Recently, Google introduced their new ways to shop in AR, which now include a photo library to find your base shade and a way to view sneakers in your space. Let’s see what it’s all about!
New ways to shop on Google
As we know, shopping in physical stores represents something special for any shopper. There’s something special about the atmosphere, something different: the lights, the smells, the music.
And despite the fact that we can’t experience all those little details when we shop online, Google is currently making great improvements in AR shopping to bring to life the most important part of a store: the product.
Find your foundation shade
Foundation is the most sought-after category within makeup, and for sure, it is one of the most personal products you can buy because, as you know, the slightest change in color or shade can make a big difference.
Plus, model foundation photos don’t always accurately reflect the diversity of buyers, and other times you can only find images of the product packaging.
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? In fact, this makes it especially difficult to find the best shade and product. What’s more, among online beauty product shoppers, more than 60% have decided not to purchase a beauty or cosmetic item online because they didn’t know what color or shade to choose, and 41% have decided to return an item because it was the wrong one.
Google’s solution
So after several studies, Google announced its new AR shopping feature that makes it a hell of a lot easier to find your base match. And to make you feel more confident, it was developed with guidance from verified beauty brands.
The company’s new photo library features 148 models representing a diverse spectrum of skin tones, ages, genders, facial shapes, ethnicities, and skin types.
And, backed by Google’s technology, this library is a big step toward changing the way people shop for makeup online, helping you better visualize how different products look on you.
How it works?
To use it, Google a foundation shade from a variety of prices and brands, such as “Clinique Even Better Foundation.” You’ll see what that foundation looks like on models with a similar skin tone, including before and after shots, to help you decide which one works best for you. Once you’ve found one you like, simply select a retailer to purchase from.
Try out products in 3D and AR
Google’s initiative to help shoppers with their online purchases doesn’t end there, though, as they have developed more products using 3D and AR. So, similar to how you can view furniture in your space with the AR feature for home goods, you can now shop for your favorite sneakers using the same technology.
Furthermore, beginning today, you can rotate, zoom in, and view the shoes in your space while determining whether the color, laces, tread, or sole suit your style. With this new feature, you can start exploring products from brands like Saucony, VANS, and Merrell today, with more coming soon (any brand with 3D assets for sneakers or home goods). Simply search for a type of sneaker, such as “Buy blue VANS sneakers,” and tap “View in my space.”
3D Technology
According to Google studies, shoppers interact with 3D images 50% more than with static ones, which presents a huge opportunity for brands. In addition, in September, they announced that they were investing in new ways to create 3D shoe turns, a process that is often time-consuming and costly for brands, and stated that they would begin implementing this technology in the coming months.
Final thoughts
There is no doubt that the new initiatives Google is introducing for users are very new and good. While there’s no way to replace the feeling of visiting your favorite stores in person, on those days when it’s impossible for you to go in person, these features can bring you something very close to that experience.
And the best part is that the company is committed to continuing to work on ways to make online shopping more realistic, so you can shop with confidence and feel like you’re really there.