Mobile Visual Search becomes a must have?

All of a sudden after four years of trying and failing mobile visual search is making a come back.   Here are two new apps that have got my attention.

Collectrium and Shopgate: two new diverse pixlinQ customers

The Collectrium application (www.collectrium.com ) allows visitors to galleries and art fairs to retrieve more information about a piece of art simply by taking a picture. Users can then add notes, bookmark for later reference, share with a friend and contact the artist or representative for more information. The application is used by hundreds of art fairs and galleries all over the world and has helped tens of thousands of art lovers learn about and track their favorite art.

The Shopgate application (www.shopgate.com ) offers innovative mobile commerce solutions to both shoppers and merchants.  For shoppers, the company provides a simple and convenient way to buy books, electronics, fashion and millions of items directly from their mobile devices.  For merchants, Shopgate offers participation in the popular Shopgate marketplace, an online library of products and product catalogs for members.  Merchants may also opt to build customized Shopgate smartphone applications.   

From the press release

“We began working with LTU through their developer network and now Collectrium and LTU are exclusive partners serving galleries, art fairs, and art enthusiasts worldwide,” said Boris Pevzner, president, Collectrium.  “Visual search is a key element of the Collectrium application – linking art work to digital content – and through our exclusive partnership with LTU we are able to provide a unique solution to the art market. Quality and speed is crucial for us and we are happy to be working with the best.”

 “Our goal is to make it as convenient as possible for consumers to access product information and purchase on the spot. The Shopgate platform already included 2D code recognition and mobile visual search was an obvious addition,” said Andrea Anderheggen, CEO  of Shopgate. “Although it is still early, we foresee that image recognition will quickly evolve from a nice-to-have to a must-have feature that consumers will come to expect.”

What we think?

I am trying not to be bullish about mobile search.  Why?  Well to be honest I can say “been there and done that”.  I was a huge advocate of all types of mobile search when GoMo News launched.  Since then actions didn’t speak as loudly as words. 

However, recently (Mobile Acuity) and now this are showing that uptake and interest in mobile image search is making a comeback.  CEO’s haven’t sat on their laurels and haven’t given up.  I love the tie up between shopping and search and thing Shopgate has great potential. 

Taking a picture of ANY image is always better than taking a picture of just a code and will make consumers use the service even more.  I know the tech works but I still fear about indexing of images and reliability.  On top of that search providers need to make some money too and will advertising revenues or sponsored links be put in responses?  If they are this must deter from a GREAT user experience to an OK one.