🛒 Google Lens steps into physical stores
Google Lens, Google’s visual search tool, now makes real-world shopping smarter by offering in-store price comparisons, reviews, and inventory details. This update is perfect for the holiday shopping season, especially as shoppers browse items like toys, electronics, and beauty products. Backed by the powerful Shopping Graph with 45B product listings and Gemini AI models, Lens enables users to take a photo of a product and get instant details about price and availability, even across competing retailers. The new feature launched on November 19, 2024, for Android and iOS users in the U.S.
📍 Maps gains shopping superpowers
Google Maps is also getting a shopping upgrade. Soon, users will be able to search for specific products and find nearby stores carrying them. For example, a search for “holiday sweaters” will reveal which stores near you have them in stock. The feature supports categories like home goods, groceries, and clothing, and it will roll out across the U.S. in the coming weeks. This complements the Lens update, providing more tools for informed purchasing decisions, especially during holiday rushes.
💳 Expanding Google Pay options
Google is also enhancing Google Pay with more flexible payment options. After initially partnering with Affirm and Zip, it now supports Afterpay and will soon add Klarna. These options make it easier for shoppers to manage holiday spending. Additionally, Google is piloting a merchant fraud detection service to reduce legitimate transactions being flagged as fraudulent. These changes reflect Google's efforts to make digital payments smoother and safer for consumers and merchants alike.
📈 Shaping the future of shopping
Lilian Rincon, Google’s VP of Consumer Shopping Product, emphasized the significance of these innovations. “There’s nothing like the magic of in-store shopping during the holidays,” she said, “but we’ve come to rely on online tools to make informed choices.” With Lens handling 20B visual searches monthly — 20% related to shopping — this update reflects user demand for a blend of digital and physical shopping experiences. By combining Lens, Maps, and Pay features, Google is redefining the shopping journey for millions of users this holiday season and beyond.
Will Google’s shopping tools replace price checks?
