Google Enhances In-Store Shopping Experience with Lens Updates
Google is set to revolutionize the in-store shopping experience with significant updates to its Google Lens technology. The tech giant is expanding its online shopping tools to physical retail environments, offering users product insights, price comparisons, and local inventory availability directly through their smartphones.
The enhanced Google Lens will allow shoppers to take pictures of products in-store, instantly accessing reviews and comparing prices with other retailers. These new features are powered by Google’s Shopping Graph, which boasts 45 billion product listings, and the company’s advanced Gemini models.
Initially, the rollout will focus on beauty products, toys, and electronics at select retailers including Target, Ulta Beauty, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. U.S. users who share their location will be able to access these features through the Google and Chrome apps on both Android and iOS devices.
In addition to the Lens updates, Google is introducing new shopping features in Google Maps. Users will soon be able to search for products within Maps to locate nearby stores with available inventory. This feature, set to launch in the U.S. in the coming weeks, will cover categories such as home goods, electronics, clothing, and groceries.
Google Pay is also receiving enhancements, with the expansion of buy now, pay later options. Afterpay has been added to the platform, with support for Klarna on the horizon. Furthermore, Google is piloting a service to help merchants identify and manage fraudulent transactions, aiming to reduce false fraud alerts and ensure smooth processing of legitimate purchases.
These updates collectively represent Google’s commitment to bridging the gap between online and offline shopping experiences, providing consumers with more informed and convenient purchasing options.