Tag Archives: Google

Visual Search Apps Offering Real Life Solutions

18th May 2011

If you know anything about me, you might know that I’m obsessed with anything Google and that that company pretty much runs my life. A few updates to two of my favorite Google apps are now making my life on the go easier as well.

The Google Shopper app, similar to other apps on the Market such as the Amazon app allows users to easily compare product prices and make simplified purchasing decisions in-aisle. I found myself using this app often while Christmas shopping this past year, comparing product reviews, prices, etc. all while in store.

Google Shopper app now allows users to employ visual search to identify products. By scanning a barcode, or even the product itself, users are given information such as price, reviews and places to buy. After a recent scan of a DVD, I was even more impressed to see a link to a YouTube trailer of the movie right in the interface. Shopping made simple.

Not to leave visual search to shopping, the Google Goggles app has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. The basic premise is to perform a Google search through a photo scan. Examples of items that work best include products, logos and even paintings hanging in a museum. However, the most recent update to this app really catches my heart, translation. Simply scan any foreign text and the app will utilize Google Translate to give feedback into the desired language.

Though I don’t use these visual search apps as often as I should, this could be the next step to connecting our digital and real world experiences. As much as I love QR codes, I would much rather like to scan a photo, ad or product directly to be rewarded than scan a group of boxes. What do you think? Have you been satisfied with the accuracy of visual search apps so far? Do you think apps like these could ultimately replace our use of QR codes?

PS…if these examples didn’t win you over, this one from a few months back should do the trick. Yes, visual search can solve “real life” problems as well.

Make donations by browsing the web in Chrome

15th December 2010

Google has launched another great holiday idea: Chome for a Cause.

A simple extension to your Chome browser, the add-on prompts Google to donate to five distinct charities each time a new tab is opened. At the end of each day, users will be able to pick which charity they would like to donate to. Users can submit up to 250 tabs per day with a max of $1,000,000 to be donated by Google upon completion of the promotion.

Check it out, as the promotion is only good December 15-19. Who says the holidays are too tight to help someone else this holiday season?

How Goo.gl is Changing the Game of Characters with QR Codes

4th October 2010

Earlier today, Google released a new site for the Goo.gl URL shortner, and although the actual shrotner has been around since last December, there are a few updates to pay attention to and take advantage of:

1. Extensions for Chrome and Firefox making sharing even easier. not officially designed by Google, but great add-ons that feature social integration.

2. Analytics within your Google Account. I’ve blogged before how simple Google makes my life, and I love how the URL analytics are tagged with your personal account keeping all of your data in one place. It should be really interesting to see how they add to this tool in coming months.

And my favorite addition brought to my attention by a friend of mine…

3. QR code availability. This may be by far the coolest feature I have seen. Simply adding “.qr” to the end of any code automatically translates the code into a QR barcode for you. See this example with my blog below:

As characters become prized realty, shorteners have become increasingly vital. It’s also important to note however, that they have not been without spam and virus issues. Do you think these features and the Google brand will help to launch it as a shortener of choice over ever popular bit.ly? What about for brand and client use?

Share your thoughts (and links) in the comments.