Android
Google Goggles: visual search and augmented reality app for Android
December 7, 2009 | by Andrew Kameka
Google Android, Travel
Google has made two announcements today that will add on to it’s already extensive presence in mobile search. Android users can now “Search by Sight” with Google Goggles, a visual search option for Android. Simply snap a photo of a book, landmark, business card, barcode, or artwork, and the app will return Google search results for that item. Google Goggles even includes an augmented reality element for local businesses. When the app is launched facing a business front, GPS and compass technology helps reveal a store name. Tap the name to see more.
UPDATE: THIS APP WORKS ONLY ON ANDROID 1.6 OR HIGHER, SO HERO AND OTHER CUPCAKE PHONES CANNOT USE IT.
Google Goggles is an app that performs Google queries based on images rather than entered text. It will not always perform well on cars, animals, plants, or appeal, but it’s a strong entrance. I’m surprised that this is available because just yesterday I was responding to someone wondering if there was an Android app that could provide a tour guide to an area or contextual information about items in an art gallery. Less than 24 hours later, here’s Google adding yet another layer to its search portfolio.
Google also announced “What’s Nearby” for Google Maps on Android 1.6 or higher. Update the Maps app in the Android Market and you will be able to take advantage of the new feature.
To use the feature just long press anywhere on the map, and we’ll return a list of the 10 closest places, including restaurants, shops and other points of interest. It’s a simple answer to a simple question, finally. (And if you visit google.com from your iPhone or Android device in a few weeks, clicking “Near me now” will deliver the same experience [video].)
Of course our future plans include more than just nearby places. In the new year we’ll begin showing local product inventory in search results [video]; and Google Suggest will even include location-specific search terms [video]. All thanks to powerful, Internet-enabled mobile devices.
This is crazy…tested goggles and it works so nicely with my crappy g1 camera…amazing job!
where can i download goggle?
it's in the Android Market. I posted a QR code and link at the end of the article.
it doesn't come up (in the app market) on my sprint htc hero:(
I'm looking for it on a Sprint Hero but can't find it in the market. Is this for 1.6 and up only?
Unfortunately, it's 1.6+ only
Is this not in the sprint HTC Hero Marketplace, becuase my OS is 1.6, and i can not find it for the life of me, i want it so bad.
My recent post Free Video Player Png Source
Sorry for posting a link to my site, wicked shameless. I am not used to your commenting system.
I think its funny ha ha wish it would have actually happen now that would be something to talk about..
Amazing job, so goggle will help people to find a place more easily, maybe in the future, we can search something according to our voice.
Just the other day I wanted a visual search on a piece of art. I can't wait to try this app. Unfortunately I'm still waiting for an 1.6+ update on my Behold II.
I have tried this on the AT&T Captivate and most of the time errors out on me. I can recognize most text, but when I do a barcode, even a QR code, it errors out.
i can't get the goggle in my hct evo. how come?