Microsoft Phone2Search is an image search concept

Bill Gates’ empire is working on a method of redefining how we search things with our mobile phones. A new concept called Phone2Search use a picture of an object taken with a phone camera that we wanted more information on. The image-based search would compare that picture to a database of images and would return more information from the database. It would save users from having to know the correct name of an item, and would mean you would have to spend less time fighting the keypad of your phone.

The new application is being developed by a part of Microsoft Research Asia. It uses computer-vision algorithms that identifies features on the photo and compares them to samples. It could be used for comparing prices or getting reviews of products. The technology can comb 6,000 images and deliver a match in 3 seconds. No word yet on if or when it will leave the lab and enter the real world.