Google’s Project Tango just became much more affordable, but it’s still invite-only

By Williams Pelegrin April 13, 2015

google cuts project tango tablet price — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Remember Google’s 3D-mapping tablet, Project Tango? It seems like ages ago when Google announced the developer kit, which can only be purchased by invitation. Well, some lucky invitees received an email letting them know they can purchase the tablet, but at a much lower price point.

Reported by Android Police, the email reveals the Project Tango tablet is being offered for $512, a significant discount from the tablet’s initial $1,024 price point. More interesting, however, is that the email also states Google is preparing to “open up sales more broadly.”

Recommended Videos

This could mean Google simply has more units from the hardware manufacturer to pass around, and plans to send out even more invitations to purchase Project Tango. Of course, this could also mean Google is getting close to commercial availability for the tablet, since the company announced last June that it will work with LG to create a consumer version of Project Tango.

Last time we checked Project Tango, it was powered by the Nvidia Tegra K1 processor, backed up by 4GB of RAM. You’ll also find 128GB of internal storage and a 1080p display. The tablet also offers 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Even by today’s standards, these are pretty beefy specifications, though the tablet’s calling card is its two rear cameras, each inserted at a 13-degree angle. These cameras, along with the depth sensor, allow the tablet to accurately map a 3D space.

Most recently, Google moved Project Tango from the Advanced Technology and Projects Group (ATAP) to a new home within the company, suggesting Google is happy with where the tablet currently stands.

Topics

Williams Pelegrin

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Williams is an avid New York Yankees fan, speaks Spanish, resides in Colorado, and has an affinity for Frosted Flakes. Send…

Mobile

The Pixel Watch is about to get a long-awaited software update

The Google Pixel Watch 3 lying on top of a plant.

For the most part, Google has issued an update to the Pixel Watch roughly once a month. Most were simple security updates, while others included new features and OS upgrades. Fans expected an update in October, but Google delayed it until this month. This update will resume the rollout of Wear OS 5 to Pixel Watch 1 and Pixel Watch 2 users after a series of crashes caused Google to pause it back in September. After several months of work, the company has addressed the cause of the crashes and is confident that yesterday's update will be stable.

In addition to Wear OS 5, the update will also include better camera controls and changes to the Pixel Recorder app, which will be available through the Play Store. Your individual watch will notify you when the update is available for download, so you don't have to constantly check for it. The first update for the Pixel Watch 3 since its launch is also coming with bug fixes and security updates. All Pixel Watch models will eventually update to version AW2A.241105.012, although when the update happens will depend on both the carrier and the device.

Mobile

I wore two of 2024’s best smart rings. This is the one you should buy

A person holding the Oura Ring 4 and the RingConn Gen 2.

Now that the Oura Ring 4 is here, how does it stack up against the RingConn Gen 2? I’ve had both smart rings on for several weeks to help understand where each ring's strengths lie and which is the best to buy.

It's easy to think it all comes down to the price and whether you want to pay a subscription or not, but by wearing these smart rings, understanding the design differences, and testing out the very different apps each day, I can give you a much deeper insight into the best one to wear over the long term.
Is the Oura Ring 4 or the RingConn Gen 2 more comfortable?
The RingConn Gen 2 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Mobile

These ESR Gear mobile accessory deals are Apple-tastic — Save over 50% off

ESR Gear mobile accessory deals -- MagSafe 3-in-1 charger with devices

Shiny new phone? Preparing to get one soon? Congratulations, that's always a great feeling, isn't it? The dopamine hit of the mobile upgrade. But now it's time to start thinking about some smarter more efficient ways to use that device, even if it's not new. That's where mobile accessories come into the equation. From stands to car mounts and portable power packs, they extend the functionality and usability of your favorite and beloved smartphone. Chief among the phone gear options is ESR Gear with its excellent selection of MagSafe accessories. Need an example? Look no further than the ESR 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger with Qi2 wireless charging and CryoBoost cooling technology. It can charge the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch, fast.

But here's the thing: You came here under the guise that there were some great deals to be had, and I don't blame you, so let's get right into those. You can expect to save upwards of 30% off some of ESR Gear's best MagSafe options. They're already discounted, plus there are exclusive coupon codes to get an extra 10% off. All coupon codes are valid until December 25th.