Virtual clothing trial with Google AI enables shoppers to test apparel digitally
=====================================================================
Google has taken a significant step towards merging the digital and physical retail worlds with the launch of its AI-powered virtual try-on tool. This innovative feature allows users in the U.S. to get a realistic preview of clothing items on their own body, right from their screens.
The tool, integrated across Google Search, Shopping, and Google Images product results, is simple to use. Users just need to tap the "try it on" icon on apparel listings to upload a full-length photo of themselves. The system then digitally renders the clothes to fit their shape and size, taking about 5 to 15 seconds to generate the visualization. Users can save their favourite outfits, revisit past try-ons, and even share their looks with others.
The virtual try-on tool marks a shift from previous virtual try-ons that only showed clothes on diverse models. This new feature enables personalized, AI-generated try-ons on the user's own photo, reducing uncertainty and potentially lowering return rates for retailers.
Google's extensive Shopping Graph, containing billions of apparel items, ensures a wide range of options to explore. The system uses computer vision and garment-mapping algorithms to accurately drape clothing over user photos, providing a realistic and engaging shopping experience.
The line between browsing at home and stepping onto the showroom floor is set to blur further as AI continues to mature. Google plans to introduce "Vision Match" within Search Labs' AI Mode in the fall. This feature will allow shoppers to enter natural-language queries and receive a visual montage of matching outfits drawn from the Shopping Graph.
In addition to the virtual try-on feature, Google is also working on AI-powered style inspiration tools. These tools will recommend outfits and room designs using generative imagery and Google’s vision match technology, set to be launched later in 2025.
Retailers may need to rethink how they photograph apparel, perhaps favouring on-model shots against neutral backdrops to facilitate AI mapping. Enhanced price alerts are also being introduced, allowing users to track prices by size, color, and target price across the entire web.
For consumers, the benefits of virtual try-on tools include greater confidence in online purchases, reduced returns, and the joy of experimenting with styles at leisure. Brands can capitalize on this feature by promoting "try it on" calls to action in their ad copy and on social channels.
Sources: [1] Google Blog Post - [Link] [2] TechCrunch Article - [Link] [3] Wired Article - [Link] [4] The Verge Article - [Link]
- This new AI-powered tool from Google, found in lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty sections of Google Search, Shopping, and Images, allows users to virtually try-on clothing items using photographs of themselves, which could also be useful for testing smartphone cases and gadget accessories.
- As the virtual try-on tool expands to include more categories, technology enthusiasts might find options for trying out the latest gadgets and smartphones within the Google Shopping Graph, creating a seamless blend of fashion-and-beauty and technology shopping experiences.
- In addition to the virtual try-on feature, Google is planning to introduce AI-powered style inspiration tools later in 2025, enabling consumers to experiment with various outfits and room designs, bridging the gaps between fashion, technology, and smart shopping trends.
