Google has partnered with Disney and Lucasfilm to bring the hit Star Wars series The Mandalorian into the world of augmented reality (AR). The tech giant unveiled The Mandalorian AR Experience, a new Android app that lets fans immerse themselves in iconic moments from the show’s first season.
Explore the Star Wars Universe in AR
The app enables users to:
- Follow the journey of Din Djarin (Mando) and Grogu (The Child)
- Interact with characters and key scenes
- Harness the Force and unlock hidden effects
- Create and share custom AR moments with friends
Cutting-Edge AR Technology
Powered by Google’s ARCore platform, the app leverages advanced features like:
- Depth API: Enhances realism by allowing AR objects to interact with real-world environments (occlusion).
- Immersive Effects: Unlocks dynamic interactions based on user actions.
Availability and Device Compatibility
The experience is currently limited to 5G-capable Android devices, including:
- Google Pixel 5G smartphones
- Select 5G Android phones with updated Google Play Services for AR
Note: A 5G connection isn’t required—compatibility depends on hardware capabilities. Check if your device is supported here.
Content Release Schedule
Initially, Google planned weekly content drops through October 2021, but later clarified that only five major updates will be released.
Google and Lucasfilm: A History of Collaboration
This isn’t the first time Google and Lucasfilm have joined forces. Past collaborations include:
- Star Wars-themed Google app redesigns (2015)
- AR stickers featuring Porgs (2017)
- VR experiences like Seurat for mobile (2017)
The Mandalorian AR Experience is free to download on the Google Play Store.
Image Credits: Google/Lucasfilm