The first month of 2024 is coming to an end. Already now, it can be confidently stated that this year will bring significant development in eCommerce, especially in the context of new solutions based on artificial intelligence. Industry media constantly report on innovative functionalities implemented by online stores - both by market leaders and newcomers who adeptly harness the potential of artificial intelligence. You can read about some of them in this edition of Advox's Press Release. Stay up-to-date regardless of the pace of changes!
Google Lens - more than image search
Intelligent search engines are a crucial element of a modern online store. With their help, users can quickly and efficiently search the platform's offerings, even if they don't know the exact product name or make a spelling mistake. In such cases, the search engine algorithms understand the context of the message, proposing the most likely results. However, does this type of search represent the pinnacle of artificial intelligence capabilities? Google has proven that the answer to this question is negative. The company elevated this functionality to a higher level by integrating text, image, and AI search.
Google Lens is a tool that allows internet users to search simultaneously using text and images. In addition to visual matches (as was the case with image search), users will also receive additional information from websites, videos, or answers to questions. When introducing the new service, Google presented practical examples of its applications, such as searching for a dress with a specific cut using a photo and then specifying the desired color through text.
Furthermore, the Lens feature is compatible with another innovative Google tool - Circle to Search. With its help, users can ask questions using additional gestures, such as underlining or selecting a chosen object from a photo.
Currently, this form of search is only available to Google users in the United States, using the app on iOS and Android devices. However, intensive work on the functionality suggests that it may soon be made available to a broader audience.
Read more about the applications of Google Lens here. What do you think about this approach to searching?
Salesforce expands on the wave of Artificial Intelligence
This is not the end of new tools created based on artificial intelligence. Salesforce, a popular customer relationship management platform, has embraced the use of generative artificial intelligence. The new functionalities are primarily aimed at increasing productivity and conversions among retail entrepreneurs. What exactly do these solutions offer?
Salesforce has introduced tools such as:
- Page Designer - a tool that allows entrepreneurs to design web pages using simple text commands. Although it is still in the pilot stage, it has already significantly increased efficiency (from 10% to 30%).
- Return Insights Tool - allows the analysis of return reasons, providing specific suggestions for changes to the presentation of products, which helps minimise future returns.
- Inventory Insights Tool - provides insights based on data to help predict future demand and provide product recommendations during customer service.
- Einstein Copilot for Shoppers - an AI assistant that allows customers to shop during a conversation with a bot. It also helps with personalising product recommendations, taking into account the specific consumer's preferences, location, purchase history, and other factors.
These innovations are part of Salesforce's strategy to facilitate the use of generative artificial intelligence for retail entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop their businesses.
Would you use these functionalities in your own eCommerce? Read about all of them here.
Try on ordered products right at the Post Office
In times when delivery and logistics companies compete to provide customers with the most convenient solutions, a it is crucial to stand out from the competition to maintain a market position. Traditional post offices, in particular, face this challenge. Recently, the French postal network La Poste surprised with an interesting idea by installing fitting rooms in selected locations. Where did the idea for such a service come from?
The solution was created for people who shop for clothing and accessories online and often decide to make returns. Thanks to fitting rooms located at parcel pickup points (resembling the characteristic yellow French mailboxes), customers can quickly check if the ordered items meet their expectations. In case of dissatisfaction with the purchases, they can quickly pack the parcel and send it immediately, resulting in significant time savings.
It seems that this solution is well-received among customers making online purchases. However, the introduction of this idea by La Poste has faced protests from small shop owners who also offer parcel pickup services. They argue that implementing such a solution on a national scale could seriously threaten the viability of their small businesses.
What do you think about such a solution? Read more about La Poste's actions in this article.
