Facial Recognition-based Search Announced

Knowing how random the results are from the current image search engines, Swedish company Polar Rose has announced the launch of a visual search engine that should hopefully make image searching a lot more accurate.

Polar Rose uses facial recognition and 3D imaging software to provide a whole new method for web-based image searches. A beta of the software will be available for public use, by February next year.

Polar Rose is also working on a plugin for the Firefox and Internet Explorer, which pops up a small symbol when the browser opens a Web page containing a photo of a face. When a user clicks on the symbol, the Polar Rose service looks for matching photos in its database. Users also can tag existing photos in the database to help train Polar Rose's matching engine.

Burrp! Debuts for Mumbai and Bangalore

Local search engine, Burrp! has announced its arrival in two city specific versions, for Mumbai and Bangalore. Burrp! will enable Internet surfers, to search for region specific content, ranging from restaurants, nightlife and local eateries. The site will soon expand to include new categories such as local events, movies, gyms and spas.

Co-founder Deap Ubhi says, "Even with the growing density of local businesses and rising purchasing power amongst consumers, there is no reliable online resource that acts as a medium to connect the two. We aim to provide people with lifestyle related information and also be the platform to voice their experience."

The portal will also send business listings information to users' mobile phones, for free, via its 'Send 2 Phone' feature. Moreover, site visitors may post their own reviews, on eateries, cafes or related service in the particular city.Kolkata and Delhi/NCR are the next two cities for which, the site is currently collecting data. Burrp! will soon be created for 11 Indian cities, within the next 6 months.