Lush, the cosmetics store, is making shopping easier and faster by using artificial intelligence (AI) from Google Cloud. They have added a special camera system to their checkout tills (cash registers) that can quickly recognize products, even those without packaging or barcodes. How Does It Work? AI Scanning - Instead of typing in product names or searching for barcodes, staff can now hold up any Lush product to a camera at the till. The AI instantly recognizes the item and adds it to your bill. Big Image Library - The system uses a huge collection of over half a million product photos stored in Google Cloud. This helps the AI know exactly what each product is, even if it looks similar to others. Lush Lens App - This technology started as a feature in the Lush Lens app, which lets customers scan products with their phones to learn more about them. Now, it’s built right into the store’s checkout system 2 . Why Is This Better? Faster Checkout - Befo...
What is planned Obsolescence in the tech world? Planned obsolescence refers to the practice of intentionally designing and producing products with a limited lifespan or functionality, with the aim of encouraging consumers to purchase new replacements. It is a strategy employed by manufacturers to ensure a continuous demand for their products and maintain a steady stream of revenue. There are various ways in which planned obsolescence can be implemented: Functional Obsolescence: Products are deliberately designed with components or materials that have a limited lifespan. This can include using low-quality parts, weak materials, or employing techniques that cause premature wear and tear, ultimately leading to the product's failure or decreased performance. Technological Obsolescence: This occurs when manufacturers introduce new technologies or features that make older products appea...