Google's ever-expanding array of search tools just continues to amaze us, and these two new services called Google Goggles and Favorite Places are no different. This time, Google is actually using our very own mobile phones as its all-seeing eyes.
Google Goggles
Goggles, as the name suggests, is a visual search tool that allows you to take a photo of virtually anything and have Google search for information about it on the Web. It's done instantaneously, much like an ordinary Web search, so much so that it could even be used for augmented reality.
As seen in the video, real-time info can be accessed by simply pointing your phone's camera at an establishment.
Goggles can be used to find nearly everything, but they do admit that the technology still isn't perfect. A few items like food and cars cannot be searched easily. In the future, however, they plan to make Goggles so sophisticated, it could be used to identify plants and even suggest chess moves. Spooky.
Favorite Places
QR codes are nothing new, but leave it to the search giant to use it for some vaguely twisted purpose, like cataloging businesses. Favorite Places works much like a sticker from an award/review body that's supposed to attract potential customers. But as you might have guessed, Google is tapping the power of the Web to give it a leg up.
From something as simple as taking a photo of the QR code, users will be given access to information about an establishment such as reviews and contact details. You'll even be allowed to write your own review on the place.
With this type of technology, the future is shaping up to be more and more Web-centric that we could have ever imagined. Wake up, sheeple! Google is turning us all into search lackeys!
Via Gizmodo and the Official Google Blog