The way we shop is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. From 3D product displays to augmented reality (AR) experiences, immersive technologies are no longer futuristic concepts—they’re becoming part of our everyday lives. With major players like Huawei and JD.com accelerating their investments in mixed reality (MR) and AR-powered tools, 3D shopping is evolving from novelty to necessity.
Thanks to rapid advancements in AI technology, users can now explore products in 360° detail without needing special headsets or glasses. Apps like JD.com and Dewu already support immersive 3D product viewing, allowing consumers to examine items from every angle—right from their smartphones. Meanwhile, at the recent Huawei Developer Conference 2025 (HDC 2025), Huawei unveiled significant upgrades to its AR Engine, introducing features like depth estimation, high-precision geometric reconstruction, and AR object placement. These innovations are making virtual and real worlds blend more seamlessly than ever before.
As enterprise adoption grows, we’re stepping closer to a fully spatial shopping experience—one where digital and physical environments coexist to enhance consumer decision-making.
Huawei’s AR Engine: Making Virtual Meets Real More Practical
Huawei’s latest enhancements to its AR Engine aren’t just about flashy tech—they’re solving real-world problems in daily shopping and home planning. By integrating depth estimation, object recognition, and spatial measurement, the platform enables practical applications across logistics, e-commerce, and home improvement.
1. Huolala: AR-Based Vehicle Selection for Moving
Moving furniture? One of the most common frustrations is misjudging size—either bringing a truck too small or wasting money on one too large. Huawei’s new depth estimation capability uses smartphone cameras to capture real-time depth data of surrounding environments. This allows users to accurately measure object dimensions and calculate volume, directly addressing this logistical challenge.
By understanding spatial depth, the system can estimate the volume of furniture or appliances, helping users choose the right-sized vehicle on platforms like Huolala—without guesswork.
👉 Discover how next-gen AR tools are transforming everyday tasks.
2. JD.com: AR Placement for Built-in Appliances
“Built-in” appliances—like ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators—are redefining modern kitchen aesthetics with sleek, flush installations. But achieving that perfect fit requires precise measurements. A mismatch between appliance and cabinet dimensions leads to unsightly gaps or protrusions.
Huawei’s high-precision geometric reconstruction solves this by identifying cubic spaces within rooms, calculating exact length, width, height, and volume. When integrated into JD.com’s app, this feature allows users to virtually place appliances into their kitchen layout before purchasing—ensuring compatibility and reducing return rates caused by sizing errors.
This level of accuracy transforms online shopping from risky guesswork into confident decision-making.
3. Huawei AR Measurement: Beyond Distance—Full Volume Analysis
While similar to Apple’s Measure app, Huawei’s AR measurement tool goes further. It supports multiple modes including single-point distance, two-point distance, height, angle, area, and full volume measurement. Whether you're checking ceiling height or verifying if a sofa fits through a doorway, the tool delivers reliable spatial insights.
For consumers and professionals alike, this means faster planning, fewer mistakes, and smarter purchases—all powered by smartphone AR.
The Rise of Immersive E-Commerce: A New Shopping Era Is Here
It’s not just Huawei driving change. Across the industry, companies are embracing 3D shopping experiences to meet rising consumer expectations.
Recall Taobao’s launch on Apple Vision Pro—an immersive showcase that let users view products at 1:1 scale in virtual space. Shoppers could rotate items, inspect textures, and even simulate placement in their homes. The experience was so innovative it earned a nomination for the 2025 Apple Design Awards.
Yet despite its brilliance, widespread adoption remains limited due to high hardware costs, low headset penetration, and a lack of 3D product assets across retailers.
That’s why many companies are focusing on glasses-free solutions—leveraging smartphones as accessible AR gateways.
JD.com made waves during its 2025 618 Shopping Festival with a suite of 3D innovations:
- "JD Lying Ying" – Glasses-free 3D ads
- "Li Ying - Beautiful Home" – AI-powered 3D interior design tool
- "Li Ying - 3D Live Streaming" – Interactive live commerce with 3D models
These tools enable users to visualize furniture in their living rooms or try out fashion items—all without additional devices. Already applied across electronics, home appliances, fashion, and groceries, these features are setting a new standard for immersive retail.
Meanwhile, global brands like IKEA, Amazon, Snapchat, and Sam’s Club are also investing heavily in AR try-ons and 3D visualization. According to Amazon’s research, 80% of users felt more confident in their purchase decisions after using AR tools.
👉 See how immersive tech is reshaping digital experiences today.
AI Meets XR: The Future of Smart Shopping
The fusion of artificial intelligence and extended reality (XR) is creating smarter, more intuitive shopping journeys.
In May 2025, OpenAI introduced shopping functionality to ChatGPT Search, enabling natural-language interactions for product discovery. Users can now ask questions like “Find me eco-friendly sneakers under $100,” and receive personalized recommendations complete with images, reviews, and direct purchase links—all within the chat interface.
What makes it powerful? The AI remembers user preferences and refines future suggestions accordingly.
Amazon has also been testing an AI assistant called “Buy for Me,” while Google and Perplexity have demonstrated AI agents capable of browsing websites and completing purchases autonomously. These developments signal a shift toward AI-driven commerce, where assistants don’t just recommend—they act.
This convergence of AI and XR isn’t just convenient; it’s addressing core pain points in e-commerce:
- High return rates due to inaccurate sizing
- Mismatched expectations about product appearance
- Difficulty visualizing items in real environments
With 3D product modeling and virtual try-ons, shoppers gain confidence. Retailers benefit from reduced returns and increased conversion rates.
Consumer Readiness: Why Gen Z Embraces Immersive Shopping
Adoption isn’t just top-down—it’s demand-driven. A report by Infinite Reality found that 66% of consumers are ready to engage with immersive shopping experiences, with interest rising to 72% among young adults and 80% among gamers.
Younger generations—especially Gen Z—expect seamless digital experiences. They want:
- Fast comparison across retailers
- Ability to test products virtually
- Support for digital wallets and alternative payment methods
- Engagement with brands through interactive content
They’re also more open to purchasing digital goods or using cryptocurrencies—trends that align perfectly with the infrastructure being built for immersive commerce.
And because they often spend days comparing options before buying, immersive tools save time by consolidating inspection, customization, and simulation into one intuitive flow.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite progress, challenges remain:
- Not all products have high-quality 3D models
- AR accuracy varies across devices
- User education is still needed for mass adoption
- Standardization across platforms is lacking
However, as AI automates 3D model generation and cloud rendering improves accessibility, these barriers will diminish.
Retailers who invest now in 3D visualization, AR integration, and AI personalization will lead the next wave of e-commerce innovation.
👉 Explore the future of digital interaction powered by cutting-edge technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is MR shopping?
A: Mixed Reality (MR) shopping blends physical and digital elements, allowing users to interact with virtual products in real-world environments using AR/VR devices or smartphones.
Q: Do I need special glasses for 3D shopping?
A: Not necessarily. Many platforms like JD.com and Dewu offer glasses-free 3D viewing using only your smartphone’s camera and screen.
Q: How does AR improve online shopping?
A: AR helps visualize product size, fit, and appearance in real spaces—reducing uncertainty and lowering return rates.
Q: Can AI really help me shop better?
A: Yes. AI-powered assistants understand your preferences, answer questions naturally, suggest relevant products, and even complete purchases on your behalf.
Q: Is 3D shopping only for electronics or furniture?
A: No. It’s expanding into fashion (virtual try-ons), beauty (AR makeup previews), groceries (3D packaging views), and more.
Q: Will 3D shopping replace traditional e-commerce?
A: Not replace—but enhance. It adds depth and interactivity to existing platforms, creating richer user experiences without eliminating conventional browsing.
The era of flat product images is fading. With Huawei advancing AR utility and JD.com rolling out accessible 3D experiences, immersive commerce is no longer a vision—it’s here. As AI and XR continue to converge, the future of shopping will be spatial, intelligent, and deeply personalized.