Can AI Finally Fix Online Shopping? A Hands-On Test of GlanceAI…

A new wave of AI tools is trying to enhance online shopping, particularly for clothes, as millions of Americans turn to e-commerce. GlanceAI and Google’s Try-On aim to address issues like fit and style confusion. GlanceAI presents you in customized outfits, while Google shows how clothes fit your body through selfies. Neither tool is perfect yet, but both show promise in making shopping less of a hassle and more enjoyable.

Shopping has taken a twist, huh? No more strolling down store aisles, slipping into jeans, and checking the mirror. Now, we’re glued to our screens hunting for the perfect outfit—only to end up hilariously missing the mark more often than not. According to Capital One Shopping Research, about 124 million Americans are diving into online clothing shopping this year. That’s one-third of us, and we’re returning about one in four items. All that returns? It equals losses in revenue, extra packaging waste, and just a whole lot of frustration.

The online shopping scene has its fair share of issues: flat product photos, sizing that goes all haywire, and return policies that leave us scratching our heads. Essentially, shopping for clothes online has become some kind of guessing game, only with a bigger price tag attached.

However, there’s a flicker of hope on the horizon—AI-powered fashion tools are trying to shake things up and improve how we discover and buy our clothes. Recently, I tested out two major players in this field: GlanceAI and Google’s Try-On tool. Both claim to make the process smoother and hopefully reduce those dreaded returns. But do they deliver? Let’s dive in.

Starting off with GlanceAI, the app is straightforward. Just upload a full-body selfie, and voilà! You’re presented with photorealistic images of you in outfits tailored to your shape, skin tone, and local climate. It replaces that dreaded mannequin with, well, you! According to CEO Naveen Tewari, “We’re trying to help you discover the best version of you.” And honestly, it worked pretty well for me! I saw outfits that looked great for my various occasions—work Zooms, school drop-offs, or even farm chores.

Yet, let’s not get too carried away in admiration. GlanceAI still feels a bit rough around the edges; it hasn’t quite officially launched. Tewari acknowledged that they’re working on quite a list of improvements. You see, when you tap on a standout item like that chic floral jacket, the app sends you off to good-but-not-great similar items instead. And the searching—ugh, it could use a sprinkle of robustness! Plus-size or non-binary options? Still not quite there yet. But if they keep at it, GlanceAI has the potential to alter how we shop for clothes.

Moving on to Google’s Try-On tool, it’s pretty nifty as well. The feature lets you upload a selfie and instantly see how clothing fits. You’re not looking at a generic model. It’s your own image presented in real-time. Just search for an item, hit “Try It On,” and let Google’s generative AI do its magic. This tool features brands like Levi’s and Abercrombie, offering some seriously impressive realism in how clothing drapes on your body.

But, here’s where I hit a snag—the process can be frustrating. Finding the clothes that allow for this “Try On” experience isn’t as straightforward as you’d hope. There aren’t clear indicators, making it more luck than skill to use successfully. So that’s a drawback that Google needs to address. It feels more like a preview of what could be rather than a polished feature we can count on.

So, GlanceAI or Google? They each tackle different parts of the online shopping dilemma. GlanceAI is playful and fun while Google packs in the tech muscle. I’d say give them both a spin if you’re hoping to escape the hassle of unexpected returns.

Oh, and if you’re looking for even more tools to help with shopping? Give Beni and Croissant a try; they’re designed to find secondhand options and inform you of resale values, so you can make smarter choices.

In summary, while these tools aren’t perfect, they hint at a future where online shopping is less of a head-scratcher and more of a delight. If developers keep working on them, we might see online clothing shopping transformed in just a year or two—just like how our daily virtual assistance has evolved. Could GlanceAI be in that conversation soon?

In conclusion, both GlanceAI and Google Try-On are making strides in the world of online shopping. While GlanceAI offers a personalized styling experience, Google excels at providing realistic previews of clothing. Neither is without its flaws—GlanceAI’s searchability issues and Google’s unclear labeling can turn potential customers away. However, as AI tools continue to develop, they might just change the game for online fashion shopping in the near future. For now, it’s worth checking them out if you want a glimpse into what the future of shopping could look like.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com