AI-Powered Holiday Shopping: How Google is Revolutionizing the Experience

The holiday season is just around the corner, and with the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones, Google is stepping up its game to make holiday shopping a breeze. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI), Google is expanding its Search Generative Experience (SGE) to provide users with innovative features that will transform the way we shop. From generating gift ideas to creating photorealistic images of products and offering virtual try-ons, Google is revolutionizing the holiday shopping experience.

What is Search Generative Experience (SGE)?

Search Generative Experience is an AI-powered feature introduced by Google that takes traditional search to a whole new level. By incorporating generative AI technology, SGE enhances the search experience by providing personalized and innovative results. Users can opt into SGE through the Google app, the Google home page, or Chrome desktop. Beginning on November 16, SGE will be upgraded to include shopping, allowing users to discover a wide range of products and experiences based on their search queries.

How to Opt In for SGE

To take advantage of the enhanced shopping experience offered by SGE, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Search Labs page.
2. Click on the option to opt into SGE.
3. Start exploring a whole new way to shop!

AI-Generated Gift Ideas: Finding the Perfect Present

Finding the ideal gift for someone special can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure where to start. Google’s AI-powered SGE now makes gift shopping easier than ever before. By simply entering search terms like “great gifts for home cooks,” users will be presented with a curated selection of gift ideas tailored to their specific interests.

According to Julie Black, Google’s Director of Shopping Product, research shows that 28% of people find holiday shopping challenging because they struggle to find the right stores or products. With SGE, users can now overcome this hurdle and explore a variety of gift categories. From specialty tools to artisanal ingredients, culinary subscriptions, and even cooking classes, SGE offers a wealth of options to choose from. Users can refine their search queries to find ultra-specific gift ideas, such as gifts for home cooks who love pasta or gift ideas for a seven-year-old aspiring inventor.

Exploring Gift Categories with SGE

Let’s take a closer look at how SGE can help you find the perfect gift for that special someone:

1. Start by entering a general search query, such as “great gifts for home cooks.”
2. SGE will present you with a list of subcategories related to your search, such as specialty tools, artisanal ingredients, culinary subscriptions, and cooking classes.
3. Click on a subcategory that interests you to explore the available gift options.
4. Browse through the curated selection of products and select the perfect gift for your loved one.

By leveraging the power of AI, SGE not only simplifies the gift-finding process but also offers users a unique and personalized shopping experience.

AI-Generated Photorealistic Images: Bringing Your Shopping Vision to Life

Have you ever had a specific item in mind but struggled to find exactly what you envisioned? Google’s AI-powered SGE is here to solve that problem. With the upcoming feature to generate photorealistic images, users will be able to bring their shopping vision to life.

Let’s say you’re on the hunt for a new winter coat—a colorful, patterned puffer jacket—but you haven’t found one that matches your vision. With generative AI in Search, all you need to do is search for that specific style and tap the “Generate images” button. Instantly, you’ll be presented with photorealistic, AI-generated images that closely match your desired coat. But the magic doesn’t stop there. You can refine the images in real-time, making adjustments to elements like color or pattern, until you find the perfect match.

How AI-Generated Images Work

The process of generating AI-powered images is seamless and user-friendly:

1. Start by searching for the specific item you have in mind, such as a colorful, patterned puffer jacket.
2. Tap on the “Generate images” button to see a range of photorealistic images that match your vision.
3. Refine the images by entering specific refinements in the text box. For example, if you prefer a colorful metallic jacket instead of a patterned one, simply enter that refinement.
4. Scroll down to explore a new set of photorealistic images that align with your refined vision.
5. Once you find an image you love, continue scrolling to discover similar shoppable products.

This innovative feature allows users to seamlessly transition from their imagination to their shopping cart, making the search for the perfect item a breeze.

Virtual Try-On: Ensuring the Perfect Fit

Finding clothes that fit perfectly can be a challenge, especially when shopping online. Google recognized this pain point and introduced virtual try-on tools to improve the shopping experience. Initially launched for women’s tops earlier this year, Google’s virtual try-on feature is now expanding to include men’s tops just in time for the holiday season.

Research conducted by Google revealed that 80% of online apparel shoppers are more likely to make a purchase if they feel confident about how the clothing will look on them. With virtual try-on, users can now get a realistic preview of how a shirt or sweater will look on them before making a purchase.

How Virtual Try-On Works

Here’s how you can take advantage of the virtual try-on experience:

1. Search for men’s tops from supported brands, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Under Armour.
2. Explore the wide range of options available from the supported brands.
3. Choose from 40 virtual models representing different body types, skin tones, heights, and sizes to find the closest match to yourself or the person you’re shopping for.
4. Get a realistic, AI-powered view of how the product will look on the chosen model.
5. Make an informed decision and confidently add the item to your cart.

By leveraging AI and virtual try-on technology, Google is bridging the gap between online shopping and the traditional fitting room experience.

Bringing Generative AI into the Cultural Conversation

Julie Black, Google’s Director of Shopping Product, emphasized that this holiday season marks a significant milestone in the integration of generative AI into the larger cultural conversation. With SGE’s enhanced shopping capabilities, Google is revolutionizing the way we shop and empowering users to find the perfect gifts, create photorealistic images, and try on clothes virtually.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to embrace the power of AI and make holiday shopping an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Opt into SGE, explore the wealth of gift ideas, bring your shopping vision to life with AI-generated images, and ensure the perfect fit with virtual try-on. Thanks to Google’s innovative AI-powered features, holiday shopping has never been easier.