3D technology has enjoyed something of a renaissance of late, with the technology making its way not only to home theater systems but also to actual theater systems as well. Though some have protested its use as little more than gimmickry, there are those who believe that this display technology has something more to it than might meet the eye, so to speak. New reports suggest that Google (News - Alert) may be one of these who believe there's more going on to 3D than visible at first glance, as a new tablet from the company may pack in 3D capability.

The current reports suggest that there will be around 4,000 prototype versions developed starting next month, and it's entirely possible that Google has a mind to show these at the upcoming Google I/O event set to start June 25. The tablet itself, meanwhile, is set to offer a seven inch display with infrared depth sensors, as well as a pair of back cameras and software specifically meant for capturing images in 3D. It's a part of Google's Project Tango, according to word from the Wall Street Journal, which is itself an attempt to produce devices that perceive the world in the same way that human beings do, thus making the devices more in fitting with human use.

Google, meanwhile, declined to comment on the issue via a spokesman earlier, but the technology actually does seem to exist, at least somewhat, on other models. Back in February, Google brought out a Project Tango prototype in the form of a five-inch Android (News - Alert) smartphone, which in turn could create a 3D model of whatever was around it. This provided users with more than a few interesting features, including the ability to quickly locate certain products in a store or even make a 3D model of something like a room in a house. Reports suggest that NASA has an interest in Google's Project Tango technology, planning to send a couple of the devices to the International Space Station as part of the Orbital 2 resupply mission set for June 10. With those devices in space, said devices will then become part of the Spheres robots, a set of spherical robots about the size of a soccer ball, designed to serve as external probes that can take telemetry information and 3D modeling data, then send it back for study and analysis.

Project Tango's immediate value jumps out in the form of 3D filmmaking capability for independent film. While this sector has historically had lower access to higher technology than higher-budget studio filmmaking has had, putting something like Project Tango out there could essentially open up 3D filmmaking to even the smallest of studios. That could be a real boost in terms of making 3D content, which has long been an issue in terms of getting 3D displays to catch on. NASA's intended use for the technology, meanwhile, makes it even more compelling, especially if NASA should ultimately reach its target of landing on an asteroid. While it may gall some to use what is essentially a smartphone as a probe—you never saw Geordi La Forge plug an iPhone (News - Alert) into a probe—it likely falls under the category of “what works, works.”

Still, this could be the start of something interesting, or a flash in the pan. Only time will tell just which side of history this comes out on, but Project Tango and the developments that comprise it are worth watching.