Ebay uses augmented reality in app to make packing easier

E-Bay lets users use augmented reality to recognise which box fits. However, the new feature is only available in the USA for the time being.

The question of the right packaging is often a problem for Ebay sellers. With a new feature in its Android app, the trading platform is now offering a solution. Using augmented reality (AR), users can virtually pack items into different boxes in order to find the right size. However, only US sellers will benefit from this for the time being, as the Ebay app specifically compares the fixed-price shipping boxes from USPS.

Virtual one-boxing

With this new feature, eBay is utilising Google's ARCore platform, which was announced in summer 2017 and is intended for the development of AR applications for Android. "By combining Google's ARCore platform with world-class AR technology developed at eBay, we're making the selling experience even more seamless," says James Meeks, Head of Mobile at Ebay, in the company blog. This is an example of how the company's innovations help sellers to save time.

To use the feature, an Ebay seller points the smartphone camera at an item and selects the app's AR feature. This uses motion tracking and an understanding of the real environment to display virtual boxes. The selection includes the flat-rate boxes from USPS. In many cases, these are the cheapest shipping option for US sellers. However, it is also clear that Ebay's AR feature will only really benefit users in the USA for the time being.

Source: Advertising Week