Google’s AR/VR You Should Try 2024: Google Earth VR, AI Search (Google Lens), Project Idris, and More

Google’s journey in augmenting reality, both through virtual and augmented realms, has been a pathway paved with innovation and foresight. At the forefront of its most recent journey lies Google Earth VR, a transformative experience that has redefined our interaction with the globe. But Google’s ambitions in AR and VR extend far beyond just Earth VR, encompassing a range of applications that blend the virtual with the real in groundbreaking ways.

Google Earth VR emerged from the simple idea of letting people explore our planet digitally. With this VR extension, that exploration has taken a giant leap. Users can now immerse themselves in stunning 3D landscapes, soar over cities, and delve into the depths of oceans. It’s not just about viewing the world; it’s about experiencing it as if you was actually there, without the danger that may have came with it. As well as learning in more detailed information you would learn from a tourist, zoo, or museum. From seeing the Mona Lisa to standing atop the Grand Canyon, inside Chauvet cave, Nine-Dome Mosque dome, the Mother Tree at Basin State Park, or old landscapes like the Gazera Fort Google Earth VR brings these experiences into the comfort of your living room. Google has integrated features to enhance a user friendly experience for those with motion sickness, height fear and more with the “Comfort” feature. For instance, the field of view can be narrowed during flight to reduce motion sickness, and users can choose to stay at human scale, offering a sense of size and perspective that’s unique to VR.

But the application isn’t just a tool for sightseeing. It’s an educational portal where users can meet wildlife in their natural habitats, learn about their behaviors, and even place these creatures in their own homes for a more interactive learning experience. It’s like having a personal, virtual zoo where learning is as fun as it is informative.

Google Earth VR

Google’s AR and VR endeavors extend beyond Earth VR. In daily life, AR features in Google Search allow users to preview products in 3D, helping them make more informed buying decisions. Google Lens transforms the phone’s camera into a real-time translator, bridging language gaps encountered in travel or business. Check out Google Cardboard – an affordable, easy-to-use device that turns any smartphone into a VR viewer. This initiative has made VR accessible to a wider audience, breaking down the cost barriers typically associated with high-tech experiences. For the creatively inclined, Google’s Tilt Brush is a marvel. This VR app lets users paint in 3D space, opening up new dimensions for artistic expression. It’s not just painting; it’s creating art in a virtual environment, a testament to how VR can expand the boundaries of creativity.

Looking to the future, Google’s Project Iris, though currently shelved, signals their ongoing interest in VR. Meanwhile, the partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm on a mixed reality platform, expected in 2024, shows Google’s commitment to advancing AR and VR technologies. Innovation in communication is also part of Google’s vision. Project Starline, although still in research, promises to revolutionize how we connect with others remotely, offering life-size, three-dimensional interactions that go far beyond current video conferencing capabilities.

Google’s AR and VR creations are more than just technological advancements; they are gateways to new ways of seeing, learning, and interacting with the world. From exploring the furthest corners of the Earth in VR to transforming how we shop, learn, and connect, Google’s innovations in these fields are setting the stage for a future where our digital and physical realities become increasingly intertwined.

Chart data highlights for each of Google’s AR and VR creations mentioned: