Walmart’s App Gets Augmented Reality Revamp
Walmart is bringing its products to life with two new augmented reality features for its mobile app. One tool will allow consumers to view how Walmart goods appear in their own homes, while the other will provide valuable product information.
The first feature is rolling out widely in early July on iOS — with plans for Android and mobile web later on — allowing consumers to view furniture and home decor items in their spaces by simply swiping on the interface. Users will be able to use the technology with 300 furniture and home decor items.
In order to access this feature, consumers simply click on the “View in your space” banner on any AR-enabled items on the Walmart app. Using the phone’s camera, consumers can toggle items to see if they fit in the space, as well as save photos for later to help in making purchasing decisions.
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The new offering leans on haptic feedback, which stops items from being placed outside the boundaries of a room to ensure the 3D model accurately reflects how furniture will fit in a space.
Additionally, the company has accessibility in mind, including several other features that will allow those with limited mobility to place an item in a room and move it around with gesture controls. Also, consumers with visual impairments can use voice-based instructions and descriptions.
“After extensively testing this feature with our own customers, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback, which helped ensure the experience is as seamless and user-friendly as possible,” said Brock McKeel, SVP of site experience, Walmart eCommerce and Cheryl Ainoa, SVP of new businesses and emerging tech, Walmart Global Tech.
AR to Transform the In-Store Shopping Experience
The company is also working on a feature to help associates get products to shelves quicker, and improve the consumer experience by elevating the visibility of product information. New AR tech will allow consumers and associates to point their mobile devices at store shelves, using the camera to filter out products based on personal preferences.
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Take gluten-free shoppers, said Walmart...they would be able to quickly identify which products are gluten-free using the AR in-store tool. In the future, Walmart also hopes to implement the technology into its coupon strategy, highlighting items on rollback or clearance, or those eligible under the company’s rewards program.
“You’ll never look at the store shelf in the same way again. All of these AR-powered features are helping us deliver fast, engaging and personalized experiences that take the work out of shopping and underscore our commitment to using technology to save customers time and money,” said the company.
