Google Pixel AR's New Dual-Cam Support Provides Better Sense of Depth; Is Better Than Apple's iPhone LiDAR?

Google's AR finally received an update that will provide a better sense of depth on Pixel users' AR apps, such as the popular 3D animals. This feature was made possible by its newly integrated dual-camera support, which works just like the human eyes.

According to The Verge's latest report, Google's latest recent to the Google Services for AR app now says that the popular AR app has the "dual camera stereo depth" on limited devices. The confirmation was spotted on the company's changelog.

"Google Play Services for AR is automatically installed and updated on supported devices. This service unlocks augmented reality (AR) experiences built using ARCore," said Google via Google Play's official website.

"Automatic updates ensure that apps with AR functionality work without requiring an additional download," added the tech giant.

How Google's new AR works and what devices it supports?

9to5 Google confirmed that the new "Google Play Services for AR" is only available on Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Thanks to the company's newly added dual-camera support, its AR service now offers better 3D output.

The tech giant company's new technology works just like how the human eyes combine the signal to understand better how far away a certain object is. Play Services for AR will use Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL's two cameras to identify the best spot to put its 3D animals or other AR objects.

It is expected to bring a more realistic look and feel when Pixel 4 owners are using Google's 3D animals. Although it is currently limited to two Google smartphones, the company said it will further improve its AR technology to have newer smartphones. These include Pixel 4a 5G and Google Pixel 5.

Is it better or on par with Apple LiDAR?

Right now, it is still hard to conclude that it can match or even beat Apple's LiDAR tech since they work differently. Although this is the case, the latest iPhone 12's LiDAR still has the same goal as Google's ARCore, improving the smartphone's AR implementation. LiDAR is currently being used by the company to improve the gaming experience of its iPhone users. It supports several titles such as "Pokemon GO." Unlike Google's new Play Services for AR, Apple's LiDAR improves virtual object placement and AR gaming. This means that when it comes to the scope of features, Apple's LiDAR has the upper hand.

For more news updates about Google's Play Services for AR and other upcoming innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.