New ways to holiday shop with Google Lens, Maps and more

Last month, we launched a new Google Shopping, rebuilt with AI to give shoppers a more assistive and personalized way to shop the world’s stores in one place. But we know online is just one way people shop. So today we’re announcing a new way AI is transforming the in-store and local shopping experience, too. We’re also expanding availability for a few key Google Pay features to give you more flexibility and security, no matter how you choose to shop.

Get all the details when you shop in-store

Lens is used for nearly 20 billion visual searches every month, and 20% of those searches are shopping-focused. Now, to help you make more informed decisions when you’re shopping in-store, Google Lens can quickly show you product insights tailored to the store you're in. Just snap a photo to find product information, similar products in-stock, whether a store's price is competitive and shopper reviews.

This new update is made possible by major advancements in our AI image recognition technology. It’s powered by the Shopping Graph's 45 billion+ product listings, in-stock inventory data from a range of retailers and our Gemini models to bring you an entirely new way to shop in-store. Seventy-two percent of Americans say they use their smartphone while shopping in-store, and more than half say they’ve left a store empty-handed because they didn’t feel confident enough to buy.¹² This new feature can give shoppers the information and confidence they need to make a decision on the spot.

To start, you’ll be able to use this feature with beauty products, toys or electronics at stores of all sizes that share their local inventory with Google. Just tap the Lens icon in your Search bar to try these in-store updates, which are available starting today in the Google app for Android and iOS for U.S. users who have opted in to sharing their precise location.

See products available near you

Last week we announced that we’re making it easier to find what you’re shopping for in Google Maps. Beginning this holiday season, you’ll be able to search for products in Maps and find nearby stores selling them. Just search for an item, like a festive sweater, to discover stores nearby that carry it and browse relevant inventory.

You can search for products including home goods, electronics, clothing and more, as well as items from grocery stores or retailers. Product search in Maps is launching in the U.S. in the coming weeks.

Check out safely and conveniently

We’re also expanding features that give you more flexibility and security when you pay. Earlier this year we introduced buy now, pay later options to Google Pay with partners Affirm and Zip. Now we're adding Afterpay as an option and Klarna is coming soon, so you have even more choices at checkout.

It’s our priority to keep your information safe — however you choose to pay. One way we do this is through virtual cards, which conceal your American Express, Capital One or Citi card number during online transactions, protecting you from potential fraud. Starting this month, we’re expanding this feature to Discover cardholders in the U.S. who can set up and use a virtual card from their Chrome or Android device.

We’re always working to protect consumers and businesses from fraud, which is forecasted to grow substantially in the coming years. Soon we’ll begin piloting a service to help merchants better identify fraudulent transactions and help prevent fraudsters from using stolen financial information. This will also help unblock good transactions that may be mistaken as fraud. A safe and secure payments ecosystem is critical for both consumers and merchants — and we’re committed to doing our part.

Here’s hoping that these features help you stress less, get your shopping done and spend more time with friends and family over the holidays.