceries if you’d like to try Tesco on Google Assistant. We’re in beta right now, which means you’ll need an invite to get in.’
The Grocer revealed as long ago as March last year that the new Tesco voice shopping service was in development.
Asda launched a similar service with Google - its first entry into voice shopping - in April 2018. Morrisons has offered voice shopping through Amazon Alexa since 2017 as part of the retailer’s partnership with Ocado.
Sainsbury’s is the only one of the big four yet to enter, though the supermarket said in September it was monitoring Argos’ new Google voice shopping service with a view to launching its own.
Voice shopping has been heralded as the next big disruptive technology in grocery. A recent consumer survey by agency Artefact UK showed 60% of smart speaker owners had used them to make a purchase in the past year. However, analysts have also said the channel is currently held back by creating too much friction for users, including incorrect items added to baskets.
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