Today there are more than eight million animal species in the world. No one can claim to have seen or even heard all of these animals, but we can certainly try to accomplish this huge feat. Google has invented several simulated experiments that allow us to watch and listen to animals on our phones from the comfort of our homes. It is true! No safari or deep sea exploration is necessary. You just need Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR).
Virtual Reality (VR) is a simulated computer-generated experience that interacts with the person in the real world using special electronic equipment. Mixed reality (MR) enables the coexistence of physical and digital objects, merging real and virtual worlds through immersive technology.
Google’s Augmented Reality (AR) feature is a service that layers and blends digital information and makes it look like it’s right there with you in your own space. This makes it easier for you to find items just by pointing your camera at them. No headgear needed! The animals or objects displayed are in 3-dimensional graphics.
How to install Google 3D AR Animals
Before you can access any applications required for AR, your device must have Google Play AR service fully installed and updated, otherwise it will not be supported.
Steps to Install Google Play AR Services
In most phones, this feature is automatically installed and updated. Otherwise, you will need to check if your Android device meets the following requirements:
- Has a Google account
- Has at least 1 GB of free space
- Is certified for AR Core
- Has a secure network connection
- Has at least one AR compatible app installed i.e. Facebook
Once the above conditions are met, follow these steps to install the Google Play AR service:
- Open the Google play store App on your Android device.
- Search Google play services for the WITH app.
- Click on Download then install it.
How to access Google 3D AR Animals
Before enjoying augmented reality apps, you must first know where to find it on your Android device.
- Open Google search on your phone.
- Look for a supported animal or 3D object, for example Arabian horse.
- Choose the category of animals, i.e. birds, insects, etc.
- Press on View in 3D.
Note: 3D AR animals do not support all animals or objects on earth.
How to mix the animal with your space using Google 3D AR Animals
To take full advantage of the entertainment value of the app, you can make the animal appear to occupy the same environment or room as you. You can even take a photo with the animal and share it with your friends to “trick” them. If you’re in the middle of your living room with a shrimp, however, it might not be that convincing.
The object fusion feature not only brings the animal into your world, but also allows it to feel the world around it and adapt.
- Open Google search on your phone.
- Look for a supported animal or 3D object, for example, an Arabian horse or a firefly.
- Choose the category of animals, for example, birds, insects, etc.
- Then press View in 3D.
- When viewing the animal in 3D, at the bottom of your screen you will see ‘See in your space. ‘ Tap on it.
- Then click on Give access.
- To select To allow All the time.
- Click on To allow.
- Your 3D animal will appear on your screen before your own eyes.
- To view it from different angles, move around with your phone.
- To change the orientation of the animal, hold one finger on the animal and use another finger to rotate it. This makes the animal turn to face different directions.
If you hold your phone still, animals will tend to move or perform specific actions on their own. For example, the rabbit will jump as if to run away; the cat will lick its front paws, the Arabian horse will neigh after shaking its head, etc.
How to record video with Google 3D AR Animals
You can increase your interaction with the animal by making a live video. This could be, for example, you or your friend stroking the animal or playing with it.
- Open google search on your Android device.
- Look for a supported 3D animal, e.g. firefly, Arabian horse, penguin, cat, tiger etc.
- Select the category of animals, for example, insects, birds, etc.
- To select View in 3D.
- Turn your phone to scan the ground.
- Keep circling around your Android device until the animal arrives.
- Press the white camera button to take a photo or hold it down to create a video.
- To resize the animal’s size, drag two fingers across the screen.
- You can also drag the animal around the screen to change its location.
Note:
- Video can only be recorded for a maximum of 30 seconds.
- Holding the button only takes videos, but no sound or voice.
- To capture the voice, use a screen recorder and tap the microphone icon.
How to uninstall the app
If you decide you don’t want AR services on your phone, you can uninstall it just as easily as you installed it.
- Open the device Settings.
- To select Application management.
- To choose Google Play Services for AR.
- Click on Uninstall.
Other applications using AR
There are so many Android apps that use augmented reality – you’re not limited to animals. Here are some of the main applications that use this technology.
1. Google Lens
There comes a time when we might notice an object or animal but lack the right name or words to describe it. Google Lens helps in such situations. Point your camera at the object and Google Lens will take over.
It also helps:
- Scan text from an object and translate it.
- Explore your surroundings.
- Find an outfit you like, etc.
2. Live View Beta in Google Maps
Live View shows you the direction to go by overlaying the directions icon just above your world.
3. Playground in the Pixel Camera
Playground is a creative mode of the Google Pixel camera that adds cameos to your videos and photos. It could be your favorite animals, superheroes, stickers, etc.
Conclusion
Google 3D AR Animals is little known; it is like a hidden treasure which when discovered not only adds dynamism to our android devices but also educates us. It’s a great exploration tool for kids and adults alike, and students in various fields can get up close glimpses of animals and plants without having to go far.