Google has expanded its 3D and augmented reality (AR) shopping technology it uses for home goods and beauty to the footwear space. Buyers now can shop for shoes using AR, which allows the user to spin and zoom in and rotate the shoes to view every angle before buying.
According to Google Group Product Manager Shyam Sunder this way of shopping is designed to replicate the experience a consumer would have at a retail store. He said buyers can see the shoe’s details up close on their phone, mobile device or computer monitor.
To use the function, Sunder said a consumer can use search terms like “Shop blue Vans sneakers” and the results will show a “3D” viewing option. From there, users can have a 360-degree view of the shoes. Going a step further by tapping “View in my space,” will project an AR image of the sneaker on a physical space in their surroundings.
Sunder added four brands are participating in this initial launch including Vans, Saucony, Merrell and Sperry, but he added brand with a 3D shoe asset can participate.
The launch is the latest investment Google has made in the fashion shopping arena. In September, it introduced tools with the stated goal of making shopping more visual and immersive, while helping consumers stay better informed. Among the features were “Shop the Look,” which aims to help people “assemble the perfect outfit,” and “Trending Now,” which highlights popular apparel items.
