We’re about to start seeing and hearing a lot more about Project Tango, according to Bloomberg.
Citing a source within the company, the publication says 2016 is the year Google plans to make its augmented reality platform “ubiquitous.”
By adding an additional camera and more sophisticated sensors to a smartphone or tablet, Tango allows an Android device to map and make sense of three dimensional space. Essentially an augmented reality solution that doesn’t require a dedicated headset, Google hopes to primarily use the technology to map the interiors of buildings in an effort to greatly extend the reach of its Maps platform.
Analysts interviewed by Bloomberg suggest the company could use the technology to start serving augmented reality ads. While using the company’s platform to navigate the inside of a building, a Project Tango smartphone could superimpose ads upon furniture and interior features.
The device Google hopes will make the technology appealing to consumers is the upcoming Project Tango smartphone Lenovo is developing.
Originally announced late last year, the search giant is expected to share more information on the first consumer-facing Project Tango smartphone, including possible details like release date, price point and worldwide availability, at this year’s Google I/O developer conference.
Lenovo will hold an event partially dedicated to it in San Francisco on June 9. This is the same event where Motorola, which is owned by Lenovo, will announce its 2016 smartphone lineup.
During I/O, which starts next week on May 18, there will be four developer sessions devoted to the augmented reality technology.
Project Tango is one of the projects to make its way out of Google’s Advance Technologies and Projects (ATAP) lab. Besides Tango, the most other notable initiative to come out of ATAP is Project Ara, Google’s attempt to build a modular smartphone platform.
Related reading: ‘Android VR’ reveal poised for Google’s I/O developer conference next week
