Google has introduced in its blog the new “See-Through Mode” as an experimental feature for the Lenovo Mirage Solo.
Apart from the new experimental 6DOF controllers that we discussed in a previous article, Google has presented what they call the transparent mode (See-Through Mode), which gives the ability to see what is right in front of the user in the physical world, while using the viewer.
See-Through mode leverages WorldSense technology, which was developed to provide accurate, low-latency tracking. And because the Mirage’s tracking cameras are only located about the distance from your eyes, you also get accurate depth perception. The result is a transparent mode good enough to allow us to play ping pong with the viewfinder on.
The combination of the Mirage Solo’s transparent mode and tracking technology also opens the door for developers to combine the physical and digital worlds in new ways, building Augmented Reality prototypes. For example, an interior designer might plan a new design for a room by adding virtual chairs, tables, and decorations over the real space.
Android apps in virtual reality
Google has also commented on the ability to open any Android application on a Daydream device, so that we can use our games and applications in virtual reality.
With support for Android VR apps, developers will be able to add Daydream support to their existing 2D apps, without having to start from scratch. The Chrome team reused existing 2D interfaces for Chrome Browser Sync, configurations and more features, to provide a feature-rich browsing experience for Daydream.
