Skip to main content

Google unveils Project Tango tablet with 3D-mapping tech

google cuts project tango tablet price
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google is hard at work developing its 3D-mapping technology with Project Tango. Now, the Tango team has added a table development kit to the mix, so developers can test out new applications for the device. The Tango reference tablet features a 7-inch display and some very high-end specs.

The ultra-powerful tablet comes with the new Nvidia Tegra K1 processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 1080p display. It’s running stock Android 4.4 and offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and 4G LTE connectivity. The Tango tablet has two cameras inserted at a special 13-degree angle for proper 3D mapping, as well as a depth sensor on the back. Google even added Micro HDMI and USB 3.0 ports. Clearly, the Tango Team didn’t want the tablet to suffer from any earthly limitations.

Google only created a limited number of the Tango tablets for select developers. This ultra-powerful tablet will cost $1,024 and is obviously not meant for consumers. The Tango team is using the tablet to do all sorts of cool things, one of which is creating a realistic gaming experience where users can interact with their own environment in the game. Johnny Lee, Tango’s Technical Program Lead, told Engadget that “if the device can understand your environment, you could turn your living room into a dungeon.” Considering what Oculus VR is working on with virtual reality gaming, the addition of 3D-mapping tech could make for the most realistic game play yet.

Project Tango’s 3D-mapping tech could of course be used for more practical situations, too, such as the battlefield, a specific location during an emergency or natural disaster, and so on. Google is only 18 months into this 24-month project, so it’s still got a long way to go before Project Tango becomes a real, useable product. The many developers who will test of the tablet will certainly help the team improve its design.

Editors' Recommendations

Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
The Google Pixel Tablet just took a big step closer to release
The Google Pixel Table and the Speaker Dock seen from the back.

It's inevitable that we'll be seeing the launch of the Google Pixel Tablet at some point later this year, but a new piece of information suggests that we'll be seeing it sooner rather than later.

First spotted by 9to5Google, the upcoming tablet has seemingly finally been submitted for approval from the FCC. While getting FCC approval is an extremely standard part of putting devices on store shelves, the fact that it's finally happening for the Pixel Tablet means that Google is beginning to gear up for its launch.

Read more
How to drop a pin in Google Maps
google maps

Pins are a convenient Google Maps feature that allows you to save a location. You can drop a pin to save an address or mark a location if it doesn’t have an address or if the address is incorrect. Your pins will help you navigate to these locations again, and you can also share them with your friends to indicate a meetup location.

Read more
Google just announced 9 new features for your Android phone and watch
Samsung Galaxy S23 showing Google Photos

Google has announced some big new features coming to Android and Wear OS devices during the Mobile World Congress 2023 event in Barcelona, Spain. These new features are beginning to roll out starting today, February 27, with others to come later.
New Android features available starting February 27

Google Drive users will now be able to do freehand annotation on Android phones and tablets. This means you are now able to use a stylus or your fingers to annotate PDFs directly in the Google Drive app on Android.

Read more