Now here's an idea that's certain to be reality in just a few short years. Called Google Vision, it's a concept developed BY UK designer Callum Peden. Google Vision features a handset-type device that opens out to reveal a retractable flexible screen. Callum's idea is for the device to capture images through its camera and send them to Google automatically, together with GPS co-ordinates of the user's location. Google will identify the object or the location and tell you what you're looking at.


It's a great looking concept, and would be perfect or holidays or navigating your way through foreign cities, or even for finding out more about objects you come across.

For example, you could read reviews about products you find in a shop simply by taking a picture of it, and letting Google provide all the results you need, including its price at nearby stores or on the web.

How realistic a concept is it though? Well, GPS and mobile phone connectivity are obviously already here (although Callum envisages WiFi access - why not have both though?!). The flexible screen is already being developed by a host of hi-tech companies, including Philips and Samsung. And image recognition is already on the NEC 902iS (available only in Japan).

Ultimately then, all of the technologies needed for this device are either here now, or will be here very soon. And the concept is so strong, it's surely only a matter of time before it becomes reality. I'm guessing we'll see it before 2010, with the flexible screen and image recognition features being the hardest technologies to bring to market. Whether it'll be Google-branded is another matter, of course, but why not? They've already put their search engine on mobile phones and are getting into localized search in a big way, so it makes perfect sense. Can't wait!

[Source: eFuze, TheCoolHunter]