AR and AI Headline Google I/O – Weekly Mashup 135

Google Shows Off Its Latest Project Tango Experiments
VentureBeat

"For three years now Google has been working on its Project Tango augmented-reality (AR) technology for mobile devices. For three years, non-Googlers have been waiting patiently to use it. But in a few short weeks, Lenovo will be launching the first Tango-compatible smartphone that is intended for consumers. Demos over the years have been exciting. And today at the Google I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California, there were more demos that made the system look even more promising." Read More

Google Makes Push Into Artificial Intelligence With New Offerings
Wall Street Journal

"Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai revealed new products and services that use smarter software to make decisions rather than follow instructions, part of a major push into artificial intelligence that he said would define the tech giant over the next decade. Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., said it would soon start selling a device called Home that will answer users’ questions and complete tasks for them, like scheduling appointments, playing music and sending emails. The device resembles Amazon.com Inc.’s popular Echo device." Read More

This Six Minute Short Film Plunges You Into an Augmented Reality Hellscape
The Verge

"What if advertising, but too much? That's often the formula for short films about augmented reality. (Thanks to The Verge's VR expert Adi Robertson for that one-liner.) But this new entry into the genre from artist Keiichi Matsuda still feels compelling, not least because the visuals are so beautifully hectic. Every physical surface in 'HYPER-REALITY' has been plastered with holographic images, often to the point of obscuring the underlying world altogether." Read More

NHS Encourages Virtual Blood Donations With Augmented Reality Outdoor Ads
Campaign

"NHS Blood and Transplant is using augmented reality in out-of-home ads that allow the public to give virtual blood donations via an iPhone. The campaign, created by 23red, was a winner in the annual competition run by Ocean Outdoor and Campaign, which rewards the most creative ideas that can then be brought to life on Ocean’s out-of-home digital screens." Read More