eBay recently introduced a new feature that uses computer vision technology to make sellers’ listing photos easier on the eyes and more effective in Google Shopping for both Android and iOS platforms. The feature removes the background of a seller’s listing photo and replaces it with a white background, optimises listings for Google Shopping.
eBay is an open marketplace where sellers can take their own photos and post them to the platform. Millions of consumer-to-consumer (C2C) and small business sellers may not be able to use a professional photographer or have time for photo-editing software.eBay recently introduced a new feature that uses computer vision technology to make sellers' listing photos easier on the eyes and more effective in Google Shopping for both Android and iOS platforms. The feature removes the background of a selle's listing photo and replaces it with a white background, optimises listings for Google Shopping.#
Because of that, not all inventory is listed and photographed with optimal lighting or a clean white background. The resulting background—often clutter on a kitchen table, closet door or store shelf—creates noise and affects results when a buyer shops using Image Search to find an item.
Sellers can easily use the new feature by going into the Sell flow from their mobile device. After they take or upload their photos within the eBay listing flow on their Android or iOS device, the seller can leverage the background removal tool to make a first pass at adding the white background for any of their photos. The seller can also touch up any missing areas or use the photo as is, according to an eBay press release.
eBay’s computer vision algorithm completely processes the photo, using the processor on one’s mobile phone to separate the foreground from the background clutter.
The idea for Image Cleanup was conceived during eBay’s Hack Week, an annual company-wide competition challenging its technologists to innovate and re-imagine the e-commerce experience. Leveraging the latest advances in computer vision and artificial intelligence, the company continues to work on additional features that will make its users’ lives easier.
The feature is now rolling out in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia and will be rolling out to all other regions in the next month.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)