Scientists at IBM Research found that while most retail volume still comes from traditional in-store shopping, customers are craving product information while shopping and often resort to their mobile devices to find out more about products online.
IBM are vowing to make these consumers’ shopping experiences easier by creating an augmented reality app that allows them to get instant product details and comparisons as well as promotions, all through their mobile devices.
The application captures images via the device’s camera and uses advances image processing technologies to identify a product or row of items. Once the products are recognized the application will display information above the product images and will rank them according to several criteria such as price and nutrional value. The app will also inform the customer of any loyalty rewards or promotions associated with each product and suggest other items based on the customer’s choices.
IBM Research believes this app will not only be beneficial to customers but will also retailers to better connect with in-store shoppers. The app allows them to collect information about their customers as they navigate through their shop – allowing them to better organize their space and business practices.
