Google's new application can solve Sudoku

The puzzle with its simple grid of digits and empty boxes can now be solved instantly by any mobile phone.

A newly updated mobile phone application, called Google Goggles, uses a phone's camera to capture a picture of any Sudoku puzzle and send it back to Google.

Google's servers compute the answers and send an image of the completed puzzle back to the user. Depending on the speed of the phone's internet connection, the results can be back in seconds, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Phil McNeill, puzzles editor for the daily, however, said the move was "a sad day" for puzzle fans.

"When you finally solve a real mind-bender, it brings a rush of achievement. I hope Google's new tool won't diminish that feeling," he said.

The new version - that also recognises barcodes - is available on iPhone and all Google Android phones.