Google to launch its AR platform in China with Xiaomi
Beijing, May 29 : Google is making "ARCore," its Android-based app for Augmented Reality (AR) experiences available in China via Xiaomi's "Mi Mix 2S" smartphones.
"Initially, the technology will be available for Xiaomi's Mix 2S devices via an app in the Xiaomi App Store, but Google has plans to add more partners in China over time, including Huawei and Samsung that have signed up to distribute ARCore apps on Chinese soil," TechCrunch reported on Monday.
Even though most of Google's core services, including Google Play Store, remain either blocked or restricted in China, the apps based on ARCore will be able to function in China because the technology can work on devices without cloud support, the report added.
To expand Google apps' distribution in China, the search engine giant has reportedly inked deals with handset makers like Huawei and Xiaomi that operate their own app stores preloaded on their devices.
In recent months, Google partnered with China-based Tencent to invest in a number of startups.
Additionally, Google announced an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based lab in Beijing along with opening a presence in Shenzhen, the Chinese city known as the "Silicon Valley of hardware."
Google is also hosting its first "Demo Day" programme for startups in Asia with an event planned to be held in Shanghai this September.
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SIT formed to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.
The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.
The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.
The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.
ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership
Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.
Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.
As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.
The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.
However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.
The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.
Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.
Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.
