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AFTER ANNOUNCING IT’S working on developing smart contact lenses and robotics, Google’s next project is a new phone that will be able to create a 3D map of a room while you’re there.
The phone, codenamed Project Tango and developed by Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group, has 3D sensors built into the phone, allowing it to make 250,000 3D measurements every second.
It uses this data to update the position and orientation of the phone and uses that data to create a 3D model of the space around you.
The applications for such technology would begin with indoor mapping, but could be used for other purposes such as gaming, allowing the visually-impaired make their way through unfamiliar indoor places, and measuring objects and spaces.
Part of the technology used comes from Irish company Movidius, which develops vision processor technology for mobile devices. Its Myriad 1 vision processor is used to power Project Tango as well as future models.
Google ATAP has been working with universities, research labs and industrial partners in nine countries to help develop the technology.
The company currently has 200 prototype development kits for use in areas such as navigation, gaming and sensor data, but the project is open to anyone with unique ideas for the technology as well.
(Video: Google ATAP/YouTube)
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I’d say that will be a massive battery drainer.
When ever I see these new devices comes out, it makes me wonder what the intelligence community are using at the moment. Probably a world apart in terms of the tech they have their hands on
True. The general public are usually a couple of generations behind, at least, of what the military use. Although if it’s a true innovation that comes from general research, it can take everyone by surprise.
I’ve always wanted a 3D image of the room I’m in on my phone. It will be almost like actually being there.
Google are just taking all ideas from The Dark Knight now
Look at the original star trek – They introduced CDs, flip phones and many more ideas that were invented based on the show
Can’t wait – I’ll be one step closer to being Batman… Just don’t tell anyone ok?
Soon we can just be a brain in a jar attached to a smartphone.
Or in your case, just a jar.
Let me guess Graham. Gay?
You really have an organized campaign on the journal.
Oh come on, Wasteland, it was amusing.
Graham… Brilliant comment… Round of applause for that Sir.
Ah another one they are starting to mobilize in force.
It’s all part of the ghey agenda
The accessibility potential of a device like that would be pretty amazing.
What the hell is with the thumbs down on a statement like that!
Imagine, in it’s most simple form, a blind person using it as a radar, it would be a life-changer for them.
Exactly what I thought! Could have huge potential! Don’t mind the thumbs down, some awful wanqers here!
And what then will the guide dogs work as?
You know what else blind people could use as radar?
Radar.
the dogs are better company tho.
Looks like Johnny Lee’s work on Wii-mote hacking landed him a sweet job.
Didn’t Johnny Lee go to Microsoft? I followed his blog for a while after watching the wii-remote 3d stuff, think he had input to the kinetic.
Was wondering where i seen him before.. thanks
Google Maps had multiple law suits for breach of privacy, they already know everything you access if you use Chrome, Gmail etc. also leading the field in robotics, now they want to map out the interior’s of buildings. They can polish it all they want by “allowing the visually-impaired make their way through unfamiliar indoor places, and measuring objects and spaces” for example. I’m not trying to join the dots between their different fields but I for one don’t like or trust that one global corporation have their fingers in so many pies, when it comes to knowing every piece of our personal lives, at the rate they are going, it will become inevitable.
So opt out.
I’m not only referring to myself, its one corporation collecting information of the masses is what I’m concerned about, even opting out doesn’t mean that people wouldn’t be indirectly affected, hence the law suits against Google Maps, for starters…
This would be the year Google changes it’s front page to skynet. For 1st April.
Pretty cool, fantastic company
You mean to say my boss will be able to know if
I have a full bladder or not and I will not be able to use
the toilet to use my mobile.
‘The Matrix’ springs to mind!
I don’t really see the point in it!
It’s behind you !
Looks like a great device if you want to ‘case a joint’ rob a bank or the likes….
I want one, would love it think of the good uses it could 3d map newgrange, IKEA hacks, fire and rescue. Etc
Project “batman the dark knight rises” more like!
Booooring
Architects will be happy? Architects wont be happy?
Googles mission is to gather all the worlds information. This would be a huge step. The uses for this information would be huge. Just an example they would usd it to more accurately track your movements and would be able to know the environment you spend your time in. To a marketer that is worth alot of money.
Google Maps… for indoors! Wow. Amazing stuff.
Hope some Irish start-ups will get involved. Any energy ideas for applications???
No need for any of these multi billion dollar block buster drugs if people just ate healthier and looked after there health, not to mention the unknown side effects in years to come
Drug companies create customers not cures
If Lucius fox didn’t think it was a good idea neither do i….
have your say