Lenovo and Google announced at the recent Consumer Electronic Show that their first product based on the Project Tango research will be an augmented-reality (AR) smartphone.

Users will be able to use this AR smartphone to play games, get directions, and measure things. It is going to cost less than $500 when it is launched globally this summer. Both Lenovo and Google have confirmed that the AR smartphone will be less than 6.5 inches in size.

Like Us on Facebook

The 3D augmented reality technology known as Project Tango, which was unveiled nearly two years ago, is moving from experiment to a feature that will be used in smartphones. However, this technology is still brand new and Google is probably not going to introduce it to millions of Android phones just yet.

Devices with Project Tango technology will be able to use visual cues to help recognize the world around them. They will be able even self-correct errors in motion tracking technology that works indoors unlike GPS to navigate precisely through unknown places. The device will also be able to transform the user's home into a game level or create a magical window into virtual and augmented environments. Additionally, it can map the 3D space around them in real time and help in giving measurement when shopping for furniture and decorations using a combination of sensors and cameras.

A few extra sensors and some computer vision are added to transform the user's smartphone into a magic lens that places digital information on the user's physical world.

App developers from around the world have been invited to submit their creative ideas for apps created using Project Tango technology that will be featured on the upcoming Lenovo/Google device. The submission period will close on Feb. 15. The best app developer will be receive funding and the app will be featured on the phone out of the box.

Tagsproject tango