On Thursday, Sept. 15, Walmart expanded its AI-powered try-on technology that lets you visualize clothes by virtually putting them on you. 

Before the update, Walmart customers could choose from dozens of models in its catalog to find one with the same body type and appearance as them.

Now, the retail giant launched a new technology called Be Your Own Model, which lets you use your own photos to see how clothes look on them.  

Walmart's Be Your Own Model

According to TechCrunch, the new feature is from Walmart's 2021 acquisition of the startup Zeekit. The feature is neural network-powered, and it uses computer vision to analyze catalog images of clothing to create a final image. 

You can use neural networks to determine the different product types, including color, size, and other factors like sleeve length or fabric draping. The result is a more realistic image of the final look, according to The Verge.

Cheryl Ainoa, SVP of New Businesses in Walmart, said that they were aware that their customers were not satisfied with its previous AR offering because the experiences were equivalent to taking and laying an image on top of another image. 

Ainoa added that the previous feature did not have the virtual try-on feature, so customers had no idea what the clothes would look like on them when they wear it. 

Also Read: Walmart to Follow Amazon and Bring In Warehouse Robots 

Upgraded AR Technology

Walmart originally presented its try-on options across models ranging in height between 5'2 and 6'0 and sizes XS through XXXL across thousands of garments. 

Now, the upgraded try-on technology is available on more than 270,000 items across both national brands like Champion, Levi's, and Hanes, and Walmart's portfolio of clothing brands, including Love & Sports, Sofia Active, ELOQUII Elements, Athletic Works, Time & Tru, Terra & Sky, Avia, No Boundaries, and The Pioneer Woman. 

In the Walmart Marketplace, around 100 models support the new try-on feature. The retail giant has plans to expand the try-on technology, which means customers no longer have to only choose from the available models. 

Instead, Walmart.com and Walmart's app users can use their pictures to create a more personalized shopping experience. 

This feature is rolling out first to iOS users of the app, then it will soon be available on the desktop version, and Android will get the feature in the next couple of weeks, according to Fox Orlando. 

How to Activate the Try-On Feature

To use Be Your Own Model, you will first need to take a picture of yourself with the Walmart iOS app to import your image into the system.

From there, you can virtually try on any supported garment and see how it looks on you. If you're signed in, the photo will remain connected to your account for future use, but you can delete it anytime. 

Walmart believes this type of technology will go a long way to increase conversions, improve online shopping experiences, and minimize returns of items. 

The retail giant also introduced Choose My Model, which lets you select a model closest to your appearance.

Walmart acknowledges that not all users will want to use themselves as fashion models, so they are still offering a list of models that can be substituted.  

Related Article: Walmart Unveils Artificial Intelligence Store That's Like Amazon Go But Also Not 

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Written by Sophie Webster