Google Lens Introduces AI-Powered In-Store Shopping Assistant

Google Lens Is Now Your AI-Powered, In-Store Shopping Assistant

You Can Prevent Smishing Scams With These Features and Tricks With the holiday shopping season arriving soon, Google Lens is becoming a perfect in-store shopping companion. Find Out More About a Product ✕ Remove Ads Starting today, in the Google app for iOS and Android in the United States, you can use Google Lens to find out more about a product. After snapping an image of a product, you can see information about it, similar products in stock, if the store's price is competitive compared to other in-store or online shopping outlets, and shopper reviews. The feature will be available for use with beauty products, toys, or electronics at stores of all sizes that share local store inventory with Google. To use the feature, select the Lens icon in the Search bar. You'll also need to make sure you've opted-in to sharing a precise location. "Seventy-two percent of Americans say they use their smartphone while shopping in-store, and more than half say they've left a store empty-handed because they didn't feel confident enough to buy," said Lilian Rincon, Vice President of Product for Google Shopping. "This new feature can give shoppers the information and confidence they need to make a decision on the spot." ✕ Remove Ads The new update is made by advancements in Google's AI image recognition technology, including Gemini models. Shoppers will also soon be able to use Google Maps to search for a product, like a festive sweater, and find nearby stores that carry it. Google Lens Continues to Add New Features Google has quickly been adding a new host of features to Lens. Just last week, Google announced that you can now add text along with an image when using Lens in the Chrome browser for iPhone and iPad. Doing that can provide more relevant search results to help you locate exactly what you're looking for. When shopping online in Chrome, you can also make use of a new Shopping Insights feature to locate the best deal. Choose the "Good deal now" notification and see price history, price tracking, and more online buying options. While I've never thought about using Lens while shopping in-store, being able to snap a quick picture of something I'm looking to purchase and see more information makes the technology perfect for long shopping trips. ✕ Remove Ads

Google Lens wants to help you shop for the holidays

Key Takeaways Google Lens can now provide real-time product information, such as price comparisons and customer reviews. Soon, users will also be able to search for specific products directly within Google Maps and find nearby stores that carry them. Both features will be limited to users in the US, at least upon launch. ✕ Remove Ads Back in October, Google revamped its Google Shopping experience from the ground up, with a focus on using AI to surface the most relevant products and information about them. The platform can now show you an AI-generated brief about your shopping queries, akin to AI overviews, complete with an Instagram-like For You page, but for products. Related Google Shopping gets its own version of AI Overviews for your product searches And a new logo to along with it Now, just in time for Black Friday, another key Google feature is set to get a shopping boost. In a new blog post today, the Mountain View, California-based tech giant announced that it is rolling out new functionality for Google Lens that will "help you make more informed decisions when you're shopping in-store." ✕ Remove Ads For reference, users can already utilize Lens to scan barcodes to discover where a product is available for purchase, shown directly within the Google Search experience. Now, Lens can even show you even more detailed information about products when you scan them in real time. Users would simply need to point their Lens camera at a product, and the tool will surface relevant information like price comparisons with other stores, customer reviews, similar products in-stock, and more. Available starting today, but there's more to come Close Google's reasoning behind the feature is that it empowers shoppers to be able to make educated decisions about purchases on the spot. For instance, the tool's price comparison feature can help ensure that users are getting the best deal, while customer reviews ensure you're purchasing a reliable product. ✕ Remove Ads Google indicated that the feature is available starting today on Android and iOS for beauty products, toys, and electronics "at stores of all sizes that share their local inventory with Google." It's worth noting that, at least for now, the feature is limited to US users who have enabled precise location sharing. Related Google adds tools to Maps to make your holidays a little easier It's a big Google Maps feature dump 1 Elsewhere, "in the coming weeks," users should be able to run product searches directly within Maps. The tool will essentially allow users to search for specific items and view nearby stores that have them in stock. "You can search for products including home goods, electronics, clothing and more, as well as items from grocery stores or retailers," wrote Google. Akin to the new Lens feature, product searches within Maps will also be limited to users in the US upon launch. ✕ Remove Ads

This new Google Lens feature saves you time while shopping IRL - here's how

Just in time for holiday shopping, Google Lens is getting a new feature that may help you save time and money. If you've ever left a store empty-handed because you weren't sure if a product was reliable or if you're getting a good deal, a new feature from Google Lens will help your in-store shopping experience. Also: The 55+ best Black Friday deals 2024: Early sales live now Google says people use Lens for nearly 20 billion visual searches every month, and 20% of those searches are related to shopping. Now, Google is updating Lens to be more useful for real-world shopping. Here's how the new feature works. When you snap a photo of a product with Lens in the Google app for iOS or Android, you'll see more information about it, prices from other stores to see how competitive your store is, and shopper reviews to help with your buying decision. Most people read reviews when shopping online these days, but trying to find reviews online while you're shopping in-store can be tricky. Now, with Lens, finding real feedback gets a lot easier. For now, you can use Lens to find out more about beauty products, toys, or electronics at stores that share their local inventory with Google. Google will add support for more products over time. You will need to share your location with Google to use the feature. The company explained that this update comes thanks to major advancements in Google's AI image recognition technology. At the heart of the feature is Google's Shopping Graph, a compilation of more than 45 billion product listings and in-stock inventory data. Also: Traveling for the holidays? Google Maps uncovers 'hidden gems' to add to your route now Just a week ago, Google introduced new shopping features for Google Maps -- such as the ability to find "hidden gems" or interesting stops that travelers would have otherwise missed while road-tripping and the option to find stores that have a specific product in stock. Google says the new Lens features are available today.

Google Lens is now your in-store shopping consultant

Initially, the feature will be available to US users only for beauty products, toys, and electronics. After infusing AI in Google Shopping last month, Google is now bringing some AI magic to make Lens your new shopping buddy. With its new update, Google Lens is all set to help users make better purchasing decisions by offering in-store assistance. Google took a cue from the four billion Lens users who use the all-seeing eye for shopping purposes to develop the new AI-based feature. So apart from snapping an image and trying to find similar products through Google Lens, users can also quickly get product information from different stores while shopping. The new update makes it possible to find similar products in stock, whether a store's price is competitive, and shopper reviews about a product in a store. The feature is powered by the Shopping Graph's 45 billion-plus product listings, in-stock inventory data from a range of retailers, and Google's Gemini AI models. To start, users will be able to take advantage of Lens' new shopping feature when buying beauty products, toys, and electronics at stores that share their local inventory with Google. The feature is available to US users starting today through the Lens icon in the Google app on both Android and iOS. To use it, you'll need to have location sharing enabled. Last week, Google rolled out a similar shopping feature to Maps, which gives users real-time product inventories from select stores.

New ways to holiday shop with Google Lens, Maps and more

Last month, we launched a new Google Shopping, rebuilt with AI to give shoppers a more assistive and personalized way to shop the world's stores in one place. But we know online is just one way people shop. So today we're announcing a new way AI is transforming the in-store and local shopping experience, too. We're also expanding availability for a few key Google Pay features to give you more flexibility and security, no matter how you choose to shop. Lens is used for nearly 20 billion visual searches every month, and 20% of those searches are shopping-focused. Now, to help you make more informed decisions when you're shopping in-store, Google Lens can quickly show you product insights tailored to the store you're in. Just snap a photo to find product information, similar products in-stock, whether a store's price is competitive and shopper reviews. This new update is made possible by major advancements in our AI image recognition technology. It's powered by the Shopping Graph's 45 billion+ product listings, in-stock inventory data from a range of retailers and our Gemini models to bring you an entirely new way to shop in-store. Seventy-two percent of Americans say they use their smartphone while shopping in-store, and more than half say they've left a store empty-handed because they didn't feel confident enough to buy. This new feature can give shoppers the information and confidence they need to make a decision on the spot.

Google Lens can now check prices and inventory when shopping in the real world | TechCrunch

After building out Google Lens to help users shop online more easily, Google is now updating the product to help people shop when they're in a physical store by offering product insights, price comparisons, and local inventory availability. Alongside this news, the company is bringing new shopping features to Maps, and adding more Google Pay capabilities ahead of the holiday shopping season. The updates to Google Lens build on efforts Google already offers through its Google Shopping vertical. The idea is that people also need to make similar sets of informed shopping decisions in the real world, and using Google Lens -- Google's visual search tool -- can make that easier to access. For instance, if you see a toy that you're interested in at Target, you can take a picture of it via Google Lens to find reviews and similar products in stock at the specific location you're visiting. You can also see if the toy is cheaper at a different retailer, like Amazon or Walmart. Google says the new capability is powered by Shopping Graph's 45 billion product listings and its Gemini models. "We're introducing a new tool that updates how people shop in physical stores, using AI to take the guesswork out of in-store shopping," Lilian Rincon, Google's VP of Consumer Shopping Product, told TechCrunch. "There's nothing like the magic of in-store shopping during the holidays, and at the same time, we've all come to rely on reading reviews, comparing prices and researching before buying." To start, you'll be able to use the feature with beauty products, toys, and electronics at stores that share their local inventory with Google. For now, these retailers include Target, Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty Supply, Target, Macy's, Nordstrom, and others. "We know consumers are really liking using Lens," Rincon said. "In fact, Lens is used for nearly 20 billion visual searches every month, and 20% of Lens searches are shopping-related. So, we're excited to bring this to market. It gives some of that important information to help a shopper feel more confident." The feature is available starting today in the Google and Chrome apps for Android and iOS for U.S. users who have opted into sharing their location. As for the new Maps features, Google says that users will soon be able to search for products in Maps and find nearby stores that are selling them. For instance, you can search for a holiday sweater to see which options stores near you are currently carrying. You will be able to search for home goods, electronics, clothing, and groceries. The new Maps feature is launching in the U.S. in the coming weeks. Google is also adding more buy now, pay later options to Google Pay, after initially adding Affirm and Zip earlier this year. Users can now use Afterpay as an option when checking out with Google Pay, with support for Klarna coming soon. Plus, Google will soon start piloting a service to help merchants better identify fraudulent transactions. The company says the service will help unblock legitimate transactions that may be mistaken as fraud.

This new Google Lens feature helps you find product reviews faster while shopping IRL

Just in time for holiday shopping, Google Lens is getting a new feature that may help you save money. If you've ever left a store empty-handed because you weren't sure if a product was reliable or if you're getting a good deal, a new feature from Google Lens will help your in-store shopping experience. Also: The 55+ best Black Friday deals 2024: Early sales live now Google says people use Lens for nearly 20 billion visual searches every month, and 20% of those searches are related to shopping. Now, Google is updating Lens to be more useful for real-world shopping. Here's how the new feature works. When you snap a photo of a product with Lens in the Google app for iOS or Android, you'll see more information about it, prices from other stores to see how competitive your store is, and shopper reviews to help with your buying decision. Most people read reviews when shopping online these days, but trying to find reviews online while you're shopping in-store can be tricky. Now, with Lens, finding real feedback gets a lot easier. For now, you can use Lens to find out more about beauty products, toys, or electronics at stores that share their local inventory with Google. Google will add support for more products over time. You will need to share your location with Google to use the feature. The company explained that this update comes thanks to major advancements in Google's AI image recognition technology. At the heart of the feature is Google's Shopping Graph, a compilation of more than 45 billion product listings and in-stock inventory data. Also: Traveling for the holidays? Google Maps uncovers 'hidden gems' to add to your route now Just a week ago, Google introduced new shopping features for Google Maps -- such as the ability to find "hidden gems" or interesting stops that travelers would have otherwise missed while road-tripping and the option to find stores that have a specific product in stock. Google says the new Lens features are available today.

Google's Revamped Platform Brings AI Insights, Price Comparisons to In-Store and Online Retail | PYMNTS.com

Following the launch of a revamped Google Shopping platform in October, the company is applying its AI technology to improve the in-store shopping process, allowing consumers to access product details, reviews and competitive pricing with a photo taken through Google Lens. Starting Tuesday (Nov. 19), customers in the United States can use Lens to find insights on beauty products, toys and electronics at participating stores that share their local inventory with Google. Additionally, Google Maps will allow users to search for specific products, like clothing or home goods, and find nearby stores with relevant inventory in the coming weeks. "Lens is used for nearly 20 billion visual searches every month, and 20% of those searches are shopping-focused," Lilian Rincon, vice president of consumer shopping product for Google Shopping, wrote in a company blog post Tuesday (Nov. 19). "...Google Lens can quickly show you product insights tailored to the store you're in. Just snap a photo to find product information, similar products in stock, whether a store's price is competitive and shopper reviews." The update is driven by advancements in AI image recognition technology, powered by the Shopping Graph's over 45 billion product listings, real-time inventory data from various retailers, and Gemini models. "Just tap the Lens icon in your search bar to try these in-store updates," Rincon wrote in the post. Alongside these in-store enhancements, Google Pay is responding to rising demand for flexible payment options by expanding its buy now, pay later (BNPL) services to include Afterpay, with Klarna on the way. "It's our priority to keep your information safe -- however you choose to pay," Rincon wrote in the post. "One way we do this is through virtual cards, which conceal your American Express, Capital One or Citi card number during online transactions, protecting you from potential fraud. Starting this month, we're expanding this feature to Discover cardholders in the U.S. who can set up and use a virtual card from their Chrome or Android device. We're always working to protect consumers and businesses from fraud, which is forecasted to grow substantially in the coming years." The PYMNTS Intelligence report "Getting to Know You: How AI Is Shaping the Future of Shopping" found that consumer demand for AI-powered shopping experiences is rising, with 51% of shoppers expressing interest in AI features. Last month, Google redesigned its Google Shopping platform, which offers a personalized homepage that suggests products and videos based on user preferences, alongside tools for price comparison, product insights and tracking. A dedicated deals page is tailored to individual users, helping them find discounts that match their shopping habits. Google officials emphasized the role of AI in personalizing the shopping experience, enabling dynamic, visually rich searches and tailored recommendations. The platform also includes AI-generated briefs, such as specific product suggestions based on climate or location, to help users make quicker, more informed decisions. While marked as "experimental," Google encourages user feedback to refine the service.

Google Lens will factor location for shopping searches

With 20% of the 20 billion visuals searches every month focused on shopping, Google is updating Lens to use location for those queries. When taking a picture of beauty items, electronics, or toys, Google Lens will now show "product insights tailored to the store you're in." This includes product information, price comparisons with other stores, videos, user reviews, and similar in-stock products. This works at "stores of all sizes that share their local inventory with Google." Google credits "major advancements in our AI image recognition technology." This is available for Google Lens on Android and iOS starting today if you have the (precise) location permission enabled for the Google app. ...more than half say they've left a store empty-handed because they didn't feel confident enough to buy. This new feature can give shoppers the information and confidence they need to make a decision on the spot. Meanwhile, on the payments front, Google Pay is adding Afterpay as a buy now, pay later (BNPL) option when checking out, with Klarna coming soon. This joins Affirm and Zip earlier this year. Google is also expanding the virtual card feature that masks your card number for online transactions. After supporting American Express, Capital One, and Citi, Discover is coming for those that "set up and use a virtual card from their Chrome or Android device." Finally, Google talked about "piloting a service to help merchants better identify fraudulent transactions and help prevent fraudsters from using stolen financial information." It involves a risk score for transactions that merchants can use to approve or decline purchases. At the same time, it will help unblock legitimate transactions marked as fraud.

Google Lens and Google Pay are getting helpful for holiday shopping | Digital Trends

The holiday season is upon us, and that probably means you'll be doing a lot of shopping in the coming weeks. Google is doing its part to help make that shopping experience a bit easier with some new features hitting Google Lens and Google Pay ahead of the holidays, especially if you want to do some in-person shopping rather than online. Shop better through Google Lens According to Google, Google Lens performs about 20 billion visual searches each month, and about 20% of those are shopping-related. Today's update helps make Lens more useful by giving you informed decisions and insights tailored to the store you are currently in. Recommended Videos How does this work? All you have to do is snap a photo, and then Google Lens can find information on that product, give you similar alternatives that are in stock, determine whether or not the price is competitive, and even bring up reviews from other shoppers. These new features are made possible by significant advancements in Google's AI image recognition technology. It's powered by the Shopping Graph's 45 billion+ product listings, in-stock inventory data from various retailers, and Google's Gemini models. Google claims that 72% of Americans use their smartphone while shopping, and more than 50% say that they leave without buying anything because they weren't sure about making the purchase right now. Google Lens aims to help shoppers make informed decisions on the spot. If you want to try this feature out for yourself, it works with beauty products, toys, and electronics at stores that currently share their inventory data with Google. To use it, select the Lens icon in the search bar of the Google app. This is available for both the Android and iOS versions of the app, and it requires sharing location data. A safer way to pay Secondly, Google is also making it easier to pay for your holiday shopping. Earlier in 2024, Google introduced new buy now, pay later options in Google Pay, as it partnered with Affirm and Zip. Google is now adding another partner to the list: Afterpay, which will be available soon, and Klarna is coming in 2025. Google is also making your information even safer through Google Pay by using virtual cards. These virtual cards already conceal your American Express, Capital One, or Citi card number when you use them for online transactions, reducing the risk of fraud. Now, Google is adding Discover to the list, too. For merchants, Google is piloting a new service to better identify and detect fraudulent transactions and prevent fraudsters from using stolen information. The service will also unblock good transactions that might get mistaken for fraud.

Google executive shows how new AI tools work to make holiday shopping easier

Lilian Rincon showed how Google Shopping can price compare and more. Google is unveiling new tools to make price comparing and purchasing even easier as the holiday shopping season gets underway. A big retail trend this season is hybrid shopping, which combines brick and mortar in-store browsing with an online shopping experience. Retailers and shopping apps alike have started rolling out new tools with AI technology to help bring the best of online shopping into the store with you, using your phone to seamlessly get product information and more right at your fingertips. Lilian Rincon, vice president of product for Google Shopping, gave "Good Morning America" consumer and technology correspondent Becky Worley an exclusive firsthand look at how the new technology works. Once a customer sees something they think could be a perfect gift, they can use Google Lens to search for full details. Simply snap a photo of the product on display in the store using the Google app and a page of results tailored to the store you're in will quickly show insights like shopper reviews, price comparisons, similar products in-stock and more. The update was made possible thanks to Google's "major advancements" in its AI image recognition technology, which is powered by the Shopping Graph's more than 45 billion product listings and inventory data from a range of retailers. "The No. 1 thing people care about during the holidays is price. So this really helps give confidence that this is a good time to buy it," Rincon told "GMA." Seventy-two percent of Americans say they use their smartphone while shopping in-store, according to Google, but more than half of those shoppers have left a store empty-handed because they didn't feel confident enough to buy. To use all the new Google search tools, shoppers can open the Google mobile app or go to the Google site on their phone's browser and find the camera icon to search by image. Amazon launched its own AI shopping assistant, Rufus, in February, which was designed to help customers save time by answering questions on everything from product details to making tailored deal recommendations. Walmart now has an AI chat bot to help create a personalized shopping experience, while Macy's utilizes features such as a virtual try-on. Dana Avidan Cohn, director of editorial content for Macy's, told "GMA" that "AI is just another tool that's going to make shopping easier for our customer." "It's great for the customer to be able to quickly understand how our products are measuring up and what the value really is," she explained.