Tech
Facebook acquires AI Shopping Startup
Facebook has acquired GrokStyle, an artificial intelligence startup that helps users shop for furniture.
GrokStyle is a visual shopping app that was used by the likes of IKEA to help consumers find, explore, and decide on purchases.
A user takes a picture of a piece of furniture and the technology would match it to similar products that could be purchased online. In practice, the computer vision app matches user’s furniture photos to online products that they could then go and buy.
GrokStyle’s technology makes sense for Facebook Marketplace, the company’s service for buying and selling items from other Facebook users on its social network.
Read also: Apple involved in another user privacy mess
“We are excited to welcome GrokStyle to Facebook,” Facebook said. “Their team and technology will contribute to our AI capabilities.”
On its website, GrokStyle said it is “winding down” its business, but that it is “moving on as a team” along with its technology.
Facebook has acquired several AI startups over the last few years including London AI outfit Bloomsbury AI. Earlier this month, Facebook bought the team behind blockchain technology company Chainspace for an undisclosed sum.
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