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Augmented reality models coming to Google Search (Update: Live now)
Update, May 29, 2019 (10:37 AM ET): The new Search feature described below is now live for at least some smartphones. We were able to pull up the AR animals on our Google Pixel 3 — however, we were unable to get it to work on our OnePlus 7 Pro or our Google Pixel 2 XL. In other words, your mileage may vary.
When it does work, though, it’s pretty cool. Check out the screenshots below to see how we placed a dog, a panda, and a shark in our house:
There are many different animals you can view through this AR feature, such as a lion, tiger, cat, bear, leopard, wolf, snake, horse, deer, turtle, cheetah, eagle, and the three examples above. There are probably more — get creative! Just perform a Google search for one of these animals and then find the card that says “View in 3D” to get started.
To use this feature, you will need a phone that supports ARCore. Check out our list here to see if yours makes the cut.
Original article, May 7, 2019 (01:26 PM ET): Google has kicked off its I/O 2019 keynote address, and its first major announcement is that 3D augmented reality models are coming to Google Search.
“Now, when you search for something like ‘muscle flexion,’ you can view a 3D model built by Visible Body, right from the search results,” the company’s Aparna Chennapragada said on-stage during the event.
Google is taking it one step further too, allowing you to place the 3D model in your environment thanks to augmented reality technology.
The company also showed off another example of the technology in action, placing a 3D model of a Great White Shark on-stage at the event. You can check out a screenshot below.
Google is also seemingly positioning the tech as a handy tool for brands, with another example focusing on shopping for sneakers. “That way, you get a much better sense for things like what does the grip look like on the sole, or how they match with the rest of your clothes,” Chennapragada noted.
Google noted that it is “working with partners like NASA, New Balance, Samsung, Target, Visible Body, Volvo, Wayfair and more.” Meanwhile, have you noticed Google Assistant results are a little more visual?
NEXT: Google I/O 2019 keynote — Everything you need to know (Updating)