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

Feature	Details
Game Modes	Single User
Supported Player Modes	Roomscale, Sitting, Standing
Supported Tracking Modes	Front-facing, 360°
Supported Controllers	Touch Controllers, Valve Index Controllers, HTC Vive Wands, Windows Mixed Reality Controllers
Supported Platforms	Rift S, Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality headsets
Category	Apps
Genres	Casual, Educational, Exploration, Travel
Languages	English, English (US), French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional)
Version + Release Notes	1.7.4 (most recent update: November 2023)
Developer	Google LLC
Publisher	Google LLC
Website	https://vr.google.com/earth/
Release Date	April 17, 2017
Developer Privacy Policy	https://policies.google.com/privacy
Developer Terms of Service	https://policies.google.com/terms
Space Required	3.2 GB
Recommended Processor	Intel i5-6600 equivalent or better
Recommended Graphics Card	Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or better
Recommended Memory	8 GB

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:

Feature	Google Earth VR	Tilt Brush	Project Idris (Google Glass)	Google Cardboard	ARCore	Project Starline
Description	Immersive virtual reality experience of Earth’s landscapes and landmarks.	VR painting application for creating 3D art.	Wearable technology integrating information into daily life.	Affordable VR solution using a smartphone and cardboard.	AR platform enabling development of AR experiences.	Revolutionary video chat booth for life-size, 3D interactions.
Key Highlights	Explore global landmarks in 3D, such as the Grand Canyon, Great Wall of China, and International Space Station. Experience detailed environments from canyons to ocean depths.	Features intuitive painting tools and physics, multiplayer collaboration for joint creativity, and a platform for artists to share their 3D artwork globally.	Provided hands-free access to information, AR overlays for real-time interaction with surroundings, and discreet communication methods for everyday use.	Enabled users to play VR games, experience 360° videos, and participate in educational simulations using a simple cardboard viewer and a smartphone.	Offers advanced AR capabilities like object recognition and motion tracking, enabling interactive experiences that merge digital elements with the real world.	Aims to create a 3D video chat system that enables life-size, three-dimensional interactions, offering an unparalleled sense of presence in remote communications.
Educational Value	Explore historical landmarks, track paths of explorers, learn geography and cultures.	Allows artistic expression and exploration in virtual space.	Potential educational applications in language translation and navigation.	Educational simulations in various fields.	Used in educational, navigation, and shopping applications.	Potential educational and professional collaboration applications.
User Experience	Breathtaking and immersive sightseeing and educational tool.	Interactive and creative environment for both professionals and hobbyists.	Seamless integration of digital information into the physical world.	Democratized VR, simple user experience.	Blends digital and physical worlds, interactive and immersive.	Aims to provide a more realistic and immersive communication experience.
Platform Compatibility	Compatible with various VR headsets.	Available on various VR platforms.	Initially aimed at being compatible with everyday wear.	Compatible with a wide range of smartphones.	Works across a wide range of Android devices.	Currently in research and development phase.
Legacy/Impact	Transforms the iconic mapping platform into a virtual exploration experience.	Revolutionized the concept of art in VR, enabling new forms of creativity.	Pioneered wearable AR technology but faced privacy concerns and limited functionality.	Made VR accessible to a wider audience, significant impact on VR development.	Empowers developers to create seamless AR experiences.	Promises to redefine remote communication and connectivity.