What is the future of visual search? Also, how can it help businesses and individuals?
Let’s find out!
Overview
Before we talk about the future of visual search. Let us discuss what it is.
Visual search uses images for searching. Thus, no need to type for something you’re looking for.
But, this is different from using Google Images search. Visual search turns your phone into a search engine.
How does it work?
You can simply point to any object or product. Next, you take a picture. Lastly, you get the results related to the object.
Easy and powerful, right? Because of that, industries apply this type of technology.
The Top Visual Search Platforms
There are relatively many platforms in visual search. We will talk about them.
Pinterest Lens
Pinterest launched it in 2017. It uses the camera in your Pinterest app.
Using it, you can take pictures of objects. So, Pinterest will show you pins related to it.
Google Lens
Google launched its own Lens in 2017, too. But, it only gave access to the general search engine.
Yet, after a year, they made a feature that allows the pointing of objects. Then, similar pages get pulled up.
For example, you see a photo of a kitchen with a table. You can click the table in the photo. Then, Google will get links where you can buy similar tables.
Instagram also plans to develop a visual search platform. They say that it is connected to their new shopping feature.
Moreover, Instagram wants to penetrate the online shopping market. Just like how Facebook did with Marketplace.
Amazon Rekognition
Amazon’s Rekognition is a platform for third parties. Other companies can use it to link images. How does it work?
Retailers can add image analysis to their apps. Then, Rekognition will identify the object.
Additionally, it is similar to the tag feature of Facebook. Where it can identify similar faces.
The Future of Visual Search
It is safe to assume that the future of visual search will have a big impact on businesses.
More and more people use it. We can now also book flights using visual search. Just by simply taking pictures of our destination.
Moreover, we can even check our baggage allowances. With just a scan from our smartphone camera.
Also, let’s take home furniture as another example. We can simply take a picture of a sofa. Then, we can visualize how it looks with our room using AR.
Let’s take that to a higher level. You may want to buy a newly built flat. And you see a block of flats in the street,
You can simply point your phone at it. Then, you will know how much a unit would be.
Thus, we can see how it affects our daily lives. With that, we can expect that it will improve.
In addition, companies integrate different technologies. Like Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality.
Therefore, we can say that the future of visual search is clear. It is here to stay. And we are ready for it.
