Having launched Google Lens to help people shop online, Google now updates the product to help people shop in physical stores by offering product insights, price comparisons, and local inventory availability. Additionally, Google will add more Google Pay capabilities ahead of the holiday shopping season, and with new shopping features for Maps.
The new Google Lens feature makes shopping at physical stores much smarter. When you see something you like, just take a picture of it with Google Lens. For example, if you’re looking at a toy in Target, you can quickly:
- Read product reviews
- Check if it’s in stock at that store
- See if it’s cheaper at other stores like Amazon or Walmart
This smart shopping tool uses Google’s huge database of 45 billion product listings and their latest AI technology called Gemini. According to Lilian Rincon, Google’s VP of Consumer Shopping Products, this update takes the guesswork out of in-store shopping while keeping the fun of traditional shopping alive.
The feature works at stores that share their inventory with Google. Right now, you can use this feature for beauty products, toys, and electronics.
If you want to try it out, the feature is now available in the Google and Chrome apps on both Android and iOS devices in the US. You’ll just need to turn on location sharing to use it.
Google is also rolling out new features for Maps. Soon, you’ll be able to search for specific products and find nearby stores that have them in stock. Whether you’re looking for a holiday sweater or electronics, Maps will show you local stores carrying what you need.
For payment options, Google Pay is expanding too. They’re adding Afterpay as a buy-now-pay-later option, with Klarna coming soon. They’re also working on a new system to help stores better spot fake transactions while making sure real purchases don’t get blocked by mistake.
