Amazon launches text-to-buy option

Amazon.com is making purchases from its Web site as easy as sending a text message.
The online retailer announced a new service called Amazon TextBuyIt, which allows users to text an item search term to “AMAZON.” In response, they receive a numbered list of search results for the item, including prices, and can reply with a number selected from the list to make a purchase. The user then receives a call to hear the details of the purchase and confirm his or her order.
Users can search by item name, an author or artist name, or by ISBN or UPC code. According to Amazon’s Web site, first-time users may receive a text message asking for their e-mail address and ZIP code associated with their Amazon.com account so that the purchase can be made using their default payment information.
The text message purchase option expands mobile access to Amazon.com; the company already has a mobile Web site and an Apple Inc. iPhone-optimized mobile site.
Amazon.com said that in recent months, its customers have used their wireless devices to buy items ranging from books to big-screen high-definition televisions, to $30,000 watches.