The program, which runs iOS 4.0 or higher, allows consumers to learn about products they’re considering buying, as well as read reviews of those products. It also lets shoppers compare prices for an item both online and at local brick-and-mortar stores. What’s more, information about products can be shared or saved for future reevaluation.
When searching for items at nearby retailers, the app sometimes can provide you with inventory information that will reveal whether the item is in stock, where it’s in stock or if it has been sold out.
If you’re on the fence about buying a product, you can “star” it for future consideration or if it’s a deal that has stoked your enthusiasm, you can trumpet the item to your friends on your social networks.
Initial release of the iPhone app is limited to English speakers in the United States and United Kingdom.
According to Google, 2.5 million copies of the Android version of the shopping app were downloaded during its first nine months on the market.
Although there are other shopping apps available, none have the flexibility or breadth of data behind them that Google’s software has, Greg Sterling noted at Search Engine Watch.