Discover Real Gifts with the Help of Google’s AI-Generated Product Images

Google’s AI-powered Search Generative Experience (SGE) is responsible for the introduction of several new shopping features focused on helping users discover unique and niche products for themselves or to gift to others. Among these features is the use of AI to generate gift ideas or fashion items that are available for purchase. Additionally, Google is extending virtual try-ons to men in preparation for the holiday season.

Commencing today, users in the US who have opted into SGE through Search Labs will receive a range of suggested subcategories when searching for gift ideas. These subcategories will offer links to relevant content for a more in-depth exploration of a particular product or gift category. For example, a search for “great gifts for home cooks” could lead to subcategories including specialty tools, artisanal ingredients, culinary subscriptions, and cookery classes. Users can then navigate through these subcategories to find shoppable gift options and make a purchase, providing a unique way to broaden their gifting choices when selecting presents for individuals with specific hobbies or interests that may be unfamiliar to them.

However, what if you have a clear image of what you want but struggle to find a real version to purchase? An upcoming feature for SGE aims to address this concern by enabling users to create photorealistic images using a text description of the apparel they desire, such as a “colorful, patterned puffer jacket,” and then locate similar real products for online purchase. Users can customize their prompts to ensure that the generated images match their specific requirements and then scroll through the page to find shoppable products with a visually similar style from the 35 billion listings in Google’s Shopping portal. Google has announced that this new capability will begin rolling out on mobile for SGE users in the US in December.

Finally, a small update that extends beyond just SGE users is an expansion to Google’s AI-powered virtual try-on tool. Starting today, men’s tops from numerous brands like Abercrombie, Banana Republic, JCrew, and Under Armour will be available for use in the virtual try-on experience. This feature allows users to preview how a shirt or sweater will look on 40 models with varying skin tones, body shapes, sizes, and heights. Currently, this feature is only accessible through the Google app and mobile browsers in the US, but Google has announced that it will be available on desktops “soon.”