February 22, 2010
By the ZippyCart Ecommerce Software Content Team
It is highly unlikely that the new Google Shopper app for Android (as it is now), will change the way in which mcommerce is conducted on smart phones. Some people are enjoying the new app, which seems to be a hybrid between Google Goggles and a Barcode Scanner. However, most people who are a bit more tech savvy are not that impressed thus far with what Google shopper has to offer as an improvement to the online shopping experience via a smart phone. Currently only available for the Android platform, Google Shopper uses the camera of the phone to scan a barcode, or cover art of DVD’s, CD’s and books to quickly find details about the product like pricing and customer reviews. In addition, you can also sync up with the Google voice search engine so you can just speak into your phone regarding the product you are interested in.
Still, most of what the Google Shopper app offers in terms of price comparisons is limited, as it primarily displays results from online ecommerce sites like Target, Amazon, or Wal-Mart. One of the main limitations to Shopper, which competitive apps like ShopSavvy offer, is the ability to get localized information regarding where to pick up the product. Since Android has a built in GPS, it makes sense to most that a local feature like that would be included, but Google is notorious for having products in BETA for years, and often slow to market on some of their products as they want to ensure every release is as perfect as possible.
Seeing as Google Shopper is just being introduced to the public, it is likely that Google has more improvements to the Android app coming in the future that will excite more people. So far the main competitors of this app do not seem worried, as they feel they have a head start on Google and a superior product.
Scott is an avid fan of all things ecommerce. His claim to fame is that he "puts the Zip in ZippyCart." He considers himself the world-wide number one reader of TechCrunch, C|Net, and The Ecommerce Times. Scott has worked in the SEO industry for many years, but found himself always shifting his focus to review sites and ecommerce blogs. When we decided to start the ZippyCart Ecommerce news, Scott was an obvious fit. He handles most of our OpEds as he is a very opinionated guy. Scott is also our Twitter guy, so don't hesitate to send him a tweet if you see him online.
