Google Tango, Lenovo Phab 2 Pro Will Do More For Commercial, B2B Industries Than Consumer Remodeling

If you haven't heard about Project Tango (now simply "Tango") from Google, you are missing out on not just a really cool technology, but you might miss the boat on technology that could very well revolutionize the construction industry.

Lenovo recently announced the first ever handset to be compatible with Tango. Called the Phab 2 Pro, it has four cameras: 1 front-facing and 3 rear-facing, each with a unique purpose (A 16 MP camera, a depth-sensing camera, and a motion camera). As far as mobile phones go, it definitely ranks near the top in terms of size and weight, but there is a reason: Inside this device is some of the most sophisticated mobile tech ever.

Google has been working on Project Tango for years, deep inside their secret facility where co-founder Sergey Brin and his team think up self-driving cars, space travel, artificial intelligence and other science fiction stuff. But, as we have seen from Google time and again, what some would consider pure science fiction, Google sees real potential. It is very rare that Google fully develops and releases a product or service if they don't foresee it dominating the industry (OK, Google+ is perhaps a very glaring exception to that! If you use Google+, check out Netfloor USA there; we often post!)

What Does Tango Do? And What About the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro?

If you work for an architect or engineering firm that heavily relies on 3D imaging for your revenue, you need to listen up! This phone, and this new technology from Google are about to put the power of 3D site imaging and CAD/Revit design into the hands of anyone who wants to shell out $499 for the phone (likely less, if you are going to renew your phone contract!)

Using the three rear-facing cameras, each of which has a unique purpose, the phone can take 3D images embedded with dimensional data. You know those really expensive 3D imagers that are used by a few top surveying and engineering firms? They just became obsolete.

But this is just the beginning. Google Tango is only getting started as a 3D, interactive framework. We believe it will change the way we interact with our phones and with our environments. Google feels the same:

Tango lets you see more of your world. Just hold up your phone, and watch as virtual objects and information appear on top of your surroundings. So no matter where you are, there's always a richer, deeper experience to engage with, explore and enjoy. You'll see.

What Does Netfloor USA Have to Do With Google Tango and the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro?

The applications for an inexpensive, user-friendly 3D Imaging system are limitless, yet, many 'professionals' seem to be dumbfounded at the power of this technology, with some nearly implying it is little more than fancy wizardry. It was a bit disheartening to read some of the comments left on the first few articles that were published announcing the Tango-Phab partnership.

Some commenters wrote in that 'While this is a cool phone and cool tech, I don't see anyone really needing this.' Or: 'Unless you are a home remodeling company, you won't need this phone.' Or even comments like: 'Another useless product from Google that won't be around next year.'

It is a bit concerning when, even a senior editor for CNET says:

At Google I/O, Google said it's aiming to use this tech to map out interior places with the accuracy of outdoor maps. Maybe it's to beef up Google Maps' worldwide database. As an everyday person, however, I'm not still not sure how this would help anyone.

If you don't see the potential in Google Tango, you should get your vision checked; you might be a bit near-sighted! This is going to revolutionize many industries, and not just consumer industries like home remodeling. 

Netfloor USA intends to be among the first B2B, professional companies to implement Google Tango technology into the very core of our business processes.

Netfloor USA Cable Management Access Floor Systems (Netfloor USA) will begin implementing 3D imaging in our business model. When our business clients are designing a new building, or planning to renovate and remodel an existing one, having this powerful technology at our disposal will allow us to work more efficiently with our customers. There will be fewer mistakes, less time spent in design, and our customers will begin using their facility sooner, so they can get back to work!

Better Integration Equals Better Installation

In our videos, our articles, and if you chat with us in person, we always say how a great installation can make a good access floor look amazing. 

With Google Tango, the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro (and many other mobile phones to come in the next 1-2 years, the power of accurate, fast and simple 3D Imaging will be available to anyone. The site evaluation process just got better. Whether you are working on your design in-house or have an architect on board, using Tango will make your project flow more smoothly. Netfloor USA Cable Management Access Floor Systems will be at the forefront of this technology.

We are going to use Google Tango to perform better site evaluations, and if our customers have a Tango-enabled phone, they will be able to send us data-rich, 3D images of their space (whether it is an office, call center, command center, university, library, etc.)

We will be able to provide pricing and detailed system information as part of the design process more quickly and more accurately than we do now. It's a win-win scenario.

In any case, the data and dimension-rich images that will come from a Tango-enabled device will certainly be more useful than some of the 'construction drawings' being used by commercial contractors. And architects, engineers and customers wonder why their projects are delivered late and over budget.

Could You Build a Command Center Based on This Drawing?

Why Are You Telling the World (And Your Competitors) Your Plans?

It might seem odd that a company like ours would write an article announcing our plans to integrate Google Tango technology into our business. What if a competitor reads this? Honestly, we're not worried about that. We know we have the best low profile access floors, and if you're looking for a better way to manage cables in a 2" high raised access floor, Netfloor USA is the industry leader.

But there is always room for improvement.

With our deep commitment to great customer service, Google Tango is going to make us even better. And for our customers, that means we can offer better service, better design, more competitive pricing and a finished product that comes in ahead of schedule and under budget. 

All the things our competition tries to do, but still can't manage to do as well as us. So no, we're not worried one bit!

Let's Get Two It

You knew this was coming: It takes two to Tango! The construction industry has been fairly stagnant for quite a long time. Some efforts have been made to implement green technology into building design, and 'lean construction' promises all the advantages of lean manufacturing (the only trouble is few organizations know what lean construction is, and even fewer are willing to change the way they do business to fit more efficient construction models.)

3D Imaging, scanning and modeling have been making headway in the commercial construction world. Why, just this week, there is a trade show / conference all about construction and how geospatial, imaging and metrology can improve the construction world.

With only a select few design and construction companies getting on board the imaging track, complete with expensive seminars, delicate measuring equipment and countless hours of coursework, what will a $499 mobile phone powered by Google Tango do to the construction industry?