A virtual Halloween experience is now available through Google Search. Users can encounter an augmented reality ghost, animated skeletons, spooky pumpkins, and even costumed pets directly within their search results. Prior to the Halloween holiday in the United States, Google has implemented a series of interactive, AR-enhanced features accessible on Google Search when using a mobile device to search for relevant Halloween-related terms.

For instance, a search for “Halloween” will reveal a prompt to “Summon up a 3D ghost” as you scroll through the results. Selecting the “View in 3D” option allows you to visualize the ghost appearing in your immediate surroundings.

iPhone users will initially need to scan their environment with the phone to initiate the AR experience, similar to other augmented reality applications. Android users, however, will see the ghost appear in 3D instantly, with a separate “View in your space” button available to anchor the ghost within their physical environment.

Google confirms that these features are functional within both the Google Search application and mobile web browsers.

After positioning the AR object in your space, you can interact with it by moving around to observe it from various perspectives, adjusting your distance, or repositioning it with a simple touch. The object is designed to realistically integrate into the scene, even casting a shadow on the floor.

To enhance the atmosphere, thematic Halloween music will play while the AR objects animate or move within your space. Users have the option to capture photos or videos to share their experience.

Beyond the AR ghost, users can also discover a collection of three jack-o’-lanterns, a dancing skeleton, a dog dressed as a hot dog, a pirate-themed dog, and a magical cat.

The cat and magical cat appear when searching for “dog” or “cat,” respectively, while a search for “hot dog” displays a playful dachshund that interacts with its surroundings. Searching for “skeleton” and “jack-o’-lantern” (and related terms) will unlock the corresponding AR experiences.

A notification may also appear on the Google.com homepage suggesting you try the new AR feature, although its appearance is not consistent across all visits.

Google has been integrating AR features into Google Search for some time, previously offering 3D models of animals, landmarks, spacecraft, celestial objects like the moon and planets, biological and chemical terms, vehicles, footwear, and even Santa Claus.

Currently, there isn’t a centralized location to find all available AR objects; discovery typically happens organically through searches.

In addition to the AR Halloween search features, Google has also introduced two new doorbell ringtones for Nest Hello devices: “Black Cat” and “Werewolf.” Existing Halloween sounds from last year, such as ghost, vampire, monster, and witch noises, remain available.

Google Assistant has also been updated to offer Halloween-themed riddles and a Halloween song, further celebrating the holiday.