Google Lens is evolving its capabilities to improve the in-store shopping experience, offering users the ability to receive search results tailored to the specific store they are in. The updated feature, launched this week, allows shoppers to take pictures of items in-store and instantly access detailed product information, reviews, and even compare prices with competitors.
Bridging the Gap Between In-Store and Online Shopping
This new feature enhances the convenience of in-person shopping by integrating the advantages of online browsing. Once a user snaps a photo of an item, such as a beauty product, toy, or electronic device, Google Lens provides a wealth of insights. These include details about the product, customer reviews, and a list of similar items that are in stock at that very store. According to Google’s VP of product management, Lilian Rincon, the goal is to offer the best of both worlds: the tactile pleasure of in-store shopping and the informative benefits of online browsing.
Making Shopping Smarter for Consumers
Research shows that more than 70% of American consumers use their smartphones while shopping in-store, highlighting the growing reliance on digital tools during physical shopping trips. Rincon explains that this feature is particularly useful during the holiday season, as shoppers can quickly find valuable information about a product they’re considering buying. For example, a shopper interested in a Play-Doh set can easily check reviews, compare prices, and explore similar items—all with a simple photo.
The Role of AI in Seamlessly Improving User Experience
Powered by Google’s Gemini generative AI model, the in-store Lens feature works discreetly behind the scenes without drawing attention to its AI capabilities. The focus is on integrating AI into users’ existing shopping behaviors to provide helpful, relevant results without disrupting their flow. The update is available for all Google app users who have opted to share location data, working at retailers that have provided their inventory data to Google.
For more on how Google is enhancing the in-store shopping experience, visit Marketing Dive.
