IBM has announced the availability of an augmented reality mobile shopping app that consumers can download to their personal devices such as smartphones or tablets.
IBM’s research engineers announced this first-of-a-kind augmented reality mobile shopping app that will make it possible for consumers to browse the aisles of a store and receive personalized product information, recommendations and coupons that are personalised based on their preferences.
Users of the app can, after downloading the app, register to create a profile of features they like.
Users will have to point the camera at a selected product for the app to instantly recognize it. It will then overlay digital details on the image — for example: ingredients, price, reviews, and discounts that apply that day.
The app also allows for integration with social networks.
According to Forrester Research, a research company, IBM’s innovation addresses the gap between the wealth of readily available product details on the Web that in-store shoppers don’t have access to – despite the fact that in-store shopping accounts for more than 92 percent of the retail volume.
There’s also a benefit for store owners as they will be able to use the app to build in-store traffic by connecting with individual consumers and being able to have targeted in-store marketing campaigns that are not intrusive and are tailored for each consumer.
“In the age of social media, consumer expectations are soaring and people want information and advice about the products they’re going to buy,” said Sima Nadler, Retail Lead, IBM Research. “By closing the gap between the online and in-store shopping experience, marketers can appeal to the individual needs of consumers and keep them coming back.”
For stores, there’s also another opportunity to gain invaluable insight that can help optimize floor plans and product arrangements in IBM’s stores.
