• PC Magazine reports that Google has “launched Google Catalogs, a free tablet optimized app that aggregates shopping catalogs in a searchable, interactive format. Google Catalogs, which is currently only available on the iPad, lets you ‘subscribe’ to digital versions of print catalogs from dozens of retailers, including William Sonoma, L.L. Bean, Urban Outfitters, and Macy's. The app will provide alerts when new catalogs show up.
“Beyond that, you can search for products among all your catalogs, save products that catch your eye, and create collages to share with friends. You edit photos, choose backgrounds, and edit text; there's also the option to make it public for viewing by other app users. Google Catalogs also supports videos, like cooking demonstrations in the William Sonoma catalog. You can even tap to buy the product at the online store, or search for nearby store locations.”
The story does note that Google tried this before, without success ... but the speculation is that tablet and application technologies may make it more palatable this time around.
“Beyond that, you can search for products among all your catalogs, save products that catch your eye, and create collages to share with friends. You edit photos, choose backgrounds, and edit text; there's also the option to make it public for viewing by other app users. Google Catalogs also supports videos, like cooking demonstrations in the William Sonoma catalog. You can even tap to buy the product at the online store, or search for nearby store locations.”
The story does note that Google tried this before, without success ... but the speculation is that tablet and application technologies may make it more palatable this time around.
- KC's View:
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I just downloaded the Google Catalogs ap to my iPad, and it works pretty well.
Thought it occurs to me - not to beat a dead or dying horse - that this is yet another nail in the coffin of the US Postal Service.
