Most children love animals, so they usually have a great time in protected spaces where animals live in freedom or semi-freedom. However, although it is a great plan to spend quality time with the family, it is not always possible to visit these sites with children. An equally fun but much simpler alternative is to bring the little ones’ favorite animals home through virtual reality.
It is a trend that has gained ground in recent months and consists of virtually reproducing animals of different sizes or species anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors. Undoubtedly, a fun way for kids to see all kinds of animals in detail, pose with them and take a photo or video petting their favorite animals.
What are augmented reality animals?
Basically, augmented reality animals are specimens represented on a real scale and in 3D, that is, three dimensions. It is a technology designed by Google that allows you to see different types of animals anywhere through the camera of your mobile phone. To do this, there are two options: see the animal in 3D on a white background or integrate it into the space in which you find yourself.
Your biggest advantage? As it is a 3D figure, it is possible to observe the animal from different perspectives, study its movements and turn it to see it from different angles. In addition, it is possible to take a photo or even record a video! It is enough for the little ones to stand in front of the camera and they will be able to interact virtually with the animal. Surely, they will have a blast looking at the photos and sharing the videos with their friends.
Of course, it’s also a great way to stimulate little ones’ imaginations and unleash their creativity, while also developing their spatial skills and abstract thinking. In addition, it is a way for children to become familiar with animals that they do not usually see in their day to day and learn more about their physiognomy and habitual behavior.
How to have an augmented reality animal at home?
Having an augmented reality animal at home is as simple as doing a Google search. Of course, it is necessary that the mobile is compatible with this functionality and has support for Google’s augmented reality, ARCore. In case the mobile is not compatible, you can observe the augmented reality animals, but you cannot take photos or record videos. Either way, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Open Google on the Smartphone and write the animal you want to find in the search engine. The ideal is to try with common animals, instead of exotic or rare specimens since you probably will not find them. To ensure that your search comes to fruition, write the name followed by the word animal, that is, “animal tiger”.
- Once the search has been executed, scroll through the results until you find a special box with a 3D preview of the animal. Basically, it is a painting with a white background and the animal in the center. So, look for the option that says “View in 3D” and click on it.
- If your mobile is compatible with augmented reality, that is, it has AR Google Play Services, the option “See in your space” will appear . Click on the button and then accept the permission for Google to access your camera and the storage of your mobile.
- The mobile camera will open automatically and a message will tell you that you must point the mobile at the ground and rotate the device in a circular way so that the system can recognize the space and be able to insert the graphic. Then, you can place the animal where you prefer.
- And ready! The augmented reality animal will appear as if by magic in the living room, the children’s room or the outdoor terrace. Now all that remains is to surprise the little ones at home and have a fun time with the family.
It is worth clarifying that to move the animal through space, rotate it or modify its scale you only have to touch it. If you want to take a photo, touch the shutter button and to record a video, press and hold it. The maximum recording duration is 30 seconds.
List of augmented reality animals that you can have at home
Since the release of this new feature, Google has added many species to its list of augmented reality animals. From the popular tiger and bear to the cat or the octopus, there are many options for the little ones to find their favorite animals and breeds. Here are some of the copies that can be found so far:
- Eagle
- alligators
- Horse
- Goat
- Cat
- Cheetah
- Labrador
- Lion
- Wolf
- Sea urchin
- Bear
- Panda
- pug
- Duck
- Dog
- Penguin
- Pony
- Octopus
- rottweiler
- Snake
- Shark
- Tiger
- Turtle
- akita
- Australian pastor
- Beagle
- bengal cat
- border collie
- Bulldog
- bullterrier
- cane Corso
- chihuahua
- Squirrel
- chow chow
- Cocker
- Coyote
- Dachshund
- Dobermann
- Donkey
- fennec fox
- German shepherd
- Giraffe
- great dane
- Guinea pig
- Hamster
- Hippopotamus
- Little cat
- korean jindo
- Maine Coon
- Maltese
- Milk cow
- norwegian forest cat
- Ox
- Persian cat
- Pork
- pitbull
- Poodle
- Puppy
- panda network
- russian blue
- schnauzer
- scottish fold
- Shiba Inu
- Shih Tzu
- Siamese cat
- Siberian Husky
- sphynx cat
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- yorkshire terrier
- Zebra
- Koala
- Kangaroo
- quokka
- wombat
- Platypus
- Emu
- kookaburra
- echidna
- pirate dog
- Hot dog
- magic cat