Pinterest introduces real-world object search tool
Social image gallery service Pinterest has introduced a novel real-world search tool, pairing up real world objects with similar looking images it already hosts.
'Lens' is a visual search tool which enables mobile phone owners to search the world around them simply by taking photos with their camera. Pinterest's algorithms then take over to track down similar images.
The service burnishes Pinterest's revenue generating potential by pairing up individual members with particular brands, a valuable feather in its cap as it prepares for a widely expected IPO.
Pinterest plays host to an estimated 2bn searches every month, capitalizing on this traffic by allowing marketers to bid on keywords. Pinterest’s visual expertise hands it vital differentiation in this sector in a market dominated by Google.
In addition to Lens Pinterest also lifted the lid on Shop the Look, a tool which will allow members to pair items with similar products for sale via Buyable Pins. Another new offer, Instant Ideas, will pull customised images for an individual’s homepage based on their own likes.
Pinterest users can avail themselves of Instant Ideas and Shop the Look as of now with Lens set to be made available over the coming weeks.
Pinterest first allowed users to search with images in November 2015.