Is it just me, or does Google have its hand in everything cool these days? I’ve already reported on Liquid Galaxy, and now Google Goggles.
What is Google Goggles? Simply put, it is a way of searching for information about something using only a photo. For example, let’s say you are at the bookstore, and you want to know more info on a certain book. Just take a picture of the book with your Mobile device, and it’s like you entered the precise title into a Google Search. From there, you can even order the book on Amazon.
There’s a video of it in action after the jump, but you will have to ignore the really poor animation of the creators. Instead, enjoy how Google Goggles works awesomely with business cards, and can identify paintings.
As for buildings and businesses, Google Goggles uses the GPS rather than a photo search, but the search is good on landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge. It cannot do food, cars, or animals, but they say the tech is getting better and it can even suggest moves in a chess game.
I personally think that technology like this is pretty amazing, and I think it is a sign that our mobiles can actually help us get smarter.
If you want to get in on these Google Goggles, it is available at the Android app store now.