popIn is a Japan-based company that provides users with the ability to contextually search the web based on the selected word/phrase in the web browser through a plug-in. At the same time, they also pitch website owners to allow their site visitors with the same functionality without any plugin, using nothing but a JavaScript.
In real-life this looks like this: you select a text on a web page and get options to search for the selected word/phrase in Google, Wikipedia, YouTube and other destinations. When you select the preferred search engine a small pop-in (not popup, but a <div> layer) will appear presenting you with search results right on the page, without you need to leave the website.
It’s neat, but you might be wondering where’s mobile in that. Well, they say they’re also working on mobile clients. Initially, they’ll launch for iPhone and Android and if that flies I’ve no doubts they’ll expand to other platforms, as well. Personally, I believe that can be very useful and effective, as I get tired of site’s opening new windows/tabs on my mobile phone.
In the meantime, while we’re waiting for popIn’s mobile client, you can check out their “desktop offering” from their website. It’s really that cool!