Google has launched “Doppl,” a new experimental app that lets users virtually try on outfits and get a sense of how clothes might look on them. Developed by Google Labs, the company’s playground for testing new features, Doppl is set to change how we interact with fashion, offering a digital try-on experience that goes beyond static images.
Key Takeaways:
- Doppl is a new AI-powered app from Google Labs for virtual outfit try-ons.
- Users upload a full-body photo and images of clothing to see them superimposed.
- A standout feature is the ability to generate AI-powered videos showing how the outfit moves.
- The app is currently available in the U.S. on iOS and Android, though Android access is initially limited to Pixel devices.
- Doppl expands on Google Shopping’s virtual try-on features, providing a more immersive experience.
- Users can save and share their virtual outfits.
- Since Doppl is experimental, fit and appearance might not always be spot-on.
This launch marks a significant step in Google’s increasing focus on fashion technology. Previously, Google Shopping allowed users to try on millions of clothing items via uploaded photos, and Doppl takes this a step further with dynamic and more personalized visuals that come to life in motion.
From Static Images to Dynamic Visuals
Doppl works by using advanced AI to create a digital version of the user. After uploading a full-body photo, users select images of clothing—whether from a store, an influencer post, or even a thrift store find—and the app generates a virtual try-on.
But here’s the twist: Doppl doesn’t just show a static image of the outfit on the user. It turns that image into an AI-powered video, giving users a better sense of how the clothes move, drape, and fit in motion. This is a game-changer because, until now, virtual try-ons have been limited to still images, which don’t fully convey how fabric behaves or how an outfit fits during daily wear.
This is part of a larger trend in online retail, where companies like Walmart and Amazon are also incorporating virtual try-ons to cut down on returns and help shoppers make more confident purchases. As Wayne Liu, president of AI and augmented reality company Perfect Corp., points out, these technologies help consumers choose the best items, ultimately reducing return rates.
Accessibility and Features
Currently, Doppl is available for users in the U.S. aged 18 and older with a Google account. You can download it from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android, though right now, it’s exclusive to Pixel devices for Android.
Here are some key features:
- Virtual Try-On: Upload your full-body photo and see the outfit overlaid on your own image.
- Video Animation: See how the clothes move with AI-generated videos.
- Easy Sharing: Download your virtual outfits and share them with friends, family, or on social media.
- Smart Completions: If you upload an incomplete outfit (like just a top), Doppl’s AI can add the missing pieces, like pants or shoes, to complete the look.
- Outfit Management: Save your favorite looks and browse through your virtual wardrobe.
Initially, Doppl supports tops, bottoms, and dresses, with plans to add more categories in future updates. It’s powered by an AI model that understands how fabric behaves on different body types, offering a more accurate representation of what you’d actually look like in the clothing.
The Bigger Picture: AI in Online Shopping
Doppl is part of Google’s broader strategy to weave AI deeper into e-commerce. Earlier this year, Google rolled out more AI features in its Shopping platform, especially focusing on creating hyper-personalized shopping experiences. These efforts point toward a future where online shopping is more immersive and intuitive than ever before.
The impact of AI on online fashion shopping is huge. Beyond virtual try-ons, AI is already being used to personalize product recommendations, optimize supply chains, and even predict trends. Plus, AI-powered chatbots are increasingly common, offering real-time customer support and helping shoppers find what they need.
Of course, as this technology becomes more widespread, concerns about privacy, algorithmic bias, and intellectual property will continue to be part of the conversation. By launching Doppl as an experimental app, Google seems to be testing the waters and gathering feedback before rolling out something more permanent or fully integrated.
Public Reception and Future Outlook
So far, the response to Doppl has been positive, especially for the AI-generated video feature, which offers a more realistic preview of how outfits look and move. People are already having fun visualizing thrift store finds or trying on looks they’ve seen influencers wear. But Google is clear that Doppl is still in its experimental phase, meaning it might not always be 100% accurate. This honesty is important because it helps manage expectations and lets users know the technology is still being refined.
Looking ahead, Doppl’s potential to reduce return rates and build consumer confidence in online shopping is clear. If shoppers feel more certain about how an item will look on them before making a purchase, it could lead to fewer returns, which is a win for both consumers and retailers.
While Google hasn’t announced any plans for a global release, its track record with successful experimental features suggests that Doppl—or some version of it—could eventually reach a wider audience. As AI models improve and data is gathered, the realism and accuracy of these virtual try-ons will likely get even better, making them a central part of online fashion shopping.
Historical Context of Virtual Try-Ons
Virtual try-ons aren’t exactly new. The concept has evolved from augmented reality overlays on live camera feeds to more advanced features, like Google’s 2023 update, which displayed clothes on a variety of real models to help users see how different body types would look in the same outfit. Doppl takes it a step further, using your own body as the model, and the AI-generated video makes it feel even more lifelike. This progression signals a shift toward a more personalized and immersive online shopping experience, addressing one of the biggest challenges in e-commerce—helping people make decisions without physically trying things on.
FAQ Section:
Q1: What is Google Doppl?
A1: Doppl is a new experimental app from Google Labs that uses AI to let you virtually try on clothing by uploading a full-body photo and images of the outfits you want to visualize.
Q2: How does Doppl work?
A2: You upload a full-body photo, select images of the clothes you’re interested in, and Doppl uses AI to create a virtual version of you wearing those clothes. It also generates short videos showing how the clothes move.
Q3: Is Doppl available globally?
A3: No, Doppl is only available in the U.S. for now, with no official word on global expansion yet.
Q4: On which devices can I use Doppl?
A4: Doppl is available on iOS and Android, but for now, it’s exclusive to Pixel devices on Android.
Q5: What types of clothing can I try on with Doppl?
A5: Currently, Doppl supports tops, bottoms, and dresses, but Google plans to add more categories in future updates.
Q6: Can I share my virtual try-ons?
A6: Yes! You can save and share your virtual looks with friends, family, or on social media.
Q7: Is the virtual try-on always accurate?
A7: Doppl is still in its experimental phase, so while it aims for realism, the fit and appearance may not always be perfect.
Q8: Does Doppl integrate with Google Shopping?
A8: Doppl builds on Google Shopping’s virtual try-on features but works as a standalone app, offering a more immersive experience.
Q9: Are there privacy concerns with using Doppl?
A9: Google follows privacy policies for its products. It’s a good idea to review the privacy policy for Doppl and related terms before using the app.
Q10: Why did Google create Doppl?
A10: Google created Doppl to offer a more personalized, dynamic shopping experience and to help consumers feel more confident about their clothing choices, potentially reducing return rates.
