Google Expands AI-Powered Search Tools to Help Holiday Shoppers

As the holiday shopping season approaches, Google is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to help consumers find gifts more easily and efficiently. The company is launching new features in its Search Generative Experience (SGE) tool, which brings generative AI capabilities into search, to help shoppers find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

Search Generative Experience (SGE)

SGE is different than regular Google search as it uses generative AI technology in the search. Consumers can opt into the feature in Search Labs on the Google app, the Google home page, or on Chrome desktop. Beginning Nov. 16, the experience will be upgraded to include shopping.

With SGE, shoppers can use AI-generated gift ideas to find products based on their preferences and interests. For example, if you're looking for a gift for a budding chef in your life, you can use SGE to explore subcategories of culinary tools and ingredients. You can put in search terms like "great gifts for home cooks" to see results of products to buy or experiences like a cooking class. The tool will also show you shoppable gift options and allow you to select a product to buy directly from the search results.

Virtual Try-On

Google launched a virtual try-on option earlier this year for women's tops, but is now expanding it to include men's tops. The virtual try-on experience is expanding to include men's tops with a try-on icon at brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, J. Crew, and Under Armour. A photo library of virtual male and female models range from size extra small to 4XL and represent a variety of body types, ethnicities, hair types, and skin tones. This feature is available in the Google app and from any mobile browser, and will soon be available on desktop as well.

"Through our research, we find that 28% of people find holiday shopping for others difficult because they just don't know where to shop," said Julie Black, director of shopping product at Google. "With these new features, we're making it easier for people to find gifts that are tailored to their loved ones' interests and preferences."

The new features are rolling out in the United States starting today and are available to opt-in through Search Labs at goo.gle/sge-gifts.

Photorealistic Images

Another new feature, which will be available in December, will use AI to generate photorealistic images using words put in the search tool to find products based on those images. The search will be combined with 35 billion shopping listings on Google.

"It allows me to really quickly and iteratively explore visually the space of products and more easily move from what's in my mind's eye to what's in my shopping cart," said Julie Black, Google director of shopping product.

Google's AI-powered search tools are designed to make holiday shopping more convenient and enjoyable for consumers. With the ability to generate photorealistic images of products and virtually try on clothes, shoppers can find the perfect gifts for their loved ones with greater ease and confidence.