Google’s Doppl app creates virtual try-on videos from any outfit

Google has launched Doppl, an experimental AI app that creates virtual try-on videos by digitally placing users into outfits found across the web. The app represents a significant expansion of Google’s existing virtual try-on capabilities, allowing users to generate animated clips of themselves wearing clothes from any online source rather than just Google Shopping results.

How it works: Users upload a full-body photo of themselves along with a screenshot of any outfit they find online to generate AI-powered try-on experiences.

• The app requires a bright, well-lit photo of the user in a natural pose without a hat, plus any outfit image from sources like Pinterest or Instagram.
• Doppl first generates a still image of the user wearing the selected outfit, then offers animation options showing different poses like waving or peace signs.
• The entire process takes just a few minutes per outfit, with one tester trying on five different looks in about 10 minutes.

The big picture: This represents Google’s most ambitious virtual try-on tool yet, moving beyond its existing feature that only works with Google Shopping results to encompass clothing from any web source.

• Google’s previous virtual try-on feature, expanded earlier this year, was limited to specific clothing categories in search results.
• Doppl’s ability to animate the try-on experience and work with any online clothing image marks a notable technological leap forward.

Key limitations: Testing revealed several technical quirks that highlight the challenges of AI-generated fashion imagery.

• The app struggled with pants, often generating only the upper portion of jeans and wrapping fabric around calves like leg warmers.
• In one instance, when processing an image showing someone from the knees up, the AI generated convincing fake feet instead of shoes.
• Mirror selfies produced distorted results, making users appear significantly thinner with “bobblehead” proportions, though this issue didn’t occur with photos taken by others.

Built-in safeguards: Google has implemented content restrictions to prevent misuse of the technology.

• The app blocks uploads of revealing clothing like bikinis and won’t process images of public figures like President Donald Trump.
• These guardrails appear designed to prevent the creation of explicit or potentially harmful deepfake content.

What’s next: The app is currently available for download on both Android and iOS as Google continues testing and refinement of the technology.