Google Goggles lets you search from your phone via photos. All you do is snap a photo of what ever it is that you want more info on, and you are hit with all kinds of useful information. At launch, Google Goggles works for: barcodes, businesses, products, books, DVDs, landmarks, logos, contact info, and text.
This app is surprisingly accurate, and the information is displayed in a really helpful way. When snapping a photo of a book or DVD, you get price comparisons, reviews, and even samples of text. Below this is the traditional Google search results that you know and love.
It even works on obscure items. JR Raphael of eSarcasm tested it out on a protein supplement, random works of art, and wine bottles, all with pretty good results (the wine bottles brought back a few failed entries).
Goggles doesn't do so hot on cars, animals, plants and food, but Google says that they are only scratching the surface on what Google Goggles is capable of.
But how does it work?
PC World gave a great and simple explaination of how this amazing new app works.
Here's how it works: When you capture an image, Google breaks it down into object-based signatures. It then compares those signatures against every item it can find in its image database. Within seconds, it returns the results to you, ordered by rank. Some results are returned before you even snap a photo, too, thanks to seamless integration of GPS and compass functionality.This type of app will undoubtably move to the iPhone and other smartphones, and will become more capable and more integrated in everyday life.
Has anyone gotten a chance to try this out yet? What do you think?
Jered is the senior editor of The Everythingist. Contact Jered: Email
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