Google is making its Android-based “ARCore” app for “AR” (Augmented Reality) experiences obtainable in Chine through “Mi Mix 25” by Xiaomi Smartphones. At the initial stage this technology will be available for the Mix 25 sets by Xiaomi only via an application within Xiaomi app store, although Google is planning to add more partners in Chine with time, including Samsung and Huawei, and signed up for distributing the ARCore apps on the Chinese territory, as reported by Tech Crunch on Monday. Google even teased by saying that more partners of ARCore are stepping in soon.
However despite most of the core services of Google, including the Play Store remain either restricted or blocked in China, the applications those are AR-based will have access to function in China, as the technology will be able to function on devices without any cloud support, the report further added. In order to flourish the app distribution in China, the search engine tycoon has purportedly linked agreements with handset makers such as; Xiaomi and Huawei, which operate their own pre-loaded app store on their devices. The search giant is already into this end game from earlier only. Just it thought of bringing the Android Wear to China, it teamed up initially with the Mobvoi for making this platform available.
Thus motivations work same for both the cases. If Google didn’t develop the technology to make it available in China, then it would risk ceding the key control to technology to either direct rivals like Apple or third-party Android developers. This keeps Google’s foot in the door irrespective of how much ARCore charges within the country.
Lately, Google has joined hands with China-based Tencent for investing in quite a number of start-ups. Initially, Google disclosed an AI-based tab in Beijing, along with revealing a presence in Shenzhen, the Chinese City that’s known as hardware’s “Silicon valley”. Google is also organizing its first “Demo day” programme for start-ups in Asia having an event planned to be held this September in Shanghai.
Jeffrey is acting editor in chief of AmazingNews24 with over seven years of experience in the field of online news under his belt. Jeffrey has worked with multiple media houses and is currently leading a team of journalists, sub-editors and writers through his entrepreneurial endeavours.
