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Google’s Project Tango is inching one step closer to consumer’s hands with Intel’s RealSense Smartphone Developer Kit, and that developer kit would be complete without the ReaSense developer phone. That phone is up for pre-order now for $399, and is intended to aid developers in creating services and applications for the smartphone’s 3D mapping camera array.
The phone features Intel’s RealSense 3D platform based around a ZR300 depth camera. It also carries a 2560×1440 6-inch display, standard 2MP front and 8MP rear cameras, and Intel Atom x7-z8700 processor. On top of those seemingly standard features also sports and HDMI connector and, of course, the 3D camera as part of its rear camera array.
The real star of the show is Google’s Project Tango, which we have seen demoed previously to showcase its indoor mapping abilities. From what we have seen from Intel’s RealSense platform, a large focus will be on augmented reality, including games and learning tools. In practice, it’s a lot like Xbox Kinect and similar peripherals available for gaming consoles.
Those interested in reserving their own RealSense developer phone should be aware of a few caveats. First, the phone is only being offered to developers in the US at this time, and only one per purchase at that. Second, no firm availability date has been placed on the handset at this time. For those wondering when we might see a wider release, don’t hold your breath. It will probably be some time before we see Project Tango devices available for everyday consumers.
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