Reports of Major Tech Changes at Walmart

Retailer partners with Microsoft to offer improved online shopping.

July 19, 2018

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – On Tuesday, Walmart and Microsoft announced a strategic, five-year partnership designed to improve online shopping while helping both companies take on Amazon, according to CNN.

Walmart has been pushing to build a more competitive digital operation that offers improved customer service, as well as enhanced forecasting, purchasing and data-sharing abilities. Under the agreement, Walmart will use Microsoft's cloud services and work with the tech firm on artificial intelligence and machine-learning projects.

The announcement comes just weeks after news reports that Microsoft is developing cashier-free technology similar to that used in Amazon’s no-checkout convenience store that opened to the public in January.

In addition, Microsoft is reportedly experimenting with attaching cameras to shopping carts to track the items customers want and automatically charging them for their purchase.

On Wednesday, USA Today reported that Walmart is considering the launch of a video-streaming service that would compete with Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime.

Walmart has not confirmed that story, although USA Today writes that individuals familiar with the project say the service would cost customers less than $8 a month, making it cheaper that its competition. If the service rolls out, it would be one more effort by the retailer to tackle Amazon. Earlier this year, Walmart announced plans to sell e-books and audiobooks in the U.S. for the first time.

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