Google Shopping: Alert and virtual AI request

"Try on" is a function that allows you to try on clothes virtually. Google had already presented it at this year's I/O, and it is now being introduced in regular search in the USA. The function is, of course, based on AI.

To try on an item of clothing online, you have to upload a photo of yourself. An image generator is then used to virtually transfer the dress, shirt, trousers or shirt onto your body. According to Google's blog post, this is possible with billions of items of clothing that are included in Google's Shopping Graph. The Shopping Graph is the part of Google's gigantic database in which information on purchasable products is stored directly.

The feature works directly in Google Search, but can also be accessed via Google Shopping and from the image search. A new "try it on" button then appears in the USA. If you click it, you have to upload the full-body photo with which you want to try out the clothing. The resulting images can be saved and shared with other people.

Google as a price comparison and source of inspiration

Google had already made its first attempts in 2023 to let various models try on clothes virtually using diffusion-based generative AI. At that time, the focus was still on different sizes and body shapes. Instead of their own photos, there was initially a wide range of different models to choose from. Two years ago, these first attempts were also limited to the participation of just a few brands.

Another new function is the price alert. With a simple click, you can track the price of a product – including color and size specifications as well as the desired price. However, this function is also initially only available in the USA.

Google is also making an announcement for the fall. In AI Mode, the extended AI mode of the search, Google wants to make direct visual suggestions for outfits and interiors. For example, you can enter as a prompt that you already have a green dress for a garden party, but are now looking for the matching accessories. Google then shows generated images of green dresses along with various shoes and bags, all of which can be purchased directly. Visibility in AI Fashion is therefore becoming even more relevant for online stores and brands. This is also likely to create new competition for sources of inspiration such as Instagram and Pinterest.

It is not known when the shopping functions will come to Germany.

(emw)