Google unveils smartphone with 3D sensors

Internet giant Google Inc. has unveiled a prototype smartphone with sensors that can create 3D maps of a user's surroundings. The phone has customised hardware and software enabling this.

The 5-inch device was developed as part of a project called Project Tango with the support of researchers from 16 companies and organizations. The device’s sensors allow it make over 250,000 3D measurements every second and update its position in real-time.

The feature could be used in indoor mapping, helping visually-impaired people navigate unfamiliar indoors without assistance. The firm has offered 200 prototypes to developers keen on making apps for it.