Google is set to enhance its online shopping functionality in Search with the incorporation of generative AI. A new feature within the AI Mode will create images of clothing and home decor based on user prompts, assisting shoppers in discovering visually comparable items. Additionally, a virtual try-on tool allowing users to see how clothes would look on them is also being introduced.
Slated for release this fall in the United States, the AI Mode shopping capability is designed to offer better visual suggestions for products. For instance, if a user searches for “a green flowy dress for a garden party,” the AI Mode will produce a variety of virtual dress images in different styles, helping users find items that closely resemble their imagined outfits. Following this, Google will connect users with real product listings that match those visualizations from online retailers.
This approach appears to enhance the use of AI as a tool for shopping inspiration, distinguishing it from moodboard platforms like Pinterest, which may not provide users with direct purchase links for the items they find appealing. While the generated images from Google’s AI Mode will be virtual, there may be some disappointment for users unable to find real product equivalents for the items showcased.
In addition to upcoming features, Google is also launching a virtual try-on capability in the US that enables users to visualize clothing on themselves through photo uploads. Previously tested as a trial in Search Labs, this feature is now accessible via Search, Google Shopping, and product results on Google Images.
To utilize this feature, users can click on any clothing item in Search, Shopping, or Images, select the “try it on” option, and upload a full-body image. Google’s AI will then display a simulation of how that item would look on the user, providing a more tailored shopping experience than merely viewing clothing on other models.
