Google has been incorporating AI into its shopping tools for a while now, allowing users to “try on” clothes virtually using generative AI and search for items using Google Lens. Now, the tech giant is expanding its AI capabilities within Google Shopping by integrating its Gemini AI model to offer even more personalized and relevant product recommendations.
Instead of merely displaying a selection of products, Google Shopping now features AI-generated briefs that suggest related items based on your search. For instance, if you’re searching for notebooks, the brief might also recommend complementary products like pens, erasers, or other stationery. These suggestions are sourced from various articles and guides across the web, providing additional context and helping users make informed purchasing decisions. Users can also click through to read these articles if they wish to dive deeper.
To further enhance the shopping experience, Google has added filters that allow users to refine their searches based on specific criteria such as clothing size, proximity to nearby stores, or even virtual try-ons. This functionality works in conjunction with augmented reality (AR) shopping, which gives users a more immersive experience by allowing them to visualize products in 3D as if they were physically in a store.
Recent Updates:
In October 2024, Google introduced additional features to help users find the best deals more efficiently. The new “Deals” page highlights discounted items and lower prices, personalized to your previous searches and preferences. This page helps users quickly spot price drops or promotions that match their interests, making bargain hunting easier. Moreover, Google added an option to pause or disable personalized tracking for those concerned about privacy, giving users more control over their data.
Google has also announced plans to roll out these AI-powered shopping features to additional markets outside the US by early 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience globally. As of now, the updated Google Shopping features are available to US users, though the full implementation will take a few weeks as Google gradually introduces the changes across different user accounts.
Opinion
For me, the most compelling aspect of Google’s AI integration in shopping is the personalized recommendations combined with augmented reality (AR) features. The ability to receive curated product suggestions that are relevant to my search, while also using AR to visualize how items would look in real life, creates a seamless and interactive shopping experience.
However, I also value the option to control personalization settings. Having the ability to benefit from tailored suggestions without feeling overly monitored or tracked is a great balance between convenience and privacy. This makes the overall package of AI-powered shopping more user-friendly and trustworthy. So, I’d say the combination of personalization, AR, and privacy controls is the best feature for me.
