That's the ingenious strategy utilized by Amazon.com Inc.'s new "Amazon Remembers" application, now available for iPhone and iPod touch through Apple's App store.
The application allows users to browse through thousands of products available through Amazon, as well as other retailers like Target and Macy's, according to Amazon. It also offers access to Amazon features, such as customer reviews, one-click shopping and Amazon Prime, according to the company.
The application also enables customers to snap photos with their iPhone. The photos are then uploaded to Amazon.com, which tries to match the photo with products similar to the ones in the photo. Users can purchase the item immediately or store the item for later action, according to the company.
"We designed the Amazon app to be a quick and easy way for iPhone and iPod touch users to shop, browse and buy with Amazon.com," said Sam Hall, director of Amazon Mobile, in a statement. "We're also really excited about Amazon Remembers because it's a fun and useful way to use the iPhone camera to find and remember items while on-the-go. Customers can build visual lists of things they want to remember, buy, or even learn more about."