Talking about 3D technology usually conjures up images of wearing those unflattering 3D glasses to watch the latest blockbuster at the cinema.
But the world’s top tech manufacturers have been looking to use that extra dimension to great effect with a host of uses that range from photography to online games and the latest design software.
Whilst 3D printers have been around for a few years, they’ve always felt a little gimmicky and they’ve so far failed to set the consumer market alight. However, both Microsoft and Apple recently announced how they plan to make 3D technology a key part of some of their upcoming high-profile releases.
Although recent developments in mobile technology have covered everything from super-strong screen glass to NFC-enabled payment systems, it seems that Apple are going to take things a step further with their new iPhone 8.
This is rumoured to include a 3D laser scanner that would aid facial recognition for added security, as well as provide a slightly more startling way to take selfies. However, by being able to scan our own faces in 3D, it means that we would be able to create avatars of ourselves for use in the virtual domain.
Using our faces in games has already been seen in the likes of Fallout 4, and as brands like Betway already allow players to play 3D roulette games, it’s surely only a matter of time before our 3D avatars start arriving at these table gaming simulations.
Much of this will depend on how quickly virtual reality is taken up. Although sales of VR headsets may still be lacklustre, it still represents the most dynamic part of the current gaming scene. And thankfully Microsoft could provide VR with a little help thanks to their renewed commitment to 3D technologies through the new version of Paint for Windows 10.
The relaunched 3D Paint will enable the user to design fully-realised three-dimensional objects that can be customised and shared with ease from a PC or smartphone. This is expected to help many independent software developers get to grips with 3D modelling technology that could help the fledgling VR gaming scene really get off the ground.
So that whether Microsoft’s 3D paint software is being used to enhance our own selfies for Fallout 4, or just to improve the realism of those 3D online roulette games, it will all help our digital content gain an extra dimension of reality.