Qualcomm is working with Google to produce the first smartphone for the latter’s Project Tango 3D mapping platform.
Tango uses a device’s camera, gyroscope and accelerometer to allow developers to track a handset or tablet’s movement and create a full 3D map of its surroundings. Google has said the technology has the potential to be used in real-life 3D gaming, indoor mapping, and augmented reality. A developer platform for the service will be launched during the third quarter this year.
The chipset maker’s Snapdragon 810 processor will be used in forthcoming compatible smartphones.
It features an Adreno 430 GPU, which provides high quality graphics and computing performance on low power consumption. Qualcomm said it supports image and video post-processing, improved real-time 3D graphics, and secure composition and management of multimedia.
It also supports dual 14-bit Image Signal Processors that provides fast autofocus, depth sensing and advanced imaging software.
Raj Talluri, Senior Vice President of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, said: “Qualcomm Technologies is pleased to power the next generation Project Tango development device. We’re excited to work together with Google and Android developers to help deliver new, innovative visual experiences using depth-sensing technology on mobile devices.”
Google already has a tablet development kit in place for Project Tango, after launching a high-spec seven inch tablet for developers last summer.
Meanwhile, SK Telecom has introduced its T-AR augmented reality platform to Project Tango. The Korean operator said the platform allows people to develop and set up an augmented reality experience by learning about a 3D space and letting a user place objects in it.
A demonstration of the technology can be viewed here.
Last week, Google held its annual I/O conference, revealing the latest innovations in its Android ecosystem, a relaunch of its mobile payments system and a new IoT platform.