Google partners with Xiaomi to expand reach of its ARCore technology

The tech behemoth, Google is partnering with Xiaomi as part of its plan of expanding the reach of its ARCore technology — augmented and virtual reality platform — in emerging markets. The partnership with Xiaomi will enable the availability of the ARCore platform in China where Google Play Store doesn’t work. Hence, Xiaomi will offer Google’s ARCore through its app store for Chinese users, as announced by the company in a tweet.

ARCore was designed by Google to offer augmented and virtual reality features to a wide range of Android phones. However, until now it was only available in Google Pixel handsets and some other Android flagships. By partnering with Google, Xiaomi’s Mi Mix 2s will now also have AR features. Google has also suggested that more AR partners are coming soon.

With the help of ARCore technology, a smartphone will be able to adopt advanced AR features like motion tracking, environment understanding, and light estimation. A list of Android devices which features this ARCore tech can be seen here.

Despite facing hindrances and bans on its various products in China, Google has always kept Asian countries especially China as its primary focus. This is because its rival Apple has already availed almost all of its products and services in China, even Apple’s ARKit is readily available in China. In addition to this, Google is also hosting its first ever demo for Asian Countries in Shangai, and interestingly, Pakistani startups can also apply for this event.