Google is considering acquiring a search engine that can search videos

Google is considering acquiring Baarzo, a start-up that specializes in video searches. With the technology, it is possible to analyze videos to see if they contain images that the user has requested.

That reports the generally well-established TechCrunch. According to the sources, it is not yet entirely certain whether a deal has already been reached between Google and Baarzo. It is also unclear how much money Google has left for an acquisition. The technology for the video search service seems applicable to Google’s video site YouTube and within its own search engine.

Baarzo has developed technology that can analyze video images and thereby recognize faces and objects. The software looks at how the objects in the video interact with each other and thus determines whether these are images that the user requested via the search engine. In doing so, Baarzo goes further than existing search engines, which rely mainly on metadata, such as descriptions for videos.

The start-up advertises its video search technology on its website, but the software is not yet publicly available. Those interested could sign up for a closed beta test that should begin shortly. However, no new registrations are currently being accepted. In addition, it is unclear whether the beta test will continue if the company is acquired by Google: it is possible that the internet giant wants the technology exclusively for its own products.