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Zugara has launched the Webcam Social Shopper, an app that weds Augmented Reality and Motion Capture technology to yield a private and virtual "trying-on" experiences for retail shoppers — which can then put items in their shopping carts.
E-retailers that implement the Zugara app can encourage clients to use it without downloading extra software; all they need is a printer and a webcam.
To virtually try clothes on, a user must print out a Zugara "marker" and hold it in front of them while standing in front of their webcams. This indicates their size relative to the retailer's wares. Once the the Webcam Social Shopper processes this information, a virtual piece of clothing will appear over their bodies, enabling them to see how it looks when they "wear" it.
Motion capture technology means users do not have to use a keyboard or mouse to toggle between different clothes or sizes. A series of virtual buttons for accomplishing these tasks appear around the user; when a hand moves toward them, they are capable of changing clothing style, color, size or putting an item in the shopping cart, among other tasks.
Zugara says community features, such as live chat or snapshot-sharing across other social networks, can also be implemented.
The application is currently in Alpha. Clients interested in testing the Webcam Social Shopper can email Zugara: ar [at] zugara [dot] com.
Last month, the US Postal Service launched the Virtual Box Simulator, which uses Augmented Reality technology to help people virtually decide which boxes are most appropriate for sending various items.
