Google has introduced a new way of introducing mobile users to augmented reality, by bringing some of the world’s most beloved creatures to their living rooms.
The company has added a neat tool to Google Search that enables folks to see, for instance, a giant panda up-close on their couch. And it works for other animals too.
All you need to do is search “giant panda” on your phone and you’ll see the a new option below the Wikipedia page. It says: “Meet a life-sized giant panda up close,” with the opportunity to “view in 3D.”
The animated CGI panda, enjoying a nice bamboo shoot, will load in a new screen with the opportunity to view in AR. Once the animation loads you’ll see a true-to-life-size panda in your actual surroundings.
Related: What is Apple AR kit?
The tool began rolling out at the end of last month and since Google users have been on a crusade to find the animals currently invading living rooms thanks to a little AR magic.
It’s AR of the tiger!
If you’ve got an AR-enabled phone, you can now bring select animals right into your space for a safari (or safe snuggle) with Search. pic.twitter.com/kWpudETgeq
— Google (@Google) May 31, 2019
The AR animals that currently work are as follows: Lion, tiger, cheetah, shark, hedgehog
duck, emperor penguin, wolf, angler fish, goat, rottweiler, snakes, eagle, brown bear, alligator, horse, Shetland pony, macaw, pug, turtle, cat, octopus, and dog.
Google says (via inews): “To certify each device, we check the quality of the camera, motion sensors, and the design architecture to ensure it performs as expected.”
You’ll need iOS 11 or up or Android 7.0 and up.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.