eBay Inc., a global commerce leader that connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, today announced it is piloting a new 3D true view technology in collaboration with Unity, the world’s leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D (RT3D) content. One of the first of its kind in ecommerce, this technology enables sellers to showcase the actual item they are selling with a proprietary, interactive, 360-degree view. Beginning with select sneaker sellers this month, this experience will help buyers shop with confidence by presenting a virtual representation of the item viewable from every possible angle and in true-to-life detail, which is particularly important when purchasing unique, pre-owned or high value goods.
The launch of eBay’s 3D true view technology is the latest example of how eBay is committed to being the partner of choice to sellers and building trusted relationships with its buyers through a tech-led reimagination to enhance the customer experience.
Powered by Artificial Intelligence
eBay’s 3D true view technology will allow sellers to capture a rich visual experience of their items, highlighting the quality and providing buyers with an accurate representation of any details or defects. Using a proprietary app, sellers can scan the object with their mobile device, taking video from multiple angles. The data captured in this process is then uploaded to the cloud and processed using AI methodology to create a photorealistic 3D image of the exact item.
“We are among the first in the resale market to bring this level of visualization detail and ease-of-use to consumers, and we believe it will be a game changer for our sellers and buyers,” said Nitzan Mekel-Bobrov, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at eBay. “For sellers, this feature will unlock new opportunities to showcase their items in true-to-life detail. For buyers, this experience will allow them to examine the actual item they’re looking to buy from every possible angle, as if holding it in their hands, from the stitching to the sole to the quality of the material and everything in between.”
"Leveraging real-time 3D technology enables sneaker sellers on eBay to create digital twins of their inventory, while giving buyers the chance to interact with a potential purchase first-hand and in a more compelling way than traditional static 2D images," said Dave Rhodes, Senior Vice President of Digital Twin, Unity. "We believe that the use of digital twins in eCommerce represents the next generation of shopping experience and provides a competitive edge for sellers and retailers."
eBay’s 3D true view technology is currently available to select sneaker sellers in the U.S., and the company plans to expand the tool to additional sellers in 2022. Sneaker sellers who are interested in leveraging the tool can sign up for the waitlist here. Buyers can check out 3D true view for select sneaker listings on the eBay app for iOS and Android.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the future events and future performance of the company and reflects, among other things, eBay’s expectation regarding the anticipated benefits of the company’s collaboration with Unity to launch eBay’s new 3D true view technology.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: changes in political, business and economic conditions, any regional or general economic downturn or crisis and any conditions that affect ecommerce growth or cross-border trade; the timing and possible outcome of this initiative; and the possibility that it may take the company longer than expected to fully realize any anticipated benefits of the initiative, and those benefits may ultimately be smaller than anticipated or may not be realized at all.
More information about factors that could affect the company's operating results is included under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by visiting the company's Investor Relations website at https://investors.ebayinc.com or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. All information in this release is as of December 6, 2021. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which are based on information available to the company on the date hereof. The company assumes no obligation to update such statements.