Lenovo Unveils Smartphone Based on Google's 'Project Tango'

SAN FRANCISCO—Lenovo Group Ltd. unveiled the first smartphone based on Google's Project Tango, a technology designed to measure and map surrounding spaces and objects.

The Chinese company said the new Phab2 Pro handset will be available in September for $499.

Google disclosed the Tango effort in early 2014, and its relationship with Lenovo was disclosed in January. The technology uses arrays of cameras, sensors and software to create three-dimensional models of indoor spaces and track a user's motion.

The companies described a set of augmented reality experiences that range from games—superimposing animated objects on video images seen on a smartphone screen—to measuring objects in stores and seeing how they fit in a simulated room in the home.

"It is a device that truly understands its surroundings and augments its reality," said Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo's chief executive, at a large technology showcase here.

The search engine giant, which since 2015 became part of Alphabet Inc., has sometimes compared Tango's importance to the way its Google Earth and Google Maps services have helped people navigate outdoors.

Lenovo's Phab2 Pro has four cameras, including one designed to help sense depth, as well as motion-tracking technology.

One early partner is home improvement retailer Lowe's Cos., which has developed an app that lets Tango users see how products like appliances, counter tops and tile would look in a room before bringing it home. The company said Thursday it will carry the Phab2 Pro in its stores for the holiday season.

Write to Don Clark at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 09, 2016 15:05 ET (19:05 GMT)

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