Glance Launches AI Shopping with Google Backing - Lock Screen Platform

Glance Introduces AI-Powered Shopping Experience

The lock screen platform, Glance, has unveiled a new shopping experience driven by generative AI. This innovative feature will provide users with personalized outfit recommendations displayed on a digital avatar representing them.

Partnership with Google

To power this experience, Glance is collaborating with Google, leveraging the capabilities of the Gemini models and Vertex AI. This partnership signifies a deepening relationship, as Google has also provided additional investment to Glance.

While specific financial details regarding the funding remain undisclosed, both Glance and Google have refrained from commenting on the matter.

Initial Rollout and Future Expansion

Currently, Glance is testing this next-generation AI-powered experience in the United States through a dedicated application called Glance AI. Plans are in place to extend this functionality to all users across both the U.S. and India in the coming months.

Google's Broader AI Strategy in India

This collaboration aligns with Google’s broader strategy to encourage wider adoption of its Gemini and Cloud platforms for AI implementation within India. Alongside this, Google continues to invest directly in promising startups, such as the webtoon platform, Toonsutra.

Personalized Fashion Recommendations

According to Glance CEO, Naveen Tewari, the application’s underlying model is designed to understand current fashion trends and deliver highly personalized suggestions to each user.

“The experience is akin to browsing a fashion magazine, but with you as the model featured on every page,” Tewari explained.

Building a Discovery Engine

Tewari further stated that the company’s objective is to create a robust discovery engine and a dynamic feed, enabling users to explore a diverse range of items and ultimately purchase those that resonate with their style.

Avatar Creation and Lock Screen Integration

New users of the app will be prompted to upload a selfie and provide details regarding their gender, hair length, ethnicity, and body type during the initial setup. This information will then be used by the AI to generate a personalized avatar.

Subsequently, Glance will showcase various looks on the user’s lock screen. A simple tap on the lock screen will reveal curated suggestions from the web, matching the apparel worn by the AI-generated avatar.

E-commerce Partnerships and Revenue Model

Glance sources these results from its network of e-commerce partners, currently numbering 400. The company generates revenue through affiliate links, earning a commission on completed purchases.

Expanding Beyond Apparel

Within the Glance AI app, users can browse through numerous outfit suggestions and even set them as their lock screen background. The app also provides recommendations for other items featured in the scene, such as guitars or candles, although purchasing these items is not yet available.

Future updates will introduce a feedback mechanism, allowing users to refine suggestions through upvote/downvote functionality, as well as a chat interface for seeking inspiration for specific looks.

Glance's User Base and Expansion into New Platforms

With a substantial user base exceeding 300 million active users across markets including India, Japan, and Indonesia, Glance primarily delivers its content on the lock screens of Android-powered devices.

While India represents the largest segment of Glance’s user base, the company successfully piloted its lock screen solution in the U.S. last year in collaboration with Motorola. Glance is also actively expanding its presence onto smart TVs.

AI-Driven Personalization in E-commerce

The pursuit of personalization in the e-commerce sector is gaining momentum, with companies and startups utilizing AI-powered search and agents. Leading technology firms like Google and Amazon are at the forefront of this trend. Glance aims to position itself as an application that inspires users to discover and purchase clothing.