Introduction

Imagine you could peek into the future of shopping from the comfort of your couch. Google just made that possible. At its latest I/O event, Google unveiled a suite of AI-powered shopping tools that transform how we browse and buy online. In one sweep, shoppers can chat with an AI assistant, see a virtual dressing room, and even have Google snag deals for them. 

The result is a smart shopping experience where you truly “try before you buy”. Tech enthusiasts and fashion retailers are buzzing with excitement: this AI shopping revolution promises happier customers and fewer returns for businesses.

Google’s AI Shopping Assistant (AI Mode)

Google’s new AI Mode is like having a personal shopping assistant built right into Search. Powered by Google’s Gemini AI and its massive Shopping Graph (over 50 billion listings!), AI Mode lets you find and explore products through conversation. 

Tell it what you want, for example, “Find a cute travel bag“, and it responds with a gorgeous panel of images and product listings tailored to you. It even runs a “query fan-out” to understand details like weather, season or destination, refining results instantly. It’s smarter than a keyword search: say you mention “Portland in May,” and AI Mode will highlight waterproof bags or backpacks with extra storage for a rainy trip.

AI Mode delivers:

• Conversational search: Ask for “red party dresses” or “warm hiking boots” in natural language.
• Visual inspiration panel: See curated images and matching products together.
• Personalised results: Filters and recommendations match your style and needs.
• Intelligent context: The AI considers your situation (location, occasion, season) to refine suggestions.
• Vast product data: Taps into Google’s Shopping Graph (50 B+ products, refreshed hourly) for up-to-date choices.

This means you spend less time aimlessly scrolling and more time discovering. If you specify “under $ 50” or “with matching sneakers,” AI Mode instantly applies those filters. Every search sharpens the AI’s understanding of your taste, making the shopping experience increasingly personalised. 

In short, it’s like having a fashion-savvy friend who combs the internet for exactly what you asked, but much faster and with visual flair.

Agentic Checkout: Shop Smarter with AI

Finding items is great, but buying them at the right price is even better. Google’s agentic checkout is your automated shopping ally. Once you find the perfect item, tap “track price” and set your preferences (size, colour, budget). The AI will keep an eye on deals and price drops for you. 

When your conditions are met, just confirm and hit buy for me, and Google automatically adds the item to your cart and checks out using Google Pay. You’ll never miss that sale or slog through checkout steps again.

Here’s what agentic checkout brings to the table:

• Automatic price alerts: Never miss a sale or discount on items you care about.
• Hands-free purchasing: Let Google complete checkout securely on your behalf.
• Budget control: Only purchase when the price hits your target.
• Precise preferences: Guarantees you get the right size, colour, and options every time.

For busy online shoppers, this is a game-changer. Set it up once, and the AI does the rest, working quietly in the background. It’s like having a smart e-commerce assistant that guards your wallet. 

Plus, because Google handles the checkout, the process is fast and secure with Google Pay. No more frantic refreshes during flash sales; your personal AI will snap up the deal for you.

AR & AI Virtual Try On: Fashion Comes Alive

The most thrilling part of Google’s new tech is the virtual try on tool. It combines AI and augmented reality so you can literally try on items before purchasing. Shopping online often leaves us guessing about fit and style, this digital dressing room solves that. 

When you’re browsing apparel (like shirts, pants, skirts, or dresses) on Google, simply tap the “Try it on” icon on a product listing. Then upload a full-length photo of yourself within seconds, and you’ll see how that outfit looks on you, helping you decide at a glance whether to buy or skip.

This is next-level AR shopping:

• Billions of items: Virtually try on any clothing from Google’s vast catalogue.
• True-to-life fit: A custom AI model understands fabrics, folds, and your body shape, preserving how clothes drape on you.
• Fast and easy: Upload a photo, and get the try-on result almost instantly.
• Share & save: Loved a look? Save it to revisit or send it to friends for feedback.
• Virtual eyewear & makeup: Beyond clothes, AR is already used for glasses and beauty. Many brands let you try on sunglasses or lipstick shades through your camera, and Google’s work with Warby Parker hints at even smarter AR glasses soon.
• Accessories & more: Imagine “trying on” hats, jewellery or even shoes. These AI/AR innovations make online shopping interactive and fun.

Think about it: instead of guessing if a new jacket fits well, you see exactly how it looks on your photo. Instead of wondering about a bold lipstick colour, you try it on virtually. This tech bridges the gap between in-store try-ons and online shopping, giving customers the confidence to buy sight-unseen.

Try Before You Buy: Benefits for Shoppers and Retailers

This kind of “try before you buy” is a win-win. For shoppers, it means more confidence. You’ll know if that fitted blazer looks sharp on you or if those sneakers match your favourite outfit. 

For retailers, it means happier customers and fewer headaches with returns. Fit and sizing issues drive a huge chunk of fashion e-commerce returns, so letting customers virtually try items can cut return rates dramatically.

• Fewer returns: When customers see a true preview of a product, they keep what fits and like and send back less. This saves retailers money and effort.
• Higher sales: Interactive try-on experiences boost conversion. Users who can visualise an item on themselves are more likely to complete the purchase.
• Customer loyalty: Personalised, futuristic tools create a “wow” factor. Shoppers enjoy creative experiences (like sharing virtual try on’s on social media), making them more likely to return.
• Global reach: Digital try-on means anyone, anywhere, can shop with confidence without the need to visit a physical store.

Levi’s, the iconic denim brand, already sees the potential. Their e-commerce head says this virtual try on bridges that gap, making it easier to shop with confidence.

When customers feel sure about their choice, they buy more and return less. In other words, it’s a huge win for both sides of the counter.

Current Trends: Virtual Try On’s That Are Changing Fashion Today

Try Glasses Virtually with AR

AR virtual glasses try-on lets you “wear” frames on your face in seconds. From sunglasses to blue-light readers, see the exact fit and style before you buy, no more guessing.

Pick Hair Colours Confidently with AI

AI virtual hair colour try-on layers new shades onto your selfie, whether you’re considering warm caramel or pastel pink. By matching your skin tone and hair texture, you’ll choose a colour you truly love.

Find the Perfect Ring Online

Virtual ring try-on shows how engagement or fashion rings look on your hand. Upload a photo, and AI simulates sparkle, size, and shadow so you can select with confidence, no store visit needed.

Preview New Hairstyles Easily

Curious about bangs or layers? Virtual hairstyle try-on lets you upload a photo, then displays different cuts and lengths. You’ll head to the salon knowing exactly which style fits you best.

Test Makeup Looks Instantly

Virtual makeup try-on blends foundation, lipstick, and eyeshadow with your skin tone in real time. Try a bold lip or subtle eye look, see the result before touching a single product.

See How Clothes Fit with AR

Virtual clothes try-on uses simple measurements to simulate how tops, jeans, or jackets drape on you. Mix and match pieces online, then shop knowing exactly what will fit.

What’s Next? Immersive Shopping Ahead

Soon, photorealistic avatars will move like you do, in-store smart mirrors will recall your online picks, and virtual fashion shows will let you try exclusive looks instantly. The future of shopping is personal, interactive, and entirely within reach.

Smart E-Commerce Solutions: The Future of Online Retail

The retail landscape is rapidly shifting towards smart e-commerce. Shoppers are searching for terms like AI shopping assistant, virtual try on glasses, and shopping with AR more than ever. Top e-commerce platforms and stores integrate AI features to stay competitive. 

Whether your business is a boutique online store or a global e-commerce platform, embracing these innovations is key. It’s also great SEO: implementing these tools can help you rank for high-volume keywords and modern search features.

Key steps for modern e-commerce success:

• Integrate AI shopping tools: Add chat assistants or AI-powered search so customers can shop with AI on your site. This meets the demand for an AI shop experience.
• Offer virtual try on: Especially for fashion, eyewear, and beauty. Let customers try items with AR before they buy.
• Optimise for mobile AR: Since many users shop on smartphones, ensure your platform supports mobile-friendly AR experiences (virtual fashion try-on, accessory previews, etc.).
• Leverage rich data: AI needs quality data. Keep your product listings detailed with clear images, sizes, and descriptions so the AI can provide accurate results.
• Advertise smart features: Highlight your AI and AR shopping experiences. Users searching for a shop with AI or the best AI shopping assistant should find you first.
• AI-driven merchandising: Use the AI to recommend matching items or accessories, boosting average order value and personalisation.

By taking these steps, your store can offer the future of shopping today. For both shoppers and store owners, the message is clear: AI shopping is the future. The future of shopping is here, right now. Don’t wait to join the revolution, start building your AI-powered storefront and watch your sales soar.

All video is referenced from: (https://blog.google/products/shopping/google-shopping-ai-mode-virtual-try-on-update/)