Google may be splashing the cash yet again with its rumoured acquisition of the ‘Visual Search’ powered e-commerce website Like.com.
Neither Google nor Like.com has yet to confirm the potential acquisition. But the story has been broken by Tech Crunch, who say Google is looking to buy the unique online store and all the back-end technology that comes with it.
The Potential of Visual Search Technology
Google has been playing with visual searching for some time and has its own visual search engine incorporated into its Android OS. This feature allows users to take a photo of a place or object and then use this to visually search the web and receive results based on combining images. This technology is particularly useful for identifying landmarks, translating text, and even recognizing products for online shopping.
Like.com uses a similar technology and tries to identify e-commerce products in a similar fashion. The platform allows users to search for items by uploading images, which the system then analyzes to find visually similar products. This can be incredibly useful for fashion enthusiasts looking to find specific styles or for anyone trying to locate a particular item they have seen but do not know the name of. Currently, Like.com turns over around $50 million a year, indicating its significant impact on the e-commerce market.
Strategic Implications for Google
The acquisition of Like.com could be a strategic move for Google, enhancing its capabilities in the visual search domain. By integrating Like.com’s technology, Google could improve its existing visual search features, making them more accurate and comprehensive. This could also provide a more seamless shopping experience for users, allowing them to find and purchase products more easily through Google’s platforms.
Moreover, this acquisition could help Google compete more effectively with other tech giants like Amazon, which has also been investing heavily in visual search and AI technologies. By bolstering its visual search capabilities, Google could attract more users to its e-commerce services, potentially increasing its market share in the online shopping sector.
Neither Google nor Like.com has yet to confirm the potential acquisition. But the story has been broken by Tech Crunch, who say Google is looking to buy the unique online store and all the back-end technology that comes with it. Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
If the acquisition goes through, it will be interesting to see how Google integrates Like.com’s technology into its existing services. Will we see a more robust visual search feature in Google Shopping? Or perhaps new innovations in Google Lens? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the potential for enhanced user experiences and more efficient e-commerce solutions is immense.
The rumoured acquisition of Like.com by Google highlights the growing importance of visual search technology in the digital age. As consumers increasingly rely on visual cues to navigate the online world, companies that can harness and refine this technology will be well-positioned to lead the market. Whether or not the acquisition is confirmed, it is clear that visual search will continue to play a crucial role in the future of e-commerce and beyond.
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