Amazon goes 'social shopping' on Facebook

Online retailer Amazon has launched two applications for social networking site Facebook to allow users to share and buy products with their friends.

The 'social shopping' apps work in conjunction with the US-based Amazon.com website - they are not yet available on Amazon's UK site.

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The first application is Amazon Giver which lets users create a wish list of items they want, meaning their friends can use it as a guide for suitable gifts.

People can also get gift recommendations based on information on their friends' Facebook profiles.

Once people decide to buy something from their friend's wish list they are directed to the Amazon.com checkout page to make the purchase.

The Amazon Grapevine app provides friends with a news feed of what people have done on Amazon.com. This could include reviews they've written, items they've added to their wish list and tagged items.

Users have to specify who they want to share their preferences with, meaning they can opt out whenever they want.

Eva Manolis, VP of Amazon.com, said these apps are aimed at making activities such as gift-giving more efficient and rewarding.

Confectionery company Mars recently launched a Facebook app allowing users to buy chocolate snacks for friends using a combination of PayPal and mobile phone vouchers.