eBay Rolls Out New Mobile Apps Focused On Discovery And Personalized Experiences

Online marketplace eBay rolled out a series of changes to its mobile experience across both the mobile web and its native applications today, including its apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows 8. The new apps are now sporting a redesigned look-and-feel, which includes larger images and personalized feeds, while also delivering new features, like the iPad’s in-store pickup option designed for local shopping.

The iPhone, Android and Windows 8 updates are out today, says eBay, and the iPad and mobile web updates will arrive “soon.” (Update: the iPad app is now live.)

Explains the company in detailing the news, the updates are meant to “enhance customer engagement and inspiration,” while also making things more “streamlined and intuitive” for consumers.

iPhone And iPad

iPhone_Home Page 1On iOS, version 3.3 of the eBay application is focused on improving performance by allowing for faster browsing, along with other changes to make buying and selling easier. For instance, on iPhone, product images are now larger, you can search for sellers, and on both platforms, there have been changes that make relisting and pricing items easier, too.

But more importantly, the iPhone app’s homescreen now defaults to the “Feed,” which is a personalized stream of items that you like or want.

Frankly, it has a very Pinterest-like feel to it, thanks to the bigger images, and the layout which is reminiscent of Pinterest’s pinboard style, where photo thumbnails dominate. eBay is also tapping into this idea of showcasing your “interests,” which it derives from things you’ve searched for and saved on the service. The feed was announced last year, and can be customized by adding interests and trends.

However, the iPhone’s updated homescreen doesn’t just feature your personalized suggestions – it also includes a section for items you’ve recently viewed, those you’re watching, eBay deals and other items. There’s even a small ad for eBay-owned PayPal on this screen, and at the bottom, a suite of options for setting reminders, checking messages, accessing saved searches and more.

On iPad, the most notable change is the addition of an in-store pickup feature, designed for local shopping. This lets you purchase items from eBay partner retailers, then pick up at the store in order to save on shipping. This is also integrated with Passbook, offering easy access to things like store location, directions, hours and your order number.

Currently, eBay partners with Best Buy, Toys “R” Us and AutoZone. In-store pick-up is available in approximately 12,000 zip codes in the U.S. (every major and minor metro area included) in addition to all regions in the U.K.

Android

Android_DealsOn Android, eBay has added active notifications for bid or buy actions, an option to donate to charities at checkout with Giving Works, and similar selling enhancements as on iPhone, plus improved search and personalization options.

The app is also tablet optimized for both 7″ and 10″ screens.

Windows And Mobile Web

Finally, the Windows 8 update offers a new Home Screen which includes the personalized Feed as on iPhone, daily deals and more. Selling and search have been improved, and images are larger here, too.

Elsewhere, on the mobile web, users will now be able to list items for sale, respond to Best Offers, and browse Daily Deals by category. The website, too, also features the home page redesign with the eBay Feed.