Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, First Project Tango smartphone
Google has been involved in a bunch of interesting projects over the years like Project Ara or Project Tango. The latter represents Google’s initiative to get mobile phones (and tablets) to “see” the way we see.
Originally announced back in 2014, Google Tango phones are expected to come boasting full spatial awareness and the ability to “understand” the environment and the user’s relation to it. Google teased its first Project Tango phone, the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro at MWC 2016 back in February, while promising the device will be making its way into the hands of customers in the summer. Which didn’t exactly turn out to be the case. However, this week we bring you good news. The Lenovo Phab 2 Pro appears to be headed for a November 1 launch, according to the official website.
The device should arrive with a demo software version which will allow users to add virtual overlays and 3D experiences to their environment. The Lenovo Phab 2 Pro can be used to measure depth and convey 3D space, while current smartphones and PCs are equipped to “see” only the average 2D picture. An example would be, overlaying to-scale animals on a classroom’s wall and letting students walk among them and study them up-close.
Spec-wise, the Phab 2 Pro comes with a spacious 6.4-inch display with 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution. Puzzlingly, Lenovo is using a mid-range Snapdragon 652 processor to support the phablet’s processes, although the chipset has been supposedly fine-tuned especially for Tango. There’s also 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage onboard.
In the photo department, the deice takes advantage of a rear 13MP sensor with f/2.0 and a 5MP selfie camera. Lenovo is also teasing the mind-blowing effects of Cinema Dolby Atmos surround sound system. The phablet is also said to be able to record amazing audio with 360-degree immersive quality.
The device will start shipping to customers for $499 a pop, which is relatively affordable for an experimental handset like this.
While we wait for the first Tango smartphone to make an appearance, customers can orient themselves towards the Lenovo Phab 2 which the company is currently selling in unlocked form for $199.99.
