Augmenting reality, differently

Tango can sense the devices position and orientation, relative to its environment. Advancing upon existing technologies, Tango does this using primarily visual elements—depth perception, motion tracking and area learning—it does not rely on GPS. In this way, Tango may be the next step in the popularisation of augmented reality.

Hyped in recent times by the success of Pokémon GO, augmented reality involves taking a real view of the world and altering or supplementing it with computer-generated elements.

Graduating hardware

Tango’s launch coincides with that of Lenovo’s Phab2 Pro. Tango integration was highlighted by Lenovo as a primary feature of the new device, marketing it as ‘the world’s first Tango-enabled smartphone’.

Instant app support

 By launch day, 35 apps already supported Tango—most of them are games.

While Tango is new to the market, it’s been on Google’s drawing board for at least a couple of years. As such, some developers have had advanced access to the framework.

Beside games, practical apps like Lowe’s Vision illustrate the potential of augmented reality to actually make life easier. The app allows users to see how new products or home-improvements would look in the context of their real life home.

Future holds

It’s easy to see why a Fortune 500 brand like Lowe’s is early to the Tango party. Lowe’s team have invested their considerable resources to realise an obvious synergy: an Tango-enhanced décor visualisation tool. If it works well, it will surely enhance customer experience.

On the app-side, the Initial focus for Tango seems to be games, video and household decor. Other innovative applications will emerge as the technology becomes more widely adopted.

On the hardware side, the initial exclusive for Lenovo’s Phab2 Pro isn’t a forever deal. Tango will expand its horizons—vastly and soon.