Google has unveiled Google Goggles, a visual search application for Android devices that allows users to search with a picture instead of words. When you take a picture of an object with the camera on your phone, Google attempts to recognize the item, and returns relevant search results.
Google Goggles works by attempting to match portions of a picture against its database of images. When a match is found, it returns search terms that are relevant to the matched image. Goggles currently recognizes tens of millions of objects, including places, famous works of art, and logos. For places, the user doesnt even need to take a picture. Just open Google Goggles and hold your phone in front of the place you're interested in, then using the devices GPS and compass, Goggles will recognise what that place is and display its name on the camera viewfinder. You can then tap the business name to get more info on it.
Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words, says Google Goggles Product Manager, Shailesh Nalawadi. For many search queries, using an image to search is easier and more useful than text alone, especially on a mobile. Computer vision technology is still in its infancy, but Goggles demonstrates its potential. We are hard at work extending our recognition capabilities. You can imagine a future where visual searching is as natural as pointing your finger.
Google Goggles is available as a free downloadable application in Android Market. It is currently available in English around the world.