Tesco becomes first UK retailer to launch a Google Glass enabled shopping app

Tesco has become the first UK retailer to launch a Google Glass enabled service within its shopping app.

Developed by Tesco Labs, the Tesco Grocery Glassware lets customers browse goods, view nutritional information and add items to their shopping basket hands-free.

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In its first foray into providing services for customers using wearable technology, Tesco said it had intentionally kept the functionality of the app simple as it considers the consumer response to wearables and the likelihood of increased demand.

Pablo Coberly, innovation engineer at Tesco Labs, said:  “At Tesco we want to ensure we have the means in place to allow customers to shop whenever, however they want which is why we’re testing the possibilities of customers topping up their online basket with Glass.”

The Tesco Grocery Glassware works alongside customers Tesco.com grocery accounts, automatically adding products to the customer’s online basket for them to then review and order by computer, tablet or mobile.

Coberly added: “We don’t envisage Glass becoming the new platform for shopping as its functionality is different, and more immediate. Instead, it compliments other devices and integrates shopping into everyday life because products can be ordered or added as and when customers realise they need replacing.”