Last week Google launched their Favorite Places program where the top 100,000 local business were sent a window sticker with a QR code on it allowing passers by to scan the code and read details about the business on Google. Well very quickly after that, they have announced another product this time developing the area of visual search, and it’s amusingly called Google Goggles. (I would have been suspicious had this launched on April Fools Day)
Goggles is an application for Android powered mobile phones, and allows you to use the camera on your mobile handset to scan certain objects such as a book, or business card. Depending on what you are searching for a different result will occur. For example, scan a business card and the owners details will appear on your phone enabling you to add them as a contact, email them or simply dial their number.
Another realy nice feature of Goggles, and one I think is better than the QR codes in Favorite Places, is the apps ability to recognize business from the handsets GPS and compass devices. Stand in a street and point your phone at a restaurant and a little icon appears in the camera window that acts as a link to further info on Google. I say this is better than the QR codes, because using Goggles, you don’t have to walk up to a building to scan anything.
I’ve already been using Goggles and initially it seems to be very good. The test will be if you can find reviews on a small Spanish restaurant in a remote fishing town on the coast.
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