New App Uses Image Recognition Technology for Online Shopping
Image recognition technology makes online shopping even faster for consumers using a new iOS app called Pounce.
The new app allows shoppers to digitally scan images from a print ad from a participating retailer and then purchase the item online. The app was developed by BuyCode Inc., based in Tel Aviv, Israel, according to an article in The Business of Fashion.
Avital Yachin, chief executive of BuyCode, Inc, said in the article that the company plans to expand to include catalogs, magazines and billboards. The app currently recognizes products that its retailing partners sell online. Those partners include Staples, Target, Toys “R” Us and Ace Hardware.
The app works by allowing the user to scan an image, then the item’s price and shipping cost is displayed, and shoppers can purchase directly from the retailer.
eBay is another retailer that uses image recognition technology. It has added the feature to its eBay Fashion and eBay Motors iPhone apps. Amazon also uses a similar app, called Flow.
Pounce is free and available in the U.S., with plans to expand to Canada and Europe. Amazon Flow is only available in the United States and is free, while EBay Fashion is free and available worldwide.
