14 DAY TRIAL // Google Goggles is one of Android's hidden gems. Granted, it's hidden since it doesn't always work as it's supposed to, but when it does, it's pretty impressive, sometimes even magical. You'll be glad to hear then that it's gotten better.
The latest update to what is essentially a search tool brings better recognition, of course, but also a couple of new features.
"We’ve made an update to Google Goggles for Android. In particular, it's now easier for you to use the app to shop and discover products that are right for you," Google announced on its Google+ profile page, which, incidentally, is sporting one of them new fangled vanity URLs, plus.google.com/+google.
"Improved recognition of products. We’ve increased our coverage of products and barcodes that Goggles recognizes, with a focus on international products and barcodes. Give it a whirl while you’re traveling," it said.
One new feature in Goggles is the ability to search for similar products. Even if the app can't find an exact match of what you're shooting, it can steer you in the right direction. You can use the app to browse for what you're looking for, by category, brands and so on.
This probably has to do with some of the visual recognition technology Google acquired a couple of years back, part of the Like.com brand, since the emphasis seems to be on products, more specifically, clothes, shoes and so on.
Finally, the Goggles app is better integrated with the Android camera app. That's a smart move as it's probably going to push people to use the app more, as long as they have it installed of course.
"Turn on Goggles with one click within your Android Camera app. As you go about your life taking photos, Google will provide you with relevant information on the things you’ve photographed. It’s a great way to learn more about what you see around you, especially when traveling," Google explains.