Some of the Latest Camera Based techniques.

The days of augmented reality tread closer and closer to us with apps like these. TechCrunch talks of Word Lens, an app for the iPhone that can translate languages even from images. The first thing that struck us we heard that is the Google Nexus S, as the introductory video also shows of a similar function made possible by the app Google Goggles. P.S.: This app is also available for free on the iPhone (iOS 4.0 and above required). 

Coming back, Word Lens is a paid app ($4.99) and currently translates only between English and Spanish. It uses the popular Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology - the same that is used when you scan a paper full of text and then edit it on a computer. The developers plan to introduce more languages, especially major European ones to begin with. 

So, what's the advantage of the ability to read content in an image? It could be quite useful when you're in a country whose language you cannot understand. You could translate sign-boards, restaurant menu cards (also, the bills later) among a lot of other things by simply pointing your phone camera to it. 

Have a look at it in action: