After two years in the incubator, Google’s Project Tango, is ready for consumer use. The technology allows a mobile device to perceive its three-dimensional surroundings using a combination of cameras and sensors.

Lenovo announced on the sidelines of CES 2016 that it will partner the Tango team to develop a sub-6.5 inch device that incorporates the 3D-aware technology.

The device is expected to be available to consumers by mid-year and will cost under $500.

The device will feature an RGB camera, a depth sensor and a fisheye lens – all integrated into a single vertical module on its rear. It will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.

Lenovo’s device wasn’t on display, but Project Tango leader Johnny Lee demonstrated a few of the applications of the technology using a prototype Tango device.

He showcased the device’s ability to measure heights and distances with pinpoint accuracy, and how that could be used to plan the placement of furniture and appliances in a room, navigate within a building and even play games such as Jenga with virtual blocks.

The project, which was announced by Google in 2014, is preparing for commercial release at a time when there is a huge buzz around virtual and augmented reality. Jeff Meredith, Vice-Preident of Lenovo, insisted that the aim was to deliver to a wide cross-section of users. “This was not designed to be a niche device,” he said.

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