Google set to bring augmented reality models to search engine

At the recently held 2019 I/O event, Google announced that it is adding a mix of camera and augmented reality (AR) to its search engine that will generate 3D AR models as search results. For instance, users can have look at “realistic” pairs of shoes they are trying to buy online; similarly, shopping clothes online can also be previewed with one’s existing wardrobe. One can also simply put an animated shark in their living room.

Google also exhibited the new...

10 May 2019 | Android

Google gives sneak peek of Maps-enhancing AR visual positioning system

Of all the exciting, time-saving and useful apps out there today, mapping sits somewhat between a rock and a hard place. The maps themselves are vital, but the direction sometimes isn’t.

If you take a look on any busy high street with people staring at their phones, several will be working out just in which direction they have to go from their map. Increasingly – as this reporter can testify from personal experience – one can spend a fair amount of time walking the...

11 February 2019 | Android

Google releases ARCore

Google has announced the release of its new SDK ARCore which was made available for download on 28 August 2017.

ARCore brings AR capabilities to existing and future Android phones. The release marks a subtle shift in the Google’s AR strategy, which formally began with the launch of Project Tango in 2014.

While Tango worked by loading user’s smartphones up with custom sensors, ARCore uses software to add AR functionality in a similar way to Apple’s ARKit (even...

30 August 2017 | Android

3D imaging tool helps home renovators see ‘through’ walls

European consumers who are looking to take on some DIY can now call on VR to help see through walls and other objects.

WalabotDIY, developed by 3D imaging sensor company Vayyar Imaging, gives renovators ‘Superman-vision’ that allows them to see up to 10 cm into drywall, cement and other materials. No longer will there be that moment of anticipation as you drill into wall, hoping that you won’t be knee-deep in water 10 minutes later.

The app is designed to help...

16 May 2017 | Android

Gamers will drive VR hardware adoption to over $50bn by 2021

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/stonena7)

Research from Juniper has provided insight on the expected revenues which VR hardware is expected to generate within the next five years.

While there's a question over the power of current games consoles to deliver high-caliber gaming experiences, the pre-orders for the first PlayStation VR (PSVR) sold out within minutes. Whether this indicates significant interest or lack of launch stock we'll have to wait for exact sales figures,...

4 October 2016 | Android

VR-optimised Android Nougat 7.0 starts to roll out

(c)iStock.com/maislam

Android's latest operating system that's optimised for Google's VR platform Daydream as well as 3D rendering API VulkanTM has started to roll out. 

Android 7.0 Nougat is being launched on Nexus devices first over the coming weeks, as well as LG's upcoming V20 handset. 

Other Android devices, such as Samsung's offerings, will probably see the update come in in a few months. 

It offers 250 major features,...

23 August 2016 | Android

IMAX guns for VR market with StarVR and Google partnerships

(c)iStock.com/Aneese

IMAX has released more information about Google’s announcement at yesterday’s I/O conference that the companies would pair up to develop a cinema grade VR camera.

According to IMAX, it’ll be called the IMAX VR camera and built to use Jump, Google’s platform for creating and viewing 3D, 360 video.

IMAX will also provide Google with exclusive access to pre-existing IMAX documentary content...

20 May 2016 | Android

VicoVR is crowdfunding to bring affordable positional and body tracking to mobile VR

(c)VicoVR 

A bluetooth peripheral that brings wireless, Kinect-like motion tracking to Android and iOS head mounted devices without a PC, wires or wearable sensors is crowdfunding on Indiegogo.

The campaign is aiming to fund full 3D body tracking for mobile VR.

Three parts

VicoVR comes in three parts: a reasonably affordable sensor which looks a lot like Microsoft's Kinect, capable of providing positional tracking for mobile...

20 May 2016 | Android

Google I/O 2016: Google confirms it will build own VR headset

(c)iStock.com/Nicholas McComber

Google has made more VR announcements at day two of its IO conference in California.

Delving deeper into yesterday’s Daydream announcement, Google said as well as providing reference designs to others, they would build a headset and controller themselves.

Another exciting announcement was that they’re building a cinema grade Jump camera with IMAX. Last year, it partnered with GoPro to...

19 May 2016 | Android