Google unveils smartphone with 3D sensors

Google has unveiled a prototype smartphone with "customised hardware and software" that enables it to create 3D maps of a user's surroundings

The device's sensors allow it make over 250,000 3D measurements every second and update its position in real-time

Google said potential applications may include indoor mapping, helping the visually-impaired navigate unfamiliar indoor places unassisted and gaming

It has offered 200 prototypes to developers keen to make apps for it


Google said its Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) unit developed the phone as part of a project called Project Tango with help from researchers at various institutions.