ChatGPT Unveils New Shopping Tool, Human Curators Still Reign

UPDATE: OpenAI has just launched a groundbreaking upgrade to ChatGPT, introducing a new shopping tool designed to streamline your Black Friday deal-hunting experience. As the shopping frenzy of November 2023 kicks off, this AI personal shopper aims to change how consumers find the best discounts.

This innovative feature allows users to ask ChatGPT for product recommendations and deals, thus eliminating the tedious task of scouring multiple websites. However, initial tests reveal that while ChatGPT’s shopping research is impressive, human curators may still hold the upper hand when it comes to securing the best Black Friday bargains.

Yesterday, I tested the new shopping feature by asking ChatGPT for the best AirPods deals. Within two minutes, the AI provided a comprehensive shopping guide, including the top discounted options available in the UK at that moment. The user-friendly card-style interface helped specify my preferences, such as price range and model interest, making the process convenient.

However, I decided to push the limits further by requesting a more generic search: “Find me a good Black Friday deal on an air fryer.” While this request took ChatGPT around seven minutes to generate, it only returned two suggestions, despite numerous options available on curated sites like TechRadar. The comparison highlighted a significant limitation of the AI tool, as it struggled to match the depth of human-researched articles.

The experience left me with mixed feelings. ChatGPT’s shopping research can certainly assist in making informed purchasing decisions, but it cannot replace the meticulous work done by human journalists during this peak shopping season. 99% accuracy isn’t enough when it comes to ensuring you get the best deal, particularly when the stakes are high during Black Friday sales.

TechRadar’s journalists verify prices and curate lists, ensuring that consumers can confidently purchase products without fear of missing out on better deals elsewhere. The human touch in deal-hunting remains irreplaceable, as AI can still falter in understanding nuances and current market conditions.

As we move deeper into Black Friday week, it’s vital to remember that while ChatGPT offers a new resource for shoppers, it should be used in conjunction with established, expert-reviewed platforms. Relying solely on AI for major purchases could lead to missed savings, prompting users to exercise caution.

For those eager to capitalize on the ongoing sales, here are some of today’s best Black Friday deals:

Amazon: Up to 45% off on TVs, AirPods, air fryers, and vacuums.
Apple: Discounts on iPads, AirPods, and MacBooks starting from $119.
Best Buy: Save $1,000 on select TVs, laptops, and headphones.
T-Mobile: Up to $1,100 off the latest iPhone 17.
Walmart: Furniture, cheap TVs, and vacuums starting at $69.

As the holiday shopping season heats up, remember to stay informed and make use of all available resources. Follow TechRadar on social media and through Google News for expert insights on the best deals throughout this critical shopping period.