Following its revamp of the online Google Shopping experience last month, Google has introduced several ways to use its tools when shopping IRL: Lens users can now use the visual search tool to get more details about the products on a store’s shelves, and soon Maps will help shoppers find nearby stores where the product they want is available.
Google Lens Serves up Product Details in Stores
A recent Ipsos survey commissioned by Google found that 72% 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. Google wants to change that with its newest capability for Lens, the tech company’s visual search tool. Now users can take a Lens photo of products in stores to see detailed product information, similar products that are in stock, whether a store’s price is competitive and shopper reviews.
The capability is currently available in the Google App for Android and iOS for beauty products, toys and electronics at retailers of all sizes that share their local inventory with Google. Users must also have opted in to share their precise location with Google when using the app.
Use Maps to Find Products in Stock Nearby
And users will soon be able to search for products directly in Google’s Maps tool to find nearby stores selling what they’re looking for. Users can search for products including home goods, electronics, clothing and more, as well as items from grocery stores or retailers. Product search in Maps will launch in the U.S. in the coming weeks.
Advertisement
