Shopify bets on augmented reality
Canadian e-commerce giant Shopify is betting that augmented reality will become a big hit in the near future and would push online selling to greater heights.
Shopify founder and chief executive officer Tobi Lutke recently dubbed the AR glyph to be the most powerful icon in online retail, suggesting that AR technology will be the next big thing in the sector.
The AR glyph which was designed by Apple Inc. shows up to indicate that users can launch augmented reality on their handsets.
Why augmented reality is important to online retailers
The idea is that augmented reality will further push the boundaries of online retailing by giving shoppers a digital simulation of how a product will appear like. It’s way better than showing just numerous photos online and answers the need for retailers to showcase items right in the homes of their clients.
With Apple’s AR technology, it is now possible to project a 3D digital image of a product or item. This would help buyers have a better appreciation of how a certain merchandise would look like such as how a chair would fit and look in a living room.
Shopify high on augmented reality
Officials of Shopify have already expressed excitement about the technology earlier this year when the firm conducted its yearly Unite Partner conference. Beginning this year, online retailers who use the Shopify platform will be able to upload 3D models of their merchandise and embed these in webpages.
Shopify, on the other hand, is assisting merchants in partnering with tech vendors capable of building those 3D models. Shopify head of augmented reality Daniel Beauchamp and Lutke also demonstrated the technology to Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. The Canadian leader even asked Shopify officials if it would be possible to see how a pair of socks bought online would fit on him.
