Google is presently working with Xiaomi to bring ARCore to China, where the former’s services are traditionally blocked. The Chinese market is naturally valuable for Google, and it is in direct works with the local app stores for the distribution of ARCore, the platform for mobile AR.
It was launched in February and had its version upped to 1.2 at I/O 2018, bringing many new features. So far, many flagship devices of the leading OEM players are featuring it, and now it is time for China.
ARCore needs Android 7.0 and above and the Google Play Store for receiving updates to AR components and downloading apps from third-party developers. Now, since Google’s services are blocked in China, anything related to the Play Store is impossible to go within the country.
This is where Google has earned its first partner in Xiaomi App Store to bring and distribute ARCore among the Chinese. As a refresher, Xiaomi and Google previously worked together on Android TV Mi Box, and there had been rumors that the two brands may develop a US-bound phone together.
Back to ARCore, Mi Mix 2S is the first device in China to feature the platform. It is complementary that the near bezel-less phone offers an AR experience. Google also intends to bring it to Wear OS, where additional technical collaboration with manufacturers is required to make things workable.
Wear OS is indeed offering the most remarkable user inclination in China towards Google. While watches are available, there are various features being handled by local services. The correspondent wearable apps can be downloaded via the app stores of Huawei and Mobvoi.
Additionally, Google is propelling its efforts to bring TensorFlow and machine learning tools to Chinese developers. Also, the tech leader recently opened an AI center in Beijing, and a recent investment into an eSports startup will play harmoniously with ARCore and heavy-gaming usage. Services are no longer blocked in the country, it seems. Literally!
While ARCore apps in Mi Mix 2S have been made available from Xiaomi App Store in China starting May 28, Google’s announcement tweet also confirms that more ARCore partners are ‘coming soon.’ Stay put to know more!
