Google ups its augmented reality game with Snapchat lens of Barcelona stadium

Google is ready for its augmented reality software to take over.

After six months in developer preview, ARCore ( the company's answer to Apple's ARKit), is finally ready for the masses. The augmented reality platform is officially launching, so all Android developers can start building better AR apps.

As part of the expansion, Google's partnered with Snapchat on a new 3D world lens showcasing the tech. Debuting at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the lens takes you inside Barcelona's Camp Nou soccer stadium.

Similar to Snapchat's earlier Stranger Things-themed lens, users can "walk into" the stadium in augmented reality using the lens. once there, you'll get an up-close look at the arena right from the field. The lens will be available in March via Snapcodes.

Here's what it looks like in action:

Google also announced that more people will soon have access to Google Lens, the company's intelligent camera software. Originally only available to Pixel phones, it will be available within Google Photos "within the coming weeks" for all English-speaking users on iOS and Android.

Though more limited than Google Lens' integration with Google Assistant, Lens is Google Photos' most game-changing feature in a long time. It can scan your photos and pull out relevant bits of contextual information, like contact information on a business card. Or, it can recognize objects, like the name of a famous painting, landmark, or even breed of dog.

Google Lens as part of Google Assistant is expanding with support for flagship devices from Samsung, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Sony, and Nokia. When integrated with Google Assistant, Lens can work in real-time. Instead of having to scan a photo you've already snapped, you can simply point your camera at the world around you to get more information.

The company says it expects to add support for more devices in future updates.