Google 3D animals: see how to use on Android and iPhone

Google search started to make available in the search results of certain animals with the option of seeing them in 3D. Depending on the device, the feature displays animals such as tiger, panda, snake and penguin in augmented reality, allowing them to be inserted in a realistic way in the environment where the user is.

The feature is very similar to the Sasha Dog filter, which went viral on Instagram, and fooled many people with a yellow puppy. Here's how to use the technology and find out if your phone or tablet is compatible.

Using Google's 3D Animal Feature

Google's 3D animal feature is only available for searches on Android and iOS devices. The pets in three dimensions are available on practically all devices with mobile operating systems.

The option of viewing in augmented reality requires more powerful hardware. If the button See in your space, shown in the tutorial below, does not appear for you, chances are your phone is not compatible with the device.

1. Open Google Chrome or the Google search bar on your phone or tablet and write an animal's name. In our example, we will use Tiger;

2. Scroll the search result page until you see a digital image of the animal moving, with the caption Meet a life-size tiger up close. The animal's name, of course, varies according to your research. Touch the button View in 3D;

3D Animals Google

3. On the next screen, the desired animal appears in 3D on a white background. It is possible to enlarge it with a pinch with your fingers, rotate it in the direction you want, changing the perspective and seeing all the details. You will also be able to hear the sounds that the animal makes;

4. If your device is compatible with ARCore augmented reality technology, see a button with the text on the same screen See in your space. Touch it if you want to see the animal in the same place as you;

  • When using the feature for the first time, see a request for access to the device's camera and device. Touch Grant access to follow.

5. For the best possible interaction, the system will ask you to point the floor towards the camera, so that you can understand the space where you are. Move the device until the animal appears on the screen, in real size;

Google Tiger 3D Animals

  • The technology automatically adapts the image to the environment in which it finds itself. However, the user can move the animal through space as well as increase and decrease its size.

6. If you want to share the animal's image inside your home and deceive your friends and relatives, touch the circle in the center of the screen to make a photo. The image will be available in the device's image gallery and can be shared on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook or other social apps as usual.

Animals available in 3D on Google

Google did not release an official list of animals available on the resource. However, the specialized website 9to5Google, published a list in the official. AppGeek tested and possible to view animals in three dimensions and in augmented reality using the following terms:

Google dog and cat augmented reality

  • Dog (or through specific terms: French Bulldog, Pompano Lulu or Zwergspitz, Labrador Retriever, Pug and Rottweiler)
  • Horse
  • Deer
  • Cat
  • Raccoon
  • Cheetah
  • Leo
  • Leopard
  • Wolf
  • Lophiiformes (Monkfish)
  • Ourio
  • giant panda

google animals 3d snake panda

  • duck
  • Penguin
  • Pton-ball or pton-real
  • Octopus
  • Shetland tire
  • Turtle
  • Tiger
  • Tubaro
  • Brown bear or brown bear

It is possible that the list is longer, after all, these are just what the page identified on its own. It is likely that, over time, Google will increase the catalog, including new copies.

Which devices are compatible with the augmented reality feature

Basically all devices with Android and iOS can see and interact with animals in 3D. However, only a few are supported by augmented reality technology, which inserts the image into the environment.

To access the feature, the device must be compatible with ARCore technology. In addition, they must have Android 7.0 or higher with Google Play app installed or iOS 11.0 or later.

Among them are the devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy A5, A6, A7, A8 and A8 Plus
  • Galaxy J5, J5 Pro, J7 and J7 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy S8, S9, S10 and S20
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8, 9 and 10
  • Any Google Pixel model
  • iPhone 6S, 7, 8, X and 11
  • Moto G 6 Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 7 Power, 7 Play, 8 Play, 8 Plus, 8 Power and Stylus
  • Motorola One, One Action, One Hyper, One Power, One Vision, One Macro, One Zoom
  • Moto X4
  • Moto Z2 Force, Z3, Z3 Play, Z4
  • Asus Zenphone 6, AR and ARES
  • Huawei Honor 8X, 10, View 10 Lite and V20
  • Huawei Mate 20 Lite, 20, 20 Pro, 20 X
  • Huawei P20, P20 Pro, P30, P30 Pro
  • Huawei Y9 2019

The full list is available on the Google developers page.

What augmented reality?

Augmented reality called technology that allows to overlay images and virtual information to the real world. To do this, just use a compatible program or app and point the device's camera at where you want to view the item. The idea is to provide the most immersive experience possible.

augmented reality pokmon go

An application example is in the game Pokmon Go, which allows hunting fictitious beings in real places. Another known form of AR is the filters of apps like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and Kwai. They create masks, makeups, among other effects, that identify the users' faces and overlap them as close to the real as possible.

Google Lens uses technology as a way to expand and facilitate access to knowledge. The app can interpret texts by the cell phone camera and overlay with content translation, for example. It is also able to identify an object in the image and perform a search.

Taysa Coelho

Journalist graduated from UFRJ, she has been writing about technology for seven years. Carioca currently lives in Portugal, a country he adopted. In his free time, he enjoys going to the beach, reading, watching movies and doing serial marathons. Instagram is your favorite social network, but WhatsApp saves you from missing those who stayed in Brazil.