Latest news with #onlineShopping
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Google's new Doppl app lets you try on clothes with AI before you buy
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. Shopping is one of the main reasons we use tools like Google Search. That's probably why Google has added so many shopping-related features to its products over the years. More recently, it's also why it introduced AI tools to improve online shopping. Google's AI Mode tool for Google Search is one example. Google gave AI Mode a major upgrade at I/O 2025, which includes some exciting new shopping tools. Today's Top Deals Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 For instance, AI Mode can automatically buy products for you when the price drops. It monitors the web for deals and lets you know when a product hits your target price. Once you confirm the purchase, AI Mode can complete it on your behalf. The most exciting AI Mode feature shown off at I/O 2025 is something called 'Try it on.' This builds on existing Google tech that lets users try on clothes virtually with AI. To use it in AI Mode, you just upload a photo of yourself. But you know what would be even better? A separate Google app dedicated to trying on clothes virtually. That's exactly what Doppl is. It's a new experimental app from Google, now available for iPhone and Android users in the US. At I/O 2025, Google explained the AI behind AI Mode's ability to show how clothes might look on you: This state-of-the-art technology is the first of its kind working at this scale, allowing shoppers to try on billions of items of clothing from our Shopping Graph. It's powered by a new custom image generation model for fashion, which understands the human body and nuances of clothing — like how different materials fold, stretch, and drape on different bodies. It preserves these subtleties when applied to poses in your photos. The result is a try-on experience that works with photos of you. The AI Mode feature is currently available only as a Search Labs experiment in the US. Google said in a blog post that Doppl is 'a new experimental app from Google Labs to help you visualize how an outfit might look on you and explore your style.' Doppl doesn't just create a digital image of you in an outfit. It can also produce animated versions, so you can see how the clothes look in motion. The AI generates videos to help you visualize how the outfit moves with you. Google says Doppl builds on the AI Mode tech from I/O 2025. The app lets you use photos of clothing or screenshots to try things on. You'll still need to upload a full-body photo first to try on outfits in the app. Once you've tried on clothes with Doppl, you can export the images. After all, you might want to send them to a friend or family member for a second opinion, just like you would with mirror selfies in a store. That said, Doppl is still in its early stages and may not always get things right. Google notes that 'fit, appearance, and clothing details may not always be accurate.' I'll also point out that Google hasn't explained how Doppl handles your privacy. You're sharing personal photos with Google's AI, and it's unclear if the company plans to use the app for advertising. Trying on clothes virtually might reveal your fashion preferences to Google's systems. The good news is Doppl is already available on iPhone and Android in the US, so you can try it out right away if you're interested. Don't Miss: Today's deals: Nintendo Switch games, $5 smart plugs, $150 Vizio soundbar, $100 Beats Pill speaker, more More Top Deals Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2025: Get $2,000+ free See the
Gizmodo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
With Built-In Cables, This 10,000mAh Travel Charger Goes for Peanuts Thanks to Early Prime Day.
With dozens of power banks to select from on Amazon, it's easy to feel snowed under with options but not all portable chargers are created equal. There are good reasons to look beyond the ratings and take a look at features that really matter: If you require a power bank that's skinny, robust, affordable, and packed with innovative features like many outputs and cables integrated so you don't need to carry spares – this is a model worth buying. Presently, there's a 10,000mAh portable charger with built-in cables which is selling for an all-time low of $19, reduced from its usual $29. The 33% discount makes it a fantastic bargain given that more than 10,000 people have bought it in the past month and it carries a reputable 4.6 out of 5 rating based on more than 10,000 reviews. See at Amazon This charger comes with four integrated cables—three output and one input—so you can charge almost any device without digging around for the right cord. If you have an iPhone, Samsung, Pixel or any other USB-C or micro USB device, you're good to go. The three output cables enable you to charge more than one device at a time, and as there are six outputs in total, you can charge a maximum of six devices at a time. The charger features three input methods to recharge the power bank itself, i.e., a built-in cable, USB-C port, and micro USB input. This flexibility also makes it easy to charge regardless of the cable you have handy. Measuring just 5.68 by 2.63 by 0.69 inches and weighing a mere 0.55 pounds, it's about the same size and weight as a skinny phone, so it just blends into your pocket or purse. The touch LED screen is a bright idea and shows you the exact percentage of battery life left so you never have to guess when it's time to recharge. The 10,000mAh capacity power bank will provide your devices with the juice they need to keep them powered all day long. It's universally compatible with nearly all smartphones and tablets including the latest iPhone and Samsung models, as well as Google Pixel and other Android devices. The six outputs make it easy to share power with friends or keep all your devices charged at once, and the built-in cables mean you'll never be caught without the right connector. If you're looking for a powerful power bank that doesn't require carrying extra cables, now is the perfect time to act. See at Amazon
The Guardian
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Asos customers banned for being ‘serial returners' say it is ‘deeply concerning'
Shoppers using the online retailer Asos have complained about having their accounts closed and being accused of breaching a 'fair use' policy on returns. Asos updated its terms and conditions last September, introducing charges for shoppers who frequently returned large numbers of goods in attempts to crack down on 'serial returners'. In the past few days some customers have reported receiving emails saying their accounts would be deactivated. One shopper, Tskenya-Sarah Frazer, said she had been contacted to say her account had been closed because she had made too many returns. 'As a tall, plus-sized, neurodivergent customer I find Asos's decision to deactivate accounts without warning deeply concerning,' she said. 'For people like me, online shopping isn't just a preference, it's a necessity. The high street often doesn't cater to our body types or sensory needs, and the physical act of shopping can be overwhelming … We rely on online retailers to try clothes in the safety and comfort of our own homes.' Frazer, whose video sharing her experience has had 150,000 views on TikTok, said one of the reasons for the returns was inconsistent sizing. 'To now be penalised for returning items that don't fit after being forced to order multiple sizes due to inconsistent sizing is not only unfair, it's discriminatory,' she said. 'There was no explanation, no transparency, and no chance to appeal.' On X (formerly Twitter) another user posted a picture of two bodysuits which were both labelled as medium but appeared to be different sizes. I'm a size 8-10. I mostly wear a size S. The bodysuit on the left is M (too small). The bodysuit on the right is also M (too big). But ASOS are closing my account because I return things 😂 @ASOS_news They said: 'I'm a size eight to 10. I mostly wear a size small. The bodysuit on the left is a medium (too small). The body suit on the right is also medium (too big). But Asos are closing my account because I return things.' Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Asos said: 'We recently closed the accounts of a small group of customers whose shopping activity has consistently fallen outside our fair use policy. This helps us maintain our commitment to offering free returns to all customers across all core markets.' Gary Rycroft, a consumer lawyer at Joseph A Jones & Co solicitors, said it was lawful for a business to decide it did not wish to conduct business with a certain group of customers, as long as the decision was based on commercial data and not discriminatory. 'Asos have imposed a threshold on returns and that's fine for them to change their terms and conditions and as long as other statutory protections for consumers are not breached,' he said. Such a change in terms and conditions should not affect the right of consumers to return goods that are faulty or not as described, he matching a retailer's published measurements for particular sizes could be said to be 'not as described'.
WIRED
11 hours ago
- General
- WIRED
I'm a Certified Sleep Expert. Let Me Crack the Code on Mattress Terms
Shopping for a mattress online means expanding your vocabulary. Here are the key terms to look for. Shopping for a mattress online is a lot of work—enough to make you need some rest. Picking the right bed, like the right bet itself, is better if you have enough support. To help you with the arduous process of selection, we've come up with guides that explain the need-to-know about mattress shopping. This includes the varying mattress types, how to select a mattress, and our thoroughly tested guide to the best mattresses you can buy online. Today, it's time to break down some of the terminology you'll inevitably come across during your research. These words are signposts that point to how a mattress was made, tested, and, subsequently, how it performs. You don't have to be a Spencer Institute sleep science coach to understand these terms—but, lucky for you, I am a Spencer Institute sleep science coach. A Handy Mattress Dictionary Pressure relief is a crucial aspect for certain sleeping positions, like side sleepers, and those who need to show their joints some love. The term refers to a mattress reacting to a person's weight as it contacts the bed, and how well it's able to counteract the pressure from putting your weight on more tender areas of the body. For side sleepers, a bed that is too firm means your hips and shoulders will be crying out for help because of the tension. Materials like latex and memory foam are known for their pressure-relieving capabilities. Memory foam, in particular, is very adaptive and 'hugs' the body, which many side sleepers like. Motion isolation is a term used to describe how well a mattress manages to not transfer movement or shaking across the bed, usually from one person to another. When movement does end up disrupting the stability of the bed, this is known as motion transfer. If you wake up easily or share your sleep space with a partner, pet, or child, motion isolation is typically unwelcome. Memory foam's density is usually right on par with absorbing this feeling, and coils have evolved to include fabric pockets (this is what the term 'pocketed coils' means). The idea is that when each coil is contained in its own zone, motion has a harder time moving across the bed as opposed to traditional coils, where everything was woven together. Pro tip: Make sure you have a stable frame, as that's half the battle here, too, and is often overlooked. Spine alignment, otherwise known as lumbar support, is an evaluation of how well the spine is kept in alignment. When you're standing up straight, you'll notice that your lower back slightly curves. This is aptly called the 'S' curve, because healthy alignment of the upper and lower spinal cord does somewhat resemble this letter. But your posture isn't just a concern while upright, as a lack of spine alignment support while sleeping isn't healthy in the long term. Each sleeping position brings about its own set of concerns, as even the smallest degree of sinking in this area can cause misalignment. Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to keep this area uplifted, as something too soft causes the lower back to sink in. Side sleepers have to keep the hips and shoulders on the same level, and the lower back can't be sinking into too much of a 'U' shape. The alignment of your neck is key, as anybody with back pain will tell you. This is where many mattress makers have stepped up with their designs, putting firmer support in the center of the bed by way of extra memory foam layers or reinforced coils. Edge support is important for a couple of reasons. If you're someone who gets banished to the edge of the bed while sleeping due to a pet or partner making themselves comfy, you need edge support. Sit on the bottom while getting dressed? You need edge support. Engaged in adult extracurricular activities and don't want to feel like you're falling off the mattress? Edge support. Mattress models, especially hybrids, will usually strategically put reinforced coils around the outer edges to make sure weight is supported. This also helps with durability as time goes on, preventing the edges from sagging. Materials like memory foam can be hit-or-miss for edge support, especially depending on the firmness level involved. Too soft, and you may be encroaching on feeling some sagging in any one of the aforementioned situations. Cooling is going to be something to keep in mind for sleepers who overheat easily. There are many cooling mattresses out there, and measuring how well a mattress can regulate surface temperature is valuable information. Some beds involve natural and organic materials that may not feel cool to the touch, but are able to dispel heat relatively quickly. Others will involve a lot of proprietary cooling tech, which gives off a visceral feeling of coolness. Keep in mind that factors such as the surrounding bedroom temperature, what you wear to bed, what sheets and accessories you use, and ultimately the mattress materials involved will all play a part in the overall mattress's temperature control. Responsiveness is how well a bed 'responds' to the sleeper moving around on top of it. If the bed is softer and sleepers sink in more, they may have a harder time getting in and out of bed or switching between sleeping positions. On the other hand, a highly responsive bed is snappy, feeling as if it is moving alongside you so that you're always receiving support. Off-gassing is the mattress equivalent of a new car smell, but mattress edition. If you notice a chemical smell radiating from your mattress once unboxed or unpackaged, the materials within the bed are airing out as they inflate. Certifications like CertiPUR-US are crucial here, because it's third-party assurance that the air you're breathing in isn't tainted by anything potentially hazardous. A mattress should be good to go within a day or two of unboxing it. Don't be daunted by official terms and names in the mattress world—they're actually pretty straightforward. Use this list to decipher what each mattress is being described as, and you'll be good to go.
The Independent
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
E-tailers eye Europe to boost sales
Chinese cross-border online retailers are strengthening efforts to expand into Europe to attract new customers and bolster sales. Eyeing the growing demand for online shopping in European countries, particularly among younger shoppers, Chinese e-commerce players are providing cost-effective products to local consumers by leveraging efficient logistics and supply chain networks, according to industry experts. AliExpress, Chinese tech company Alibaba Group's cross-border e-commerce platform, recently opened its services to local merchants in Poland. Over the past year, AliExpress has appealed to a batch of well-known Polish companies, and this strategic move will further bolster the platform's business growth in the local market. AliExpress said some local merchants can enjoy benefits like zero deposit and commission-free services for the first three months, and directly sell their products to consumers from Poland and countries around the world. Data from market research company Euromonitor International showed that AliExpress and Polish online shopping platform Allegro are the two most popular e-commerce platforms in Poland, the largest e-commerce market in Central and Eastern Europe. To better support the operations of local merchants, AliExpress has partnered with more than 10 leading overseas warehouse service providers to roll out 'certified warehouses' covering the United States, Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland. The certified warehouses will provide faster deliveries and smoother shopping experiences for overseas buyers. According to global research firm Statista, the revenue of Europe's e-commerce market is expected to reach $707.9 billion (£526.88 billion) in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.95 per cent, and the figure is projected to touch $961.27 billion (£715.47 billion) by 2029. Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said European nations have high consumption capacities and efficient and convenient logistics infrastructure, while local shoppers have developed mature online shopping habits, providing an ideal market environment for the development of cross-border e-commerce. 'As European consumers have shown surging demand for online purchasing in the post-pandemic era, Chinese e-commerce platforms could further expand their footprint there by offering commodities with high cost-effectiveness and localised operation and services,' Hong said. Temu, a cross-border e-commerce app owned by Chinese online discounter PDD Holdings, is expanding its presence in European countries in an attempt to diversify its customer base. According to Consumer Edge, a data insights and market intelligence company, Temu's growth in the European Union surged more than 60 per cent year-on-year in early May, with France leading the charge at nearly 100 per cent growth. TikTok Shop, the e-commerce marketplace of popular short-video app TikTok, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has made inroads into Europe with its rollout in Germany, France and Italy.
