Amazon Steps into AR Shopping with Virtual Try-On for Shoes
While Amazon doesn't currently have a dedicated AR clothing try-on app called "Amazon Style," they have begun incorporating virtual try-on features into their existing shopping app. This functionality, called "Virtual Try-On for Shoes," allows users to see how shoes would look on their feet from the comfort of their homes.
Here's a breakdown of what we know about Amazon's Virtual Try-On for Shoes:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Availability | Launched in June 2022 for iOS users in the US and Canada. Android rollout expected. |
| Compatible Devices | iPhones and iPads with a compatible camera. |
| Supported Products | Thousands of sneaker styles from various brands including New Balance, Adidas, Reebok, Puma, and more. |
| How it Works | 1. Select a shoe with the "Virtual Try-On" button. <br> 2. Point your phone's camera at your feet. <br> 3. The AR shoes will appear on your feet. You can move your feet to see different angles. <br> 4. Change colors of the same shoe style using the built-in carousel. <br> 5. Take a photo of your virtual try-on experience to share on social media. |
| Benefits | * Visualize how shoes look on yourself before buying. * More informed purchasing decisions. * Improved online shopping experience. |
While this is currently limited to shoes, it represents Amazon's foray into the world of AR clothing try-on. We may see them expand this feature to include other clothing items in the future.
Technology Uses in Amazon's Virtual Try-On for Shoes
Amazon's Virtual Try-On for Shoes leverages a combination of technologies to deliver an augmented reality (AR) shopping experience.
Here's a breakdown of the key technologies involved:
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Augmented Reality (AR) | Overlays digital elements (the virtual shoes) onto the real world (your feet) through your phone's camera. |
| Motion Tracking | Tracks the movement of your phone's camera, allowing the virtual shoes to stay positioned on your feet as you move. |
| 3D Modeling | Creates realistic digital models of the shoes in various sizes and colors. |
| Image Recognition (optional) | Potentially used to identify the surface your feet are on and adjust the lighting of the virtual shoes accordingly (not confirmed for current implementation). |
Table: Breakdown of Technology Uses
| Feature | Technology Used |
|---|---|
| Shoes appear on your feet | Augmented Reality (AR), Motion Tracking |
| Different shoe views | Motion Tracking |
| Changing shoe colors | 3D Modeling |
Additional Notes:
- The Amazon app likely utilizes the phone's built-in sensors (gyroscope and accelerometer) for motion tracking.
- Image recognition, if used, would require more advanced processing power and may not be available on all devices.