Back in 2006, we unveiled Google Vision, an academic prototype with limitless potential for mobile exploration via their sophisticated search engine. This device never went into production, but the basic concept is that the wireless device can recognize and instantly explain anything the user lines up in the display window. Such a gadget would amplify the amount of digital information held on our physical surroundings, and potentially simplify tasks such as choosing a restaurant in a foreign city, or figuring out the background information on a public art display.
More recently, French designer Petitinvention dreamed up a similar concept that’s being called “Looking Glass“. In addition to recognition of people, places and things, Looking Glass can read and translate printed media. Hence if you want to know more about a word in a book or magazine, you can frame it up and touch the word for instant access to any number of learning aids e.g. dictionary, thesaurus or reference database. Seeing as it has a camera and the ability to connect to the Internet wirelessly, the only thing the designer left out is a microphone and speakers, which would enable it to replace your cell phone. Even if Looking Glass is a flop, the concept is one that big name manufacturers are going to rip off and repackage for our future enjoyment.
