Walmart is looking to see you half-naked. The retail giant is partnering with body-scanning technology company NXP to offer customers the ability to shop without having to worry about their modesty. The program, which is set to launch this year, will allow customers to scan their bodies in order to access products and services that are tailored specifically for them. The idea behind the program is that by being able to shop without feeling self-conscious, people will be more likely to visit Walmart. And while it’s not clear how much money shoppers will save by using the technology, it’s likely that they’ll be more likely to buy things if they don’t have to worry about their appearance.
This is probably why Walmart is launching the Be Your Own Model virtual fitting room that allows users to upload half-naked photos of themselves (nope!), and try on clothes in a somewhat realistic manner. It doesn’t merely overlay the image in an artificial-looking way but displays shadows and how the fabric might drape over you.
Walmart says the augmented reality technology involves “techniques originally utilized in developing highly accurate topographic maps,” which means if the technology can develop topographic maps of Cleveland, it can handle your body.
The feature could be particularly useful when trying on a shirt that comes in several different sizes. The XL may end up actually looking baggy and the small too tight. “I look uncomfortable in those pants,” you might say to yourself.
Walmart launched its Choose Your Model virtual fitting room in May. It currently allows customers to choose from 50 models with various body types and heights and find the one who most closely resembles them (and would tie in a fight). It’s made possible by the company’s acquisition of the virtual try-on platform Zeekit.
Over 270,000 items of women’s apparel can be virtually tried on (sorry fellas). As of September 15, 2022, the feature is available on iPhones in the Walmart app. It will be open to Android users in a few weeks, according to Walmart.
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It has all the dignity of being weighed at the doctor’s office, but with the obvious privacy and security concerns added in. Sign me up.
I’m looking forward to clones. I have no interest in uploading half-naked or even fully clothed pictures to any app, but I hate changing rooms as well. So when clones come out, I’ll just send mine to try on clothes for me.
“And get it in black,” I’ll add.
