Google's Project Tango Seeks To Map a 3D World 49
Nerval's Lobster writes "Google's Advanced Technology and Projects Group is working on a new initiative, Project Tango, which could allow developers to quickly map objects and interiors in 3D. At the heart of Project Tango is a prototype smartphone with a 5-inch screen, packed with hardware and software optimized to take 3D measurements of the surrounding environment. The associated development APIs can feed tons of positioning and orientation data to Android applications written in Java, C/C++, and the Unity Game Engine. In addition to a 'standard' 4-megapixel camera, the device features a motion-tracking camera and an aperture for integrated depth sensing; integrated into the circuitry are two computer-vision processors. Google claims it only has 200 developer units in stock, and it's willing to give them to independent developers who can submit a detailed idea for a project involving 3D mapping of some sort. The deadline for unit distribution is March 14, 2014. In theory, developers could use ultra-portable 3D mapping to create better maps, visualizations, and games. ('What if you could search for a product and see where the exact shelf is located in a super-store?' Google's Website asks at one point.) The bigger question is what Google intends to do with the technology if it proves effective. Google Maps with super-detailed interiors, anyone?"
What this is really about (Score:2, Interesting)
Stealing a comment from reddit [reddit.com]:
Warning: this video is not what it appears. To all of you saying "WHY THE HELL WOULD I WANT A 3D ENVIRONMENT ON MY PHONE?? TO PLAY GAMESS??", you are not the target consumer.
TO you, the average consumer, it may seem like a neat new project with some cool implications like indoor navigation ("I'm inside the mall, how do I get to Macy's?" or "I am at a football game, where is the nearest hot dog stand?").
Now think about what Google is; Google is evolving far past an advertising company and more into a "big data" provider.
Take it a step further. Combine this tech with Google Glass (or some other wearable peripheral we may not know about), and the possibilities expand ("Where is the user looking usually?" "What is the optimal location for this new billboard? Based on Google Glass 3d mapping data, drivers look to the Northwest usually when traveling down Route 33).
Take it even further to Google's long-known project to catalogue everything on the planet. This will expand into their goal to be able to "Google" real-life stuff. Like a real life Control + F. You lost your keys? You don't remember where you put them, but your phone combined with your Google Glass remembers exactly where they are. Even if it doesn't remember, perhaps you can swivel your head around the room, scanning it with a camera until it alerts you that you are looking directly at an object that looks just like a pair of keys.
Now expand that further; big data. Have you been looking at sweaters a lot lately? Tango knows you've been shopping in department stores when you go to the mall. They can feed this data to advertisers, learn your color preferences, learn everything about you and be able to direct you to products.
Google can learn the shopping habits - of EVERY PERSON IN THE WORLD - and relay that information to marketers. Tell them where the best place to organize their products in brick-and-mortar stores, what and when to put items on sale at a specific time.
Google will be able to provide sales data BEFORE the sale is even MADE. Perhaps in early September people start shopping for winter clothes in New York City, but in August they were googling a new jacket, maybe looked around a leather store and looked at some jackets, etc.
This has huge market potential when combined with all of Google's other products. Remember this project isn't just a side project, this is the result of huge acquisitions and a scientific approach to recruiting and retaining top talent (we are talking salaries in excess of 1 million).
Google is moving to be the top "information manufacturer" in this new information age. Amazing! Wish I was a part of it.