Google Goggles
We all know that Google makes some of the coolest "apps," both for web and mobile use. Let us introduce you to Google Goggles, an app that lets you perform internet searches without ever typing a single letter. Simply snap a picture of something that's difficult to put in words, and Google will return search results based on the image.
Google provides the following tip:
"Google Goggles works better with certain types of queries. Try taking pictures of books & DVDs, landmarks, barcodes & QR codes, logos, contact info, artwork, businesses, products, or text; it can recognize up to three items at a time. Currently, it's not so good when taking pictures of animals, plants, cars, furniture, or apparel."
You can use it for practical and/or fun purposes like
- take a picture of a menu at a fancy French restaurant and translate it into English.
- take a picture of a cool bridge while you're traveling and discover that it's really the Golden Gate Bridge and it was built in 1937.
- take a picture of the cover of a book your friend's been reading and find critics' reviews and the best online price.
- take a picture of a business card and get instant links to send an email to or dial the person/business on the card.
- take a picture of a painting you like in a museum, discover the title and the artist, and find out where you can buy a print.
- take a picture of a company's logo and find the link to its website.
It's easy to see that this app is very useful and also qualifies as "really, really cool."
Visit the Google Goggles Website to have the app sent (free!) straight to your Android phone or iPhone.
