If you haven’t seen it yet, Google has an experimental application that extends search beyond texts.  Instead of typing what you’re looking for, the new Google Goggles let you find information using pictures.

Why would you want to search using images?  Say, you’re traveling and come across a statue with no idea of what it is.  In usual search mode, you’ll type up the best description you can come up with and hope you get a close match. With the new service, all you have to do is launch the app, snap a shot and let it come back with the results.
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As a source of unusual cellphone designs, Pantech has been nothing but consistent.  The same holds true with their latest messaging handset, the Pantech Impact.

Sporting a clamshell form factor that opens sideways, this is a phone that really has a style all its own. The outer face comes with a small 1.5-inch screen and impressive, touch-sensitive OLED controls that include a T9-style keypad with haptic feedback.  Once lit, the whole thing looks stunning.  You have limited menu access from the outer monochrome display, but you can do the basics, such as text and make calls.
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Nokia is screwed as far as smartphones are concerned.  Or so we thought.  The world number one Finnish company is making major moves towards being competitive in the upper end of the phone market, showing off a new and improved Symbian UI that might be just what the doctor ordered.

Most everyone has now made a jab at Nokia’s dated and undeniably-behind Symbian OS.  Finally,  it looks like they’re paying attention.  Instead of a patch-up job, they’re looking at providing a solution that’s geared for the long-term. Read the rest of this entry »