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Home / News / Google’s 3D world-mapping Project Tango tablets leave experimental stage, continue ahead

Google’s 3D world-mapping Project Tango tablets leave experimental stage, continue ahead

One of Google's more curious creations (that we know about) gets a proper home

Just recently, Google revealed that its Glass wearable had exhausted its experimental status and was becoming a full-fledged company focus. Now another device is making a similar move, but this one still feels strongly experimental.

Google revealed yesterday that Project Tango, which outfits tablets and smartphones with depth-sensing, motion-tracking cameras that can create 3D maps of the world around it, will no longer be housed in its ATAP (Advanced Technology and Products) department.

Instead, the development team is “transitioning from ATAP to a new home within Google,” reads an official Google+ post. “We’re excited about the continued commitment to developing the technology for our users – we wish our fellow pirates fair winds and following seas.”

What does this mean for now? Beyond its ongoing development, that’s unclear. Previously, Google said that LG would release a consumer-ready Tango tablet by the end of 2015, although at this point, the broad consumer appeal seems difficult to pinpoint.

It’s a device that could have strong benefit in understanding the world around us, but from what’s been shown, it still feels like something best suited for scientists, engineers, and academics rather than your average tablet buyer. But we’ll see: development kits are out there, and we’re very intrigued to find out how software developers can create greater purpose for this exciting and curious tech.

[Source: Google ATAP]

READ MORE: 9 things you need to know about Google’s Project Tango

Profile image of Andrew Hayward Andrew Hayward Freelance Writer

About

Andrew writes features, news stories, reviews, and other pieces, often when the UK home team is off-duty or asleep. I'm based in Chicago with my lovely wife, amazing son, and silly cats, and my writing about games, gadgets, esports, apps, and plenty more has appeared in more than 75 publications since 2006.

Areas of expertise

Video games, gadgets, apps, smart home