KDDI tests out cameraphone visual search

KDDI is the latest operator to try out new methods of mobile search: the operator has announced from the spring, it’ll be offering visual search to users with an au cameraphone. The technology, ER Search, will be provided by Bandai Networks and powered by Evolution Robotics’ ViPR visual pattern recognition system.

According to the company, users can snap an object with the cameraphone and then get content sent back to the device about the object. For example, by snapping a CD cover, the user will get links to web content about the artist, sound clips of their songs and an offer to download a single or two.

I’d really like to see these applications in action – if they work as simply as they say they do, I can see them proving to be popular. Anyone know if any UK operators are trying this out?