Google Shopping Updates: Shoppable Photos & New Features

Google Enhances Shopping Experience Across Platforms

Google has unveiled a series of new features designed to streamline the shopping process for users, both online and through the Google Search mobile application.

An upcoming update to the Google Search app on iPhone will introduce a novel machine learning model. This model utilizes on-device processing to identify products featured in images on websites, enabling instant purchasing options.

New Shoppable Features via Google Lens

The update will also simplify browsing for apparel and accessories directly from search results, alongside the ability to verify product availability at local retailers.

Users of the Google mobile app on iOS will soon have access to a dedicated button. This button will transform images on websites into shoppable items using Google Lens. If an item within a photograph captures your attention while browsing, a simple click will reveal where to purchase it.

This functionality represents an extension of the existing Google Lens capabilities, which already allow for product identification within images. It is now being integrated into a new user context.

Google Lens functionality is also being extended to Chrome on desktop computers. This will allow users to select images, videos, and text content on a webpage with Lens, displaying relevant search results within the same browser tab.

Improved Shopping for Apparel and Accessories

When searching for clothing, shoes, or accessories on mobile devices, Google will provide a more intuitive shopping experience.

A visual feed of products matching your search query – such as “cropped jackets” – will be displayed, showcasing various colors and styles. Style guides, videos, and local purchasing information will also be readily available.

Users will be able to refine their searches by style, department, brand, and other criteria. Furthermore, product ratings, reviews, and price comparisons will be accessible.

Powered by the Shopping Graph

Google highlights that this enhanced experience is powered by its “Shopping Graph,” a dynamic dataset of product inventory. Currently, the Shopping Graph contains over 24 billion listings.

This system will also assist shoppers seeking in-store purchases. An “in stock” filter can be applied to identify nearby stores currently carrying the desired item. This feature is expected to be particularly valuable during the peak holiday shopping period for gift and toy purchases.

Announced at Search On

These updates were revealed at Google’s Search On event. The event also showcased other product enhancements to Maps, Lens, and Search, including those leveraging new artificial intelligence advancements.