Calories Calculating Mobile App developed by NTT Communications, Japan - - Evaluates the Color and Shape of Food and Compares Them to a Database

A new weapon in the fight against fat is under way: a mobile application that makes the calorie count based on picture of the food on their plate.

Although there are applications for this purpose, these programs require users to enter the type of food and caloric information. Since the software developed by NTT Communications, Japan, evaluates the color and shape of food and compares them to a database, calculating the calories.

Information about 100 thousand different foods are stored on a server operated by the company and can be accessed via smart phone. The application is even considering the portion sizes and adjusting the calorie count accordingly.

The company, which believes that the application can be the first of its kind in the world, has been testing the solution internally and will offer a free beta version from January. The criticisms have been favorable, but more is needed to refine the project, said the spokesman.

To expand a bit on the functions, the application will allow customers to exchange information on food and caloric content. Planned resources include suggestions for menus and exercises to reduce and burn calories.