Google Launches Image Search Feature

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Google launched its “Style Ideas” image search in the Google app for Android and mobile web. Google reported in its blog that image search will provide a grid of inspirational lifestyle images and outfits that showcase how the product can be worn in real life.

Google also added an expanded carousel allowing consumers to search for similar items during apparel searches, for instance a search for shorts and sneakers that offers up product images of sunglasses.

Scott Webb, president of digital consultancy firm Avionos, said he is seeing a trend toward a more visually-focused user experience as consumers’ preferences and attention spans continuously change.

“Google’s ‘Style Ideas’ feature is reinforcing the trend and,” said Webb. “Beyond the visual aspect, it uses data and machine learning to anticipate consumer’s interests. “This in turn opens up a big opportunity for retailers to collect customer insights to inform their strategies and offerings.”

Webb said Google’s new feature will help consumers to more accurately visualize products in real life, while allowing retailers to feature and share similar products they might like. Retailers will be able to use search data to enhance customer loyalty through tailored and accurate product offerings, demonstrating that they’re listening to customer preferences.

“There’s a lot of potential in visual UX coupled with machine learning, and retailers are just beginning to scratch the surface,” said Webb.

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