Google's new tool turns your phone into an art gallery
What's the story
Google wants to employ augmented reality for recreating the magic of visiting an actual real-world art gallery. For this, the search giant is introducing a feature called Pocket Gallery into its Arts & Culture app on Android and iOS. This would be a virtual museum, which lets you explore historic artworks, starting with those of Dutch master artist Johannes Vermeer. Here's more.
Vermeer's collection
See all of Vermeer's 36 paintings
Vermeer's work includes 36 paintings, but they all are scattered across seven different countries (one has even been stolen). Visiting all these museums is practically impossible, but Google is bringing all 36 of these paintings in one place - Pocket Gallery. Using this feature, you can step into the digital museum and see all his paintings, including the missing one, hanging life-size and perfectly lit.
Working
How the feature would let you step in the gallery
The feature would utilize the ARCore or ARKit functionality of your device and let you walk through the museum. Then, you can choose a room and walk up to the paintings to see them in high-resolution or pull up more information about them. Notably, Google employed a robotic camera in different galleries to create highest-resolution images of eight of Vermeer's works.
Information
Also, you can enjoy guided tours
While exploring the Pocket Gallery, you can even tap into 'In painting tours' to gain guided insights into each of Vermeer's 36 paintings, including "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "Girl with a Flute".