How does iPhone Visual Intelligence help with instant price comparisons in stores?iPhone Visual Intelligence allows shoppers in Sydney to point their camera at products for quick visual searches, finding similar items online (via Google or supported apps like Etsy) and viewing potential shopping options. While not a dedicated instant price comparison across all retailers, it enables fast checks for availability and similar products during holiday shopping, helping reduce impulse buys in busy Sydney stores.What is Visual Intelligence on the iPhone?Visual Intelligence is an on-device artificial intelligence feature part of Apple Intelligence, available on compatible iPhones (such as iPhone 15 Pro models and iPhone 16 series). It uses the camera to identify objects, places, text, plants, animals, and more, providing information, translations, or search options in real time.Real-Time Product Recognition: Identifies objects and allows visual searches for similar items.Search Integration: Connects to Google or apps for finding products or information.Privacy-First Processing: Much of the processing happens on-device.Contextual Actions: Can add events to Calendar, translate text, or query ChatGPT for details.How are Sydney shoppers using Visual Intelligence during holiday sales?Sydney shoppers are using Visual Intelligence to quickly identify and research items in stores, especially useful in crowded centres like the CBD during Christmas and Boxing Day sales. It helps with spotting deals, identifying products, or getting ideas for gifts by visually searching for alternatives or details.Electronics Retail: Pointing at devices to find reviews or similar options.Home and Lifestyle Shopping: Checking product details or alternatives for décor and appliances.Gift Purchasing: Searching for similar gift items or verifying ideas.Local Retail Comparison: Finding online matches to compare with in-store prices indirectly.Does Visual Intelligence replace price comparison apps?Visual Intelligence complements rather than fully replaces traditional price comparison apps. It offers a quicker, camera-based entry point for visual searches, but relies on integrations like Google for results, without built-in aggregated pricing from multiple retailers.Key differences include:Input Method: Visual Intelligence uses a camera point or screenshot, while traditional price apps require manual search or barcode scanning.Speed: Visual Intelligence is very fast, compared to quick but typing-required for traditional apps.Context Awareness: Visual Intelligence has high visual context awareness, while traditional apps depend on input quality.In-Store Optimised: Visual Intelligence is designed for in-store use, whereas traditional apps vary.Privacy Model: Visual Intelligence emphasises on-device processing, while traditional apps are often cloud-based.What does this mean for retailers in NSW?With tools like Visual Intelligence making visual searches easier, NSW retailers face increased transparency as shoppers can quickly find alternatives online. This puts more emphasis on competitive pricing, unique in-store experiences, and accurate stock during peak seasons.Reduced Price Opacity: Easier for customers to spot better deals elsewhere.More Pressure on Promotions: Genuine discounts stand out more.Greater Emphasis on Service: Personal touch becomes key differentiator.Higher Need for Stock Accuracy: Mismatches can frustrate tech-savvy shoppers.Why does this matter for commercial decision-makers in Sydney?Technology like Visual Intelligence highlights how AI influences shopper behaviour, potentially affecting foot traffic in physical retail spaces. Commercial property managers need to consider tech-enabled experiences in fit-outs and tenancy mixes across Sydney.Elyment Property Services monitors these trends as they impact retail performance and property decisions in NSW.What are the key takeaways for Sydney consumers and businesses?Shopping is becoming visual and AI-assisted: Quick camera-based searches speed up decisions.Pricing transparency is increasing: Easier access to alternatives online.Physical retail must justify presence beyond price: Focus on experience and service.On-device AI improves convenience: Faster, private ways to research products.Follow updates from @ElymentGroup or visit elyment.com.au for more NSW-based insights into how technology trends impact retail and commercial property decisions.Explore Smarter Property Decisions