Walmart's shopping assistant can now read your photos and handwritten lists

Walmart's AI shopping assistant, Sparky, can now work from pictures. Take a photo of a handwritten list, or export a list from the Notes app, and Sparky will turn it into a shopping cart. Walmart announced the update in a press release on Friday, Oct. 30.

What changed

• Upload a photo or screenshot to ask a question, such as how to remove a stain from a tablecloth.
• In a store, search for an item, walk to the aisle on the store map and tap "Flash price tag" to light up the shelf label.
• Sparky can build recipes and ingredient lists, and suggest healthier swaps.
• It now speaks Spanish and French.

Sparky is also expanding beyond the U.S. It is now available in Canada and Mexico, and to Sam's Club members in the U.S. Walmart says voice features are expected by the end of the year. Walmart says help is available in the app, online and in stores.

What is not clear

Walmart introduced Sparky in June 2025 as an assistant that helps people find items and sums up reviews. The material does not say what the new features cost, if anything, or whether every feature is live in every country yet. It also does not say how accurate Sparky is with messy handwriting. Anyone who tries it should look over the cart before paying.