Target’s Bullseye’s Playground uses Project Tango for virtual in-store winter wonderlands

Target is trying something new this holiday season to help keep folks in the holiday spirit as they shop. It’s Bullseyes’s Playground, a virtual/augmented reality experience that’ll “transform” a Target store into a winter wonderland. Considering there isn’t quite enough aisle space for actual props and decorations like you’d see inside a mall or a toy store this is probably Target’s next best thing.

Target teamed up with Google for this venture, with the retailer making use of Project Tango — Google’s frontrunner for ongoing development of consumer-grade 3D imaging — for 3D virtual reality scenes inside select Target stores.

Unfortunately you’ll only be able to play with the Project Tango-enhanced experience in four select locations at distinct times:

• Dec. 4-7, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Sunnyvale Target, 298 W. McKinley Ave. Sunnyvale, CA
  • Chicago Near North Target, 2656 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL
• Dec. 11-14, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Dallas Cityplace Market Target, 2417 N. Haskell Ave. Dallas, TX
  • Roseville Target, 1515 County Road B W Roseville, MN

That said, you can still get in on the fun both inside and outside of any Target store using the less-focused Bullseye’s Playground app that’ll let you play six different games, including ice fishing, sledding and more. The app will be accessible by visiting Target.com/Play from a mobile device.

You can unlock new levels and characters by using your phone’s camera to scan in-store signage, and Target will donate $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for every game play (up to a whopping $1 million). Not a bad incentive to give it a go the next time you’re inside a festive Target store.

[via Business Wire]