Google, Inc. has announced plans to produce the second in a line of mobile 3D devices designed to create a 3D map of a user's surroundings.

It plans to develop and later produce a new 7-inch tablet that can capture 3D images. Google intends to make some 4,000 of these prototypes beginning June. Google will then furnish developers with these prototypes for further tweaking and to determine how Google can translate the technology into practical applications.

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Google traditionally lets developers experiment with its more advanced devices. This gives developers the chance to create applications that will help the devices appeal to consumers. Google will issue its 3D tablets to select testers prior to Google I/O that begins June 25.

The Google 3D tablet is equipped with two back cameras, infra-red depth sensors and advanced software that can capture precise 3D images of objects. The 3D tablet is being developed as part of Project Tango, a Google research effort, being run by the Advanced Technology and Projects Group.

The first of Project Tango's 3D devices was a prototype smartphone released in February and equipped with sensors and designed to create the same kind of 3D map of the surroundings as does the 3D tablet.

Google said the phone's sensor suite allows the phone to make over a quarter million 3D measurements every second. The sensor also update's the phone's position and orientation in real-time combining that data into a single 3D model of the space around a user.

Google noted the technology demonstrated in the smartphone can be used for improved indoor navigation for the visually-impaired and for more immersive video games.

Google arch rival Facebook, Inc. has taken the lead in 3D gaming with its recent acquisition of Oculus VR, a maker of futuristic virtual reality headgear, last March. Google paid $2 billion to acquire Oculus.

Online retailer Amazon.com, Inc is preparing to release its own 3D smartphone this September to compete mainly against Apple's next-generation iPhone 6.

Leaked photos of Amazon's 3D smartphone show a series of cameras on the handset, including four cameras on each of the corners of the phone.

These cameras will be used to track head and eye movements, giving users the ability to take 360 degree photos in 3D.

TagsGoogle 3D tablet