Google Search adds 3D AR anime characters

Google has recently added anime characters in 3D and augmented reality (AR) on Google Search on mobile.

Using Google search on mobile devices will allow access to the following characters:
• Hello Kitty
• Pompompurin
• Little Twin Stars
• Ultraman
• Gomora
• Ultraman Zero
• Ultraman Belial
• Pac-Man
• Taiko no Tatsujin
• Evangelion
• Gundam Penelope
• Gundam Odysseus
• Xi Gundam
• Cogimyun

“Filipinos are one of the biggest fans of anime and Japanese pop culture in the world. Tagalized anime series used to dominate on free-to-air TV, becoming a significant part of many Filipinos’ childhood. Now in the digital era, we want to use Google Search to bring anime fans closer to their beloved characters and bring back their fondest memories with them. During difficult times, we hope that simple joys like this can also provide comfort in one way or another,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Google Philippines.

According to Google, in the last five years, the Philippines has been the number one country with most Google search for Hello Kitty, number eight for Little Twin Stars, and number nine for Gundam.

To access and share, users can search for one of the characters on Google using a mobile device and tap “View in 3D” to rotate or zoom in and see it up close. Characters can also be brought into the user’s space with AR, and volume can be increased to hear voice lines or sounds from characters like Hello Kitty or Pac-man.

Check out how it works:

• Android: Search “Hello Kitty” or one of the 14 characters on the Google app or any Android browser and tap “View in 3D.” The 3D content can be seen on devices with Android 7 Plus, while AR content can be accessed on ARCore-enabled devices.

• iOS: Search “Hello Kitty” or one of the 14 characters on the Google app. The 3D and AR characters are available on iOS 11.0+ devices.

Please note that you need to update the Google Search app on mobile on its latest version to enjoy the new AR characters fully. Head over to this link to know more about how to view Google 3D AR animals and characters on the smartphone.