Google to produce 3D imaging tablet

A tablet computer capable of taking 3D images is set to be put into production by Google.

A run of 4,000 devices is going to be manufactured next month, BBC News reported, citing the Wall Street Journal.

The tablet will have two rear-facing cameras and advanced imaging software - and will be shown off at the firm's forthcoming developers' conference.

Google has said it will not comment on "rumor and speculation".

But in March, Google showed off Project Tango, an effort to bring 3D technology to its handheld devices. A prototype smartphone had been given out to 200 developers to try out.

The technology makes use of infrared sensors to measure depth of surroundings.

While the ability to create 3D images with small devices is by no means a new technological feat, Google's strategy will be to harness the hardware to contribute to, among other things, its mapping effort.

For instance, the devices could be used to create quickly a 3D map of indoor environments.