If you were in any doubt after their purchase of Boston Dynamics that Google loves robots, then this video of a robot commissioned by Google to test screen lag on Chrome and Android devices should dispel any lingering doubt.
The video, which was shared by Chrome advocate François Beaufort shows the awesome robot built by Finnish company OptoFidelity. In the video you see a number of Nexus devices – the Nexus 4, 5, 6, 7 (2013) and 9 – being measured for end-to-end latency. But as Mr Beaufort points out, the robot is also used to test ChromeOS devices.
The video is quite interesting showing a precision touch pointer repeatedly tapping the display to measure the latency, giving accurate feedback on screen lag and response.
The video shows just how far Google is willing to go to eliminate screen lag. With Android M we should see quite the spit polish to Android 5.x and this is just one of the tools they’re using to do it. With the machine also testing ChromeOS devices, it just shows we can expect more touch screen devices from the Chrome team in the future.
I would have LOLd if they’d had the Nexus 7 (2012).
“Latency 15 seconds. By jove this is the fastest build yet!”