Point-and-Click Google

Google has some UK designers off in a lab working on an innovative device that will provide tag information on a subject simply by pointing at it. Google Vision, as it's being referred to, will combine GPS, OLED and advanced image recognition technology.

Think about how this could change everything from how sightseers take tours to – further down the line a bit – how doctors could potentially diagnose and treat patients. It will also – when combined with my arsenal of iPhone apps – make me an invincible, omnipotent trivia machine! Muh-ha-ha!

(via Coolhunter)

Griffin takes on the iPhone Lens

Griffin Technology, the technical solution providers and digital accessories makers, have designed a very cool iPhone case with built-in lens for extra focus called the Clarifi.

From their website:

Slide the Clarifi lens into place over the built-in lens of your iPhone. Your macro and close-up shots are instantly finer in detail, more accurate in color. With Clarifi's lens, your iPhone can image an entire business card with astounding clarity. Slide the lens aside for normal photography. WIthout Clarifi, iPhone requires about 18 inches to focus properly. Slide Clarifi's lens into place and you can move in to 4 inches for crisp detail and great pictures.

Apple's new TV spot states that there are 75,000 apps available for the iPhone. All the software stuff people are creating continues to impress, for sure, but my eye will be out for more external "hacks" like this.

The Rubik's Redux

I've been reading people's posts on the American International Toy Fair, which wrapped up last week in NYC (photo gallery here). The Rubik's Touch Cube took home top honors for toy of the year, which, from what I can tell, is the toy industries version of an Oscar for Movie of the Year. Lots of thank-you's and people onstage hugging. The handheld-puzzle classic has been given an iPhone-inspired makeover, with touchscreen interfaces and multiple games.

Other cool debut's included Elmo Gloves (Mattel) and 3-D Sidewalk Chalk (Crayola).