In an exciting development within the retail and e-commerce space, Google Lens and Zyler have both unveiled innovative features that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the shopping experience. Google Lens has expanded its functionalities to improve real-time in-store shopping while Zyler’s digital dressing room aims to elevate customer confidence in online apparel purchases.
Short Summary:
- Google Lens now provides in-store product information, reviews, and prices in real-time.
- Zyler has launched a virtual try-on tool that creates personalized avatars for clothing purchases.
- Both technologies aim to improve customer satisfaction and reduce return rates in retail.
The intersection of artificial intelligence and retail continues to innovate as Google Lens and Zyler lead the way with groundbreaking features aimed at enhancing the consumer shopping experience. Google recently announced significant upgrades to its popular Google Lens product, allowing users to obtain vital information about products while shopping in physical stores. This functionality is set to revolutionize the shopping landscape by integrating the immediacy of in-person shopping with the wealth of information typically available online.
Previously, Google Lens allowed users to search for products simply by taking a picture. This was particularly useful when a shopper spotted an item, such as a sweater, and wanted to find it online. With the new enhancements, users can now not only search for items but also access customer reviews, price comparisons with nearby competitors, and an inventory of related products available in the store they are visiting.
“We all know that there’s nothing like the magic of shopping in-store, especially during the holidays, but at the same time, many people have come to rely on reading reviews,” said Lilian Rincon, VP of Product Management at Google.
This enhanced functionality is powered by Google’s generative AI tool, Google Gemini, and backed by its real-time Shopping Graph database that aggregates inventory information from various retail partners. For now, the updated features of Google Lens are available for beauty products, toys, and electronics, with plans to expand to apparel and other categories in the future.
The implementation of these features is timely, particularly as shopping behavior shifts. According to recent data, over 72% of Americans use their smartphones while shopping in-store, indicating a need for richer, in-context information while purchasing physical products.
“This new feature can give shoppers the information and confidence they need to make a decision on the spot,” Google noted in a recent blog post.
In addition to the Lens updates, Google is also merging shopping experiences with Google Maps. Consumers searching for specific items can see nearby stores that carry their desired products, streamlining the process of locating inventory.
On a parallel track, fashion and tech company Zyler is innovating with AI virtual try-on capabilities that cater specifically to retail challenges. Recently, Zyler partnered with Goddiva to introduce its “AI-Driven Digital Dressing Room” that allows users to create a virtual avatar by inputting personal measurements alongside a headshot. This personalized avatar can be used to view how various clothing items will fit.
“We know how essential it is for shoppers to feel confident and enthusiastic about their online purchases. By enabling customers to see themselves in their chosen outfits, we’re creating a more enjoyable, personalized and inclusive shopping experience,” said Alexander Berend, CEO of Zyler.
The introduction of the Digital Dressing Room comes at a time when online clothing returns are a growing issue for retailers. With Zyler’s solution, brands can reduce return rates significantly by allowing customers to see realistic representations of how clothes will fit their body shapes before making a purchase. This technology helps counteract the common phenomenon of ‘wardrobing,’ where consumers order multiple styles or sizes for trial and end up returning what doesn’t fit.
The company anticipates that this virtual try-on feature will not only enhance customer confidence but also boost conversion rates as customers are less likely to order various sizes and styles. Zyler aims to elevate the online shopping experience, ensuring that customers receive accurate size recommendations and a clear idea of how each item will fit.
The advantage of improvements in both Google Lens and Zyler’s offerings is clear: they aim to make shopping more user-friendly and personalized. As technology continues to reshape the retail environment, these innovations reflect a broader trend towards integrating AI to meet consumer needs in real time.
Looking ahead, the combination of enhanced in-store experiences from Google and tailored online shopping solutions from Zyler points to a future in retail that is increasingly data-driven and user-centric. Consumers can look forward to more seamless shopping experiences that leverage technology to bridge the gap between online and offline purchasing behaviors.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, companies need to stay ahead of trends and consumer expectations. Tech advancements such as those introduced by Google and Zyler provide examples of how AI can significantly enhance the shopping experience, address challenges faced by retailers, and increase consumer satisfaction in meaningful and measurable ways. The future of AI in retail holds exciting possibilities, reinforcing the relevance of AI in shaping modern shopping.