In an effort to attract sneakerheads, Amazon is implementing augmented reality. This morning, the company launched a new function called Virtual Try-On for Shoes, which uses the user’s phone’s camera to simulate how the shoes would look on the consumer from different angles before the purchase is made.
The firm claims the function will aid firms in showcasing their wares and provide buyers with useful information before making purchases. This addition to its “Made for You” personalized apparel service was unveiled alongside the new virtual try-on technology in April.
However, instead of using AR, the technology in question rendered the shirt a digital representation of the customer’s body based on their actual dimensions. At first, the iOS Amazon Shopping app will only support the new augmented reality try-on function for shoes in the United States and Canada.
Customers can begin using the functionality by tapping the new “Virtual Try-On” button that appears directly under the product image on compatible styles. Thousands more styles from New Balance, Adidas, Reebok, Puma, Saucony, Lacoste, Asics, and Superga will be available for try-on at launch, according to Amazon.
Customers will be able to virtually try on the shoes by pointing their phone’s camera at their feet. Afterward, they can use the integrated carousel to try on alternate colorways of the same shoe model without leaving the app.
Moreover, by selecting the “Share” button, consumers can take a screenshot of their virtual try-on session for later use. They can then upload the image to their social media accounts after saving it on their device. Amazon Apparel president Muge Erdirik Dogan said in a statement regarding the new feature,
“Amazon Fashion’s mission is to offer creative experiences that make shopping for fashion online easier and more pleasurable to customers.”With our new Virtual Try-On for Shoes, customers can virtually try on thousands of styles from their favorite brands whenever and wherever they like.
Further improvements to the experience and the addition of more brands and styles are forthcoming, and we look forward to hearing from customers about their thoughts and suggestions,” Dogan said. Amazon says it has been testing the service with a small number of customers, so it’s possible that some people already have access to it.
