Google Goggles Helps You Cheat at Sodoku

10.01.2011
is a pretty awesome app, allowing you to simply point your phone at something--anything, really--and Google will try to figure out what it is. This can be quite handy if you can't think of how to explain something in words, like a building, a magazine ad, or even a puzzle.

The latest version of Google Goggles for Android got a speed boost for its barcode scanner, allowing it to scan barcodes almost instantly. Also, all versions can now recognize ads in established magazines and newspapers and Google says that you can scan any add appearing after August 2010. I tried this on a few ads in the PCWorld magazine and it did recognize them as print ads, but tapping on them only led me to a Google search of the company's name. I was hoping to be directed to a Webpage for the product.

Better yet, Google Goggles can lend you a hand at solving a Sodoku puzzle--or rather it will solve the entire thing for you in an instant. All you have to do it take a picture of the puzzle, tap twice, and Goggles will solve it faster than the reigning champ. It's a handy feature to have available but I wish it gave you the option of providing you with hints instead of solving the entire puzzle outright. Make sure you check out the for a demonstration.

*

*