LG has designed the first mobile phone that can capture and view 3D images. The phone, LG Optimus, is said to use a 3D screen technology that is similar to the new Nintendo 3DS and comes with two rear camera lenses that can capture two views of the same object which can be played back simultaneously on its 3D screen without requiring users wearing 3D glasses. It’s non-requirement of users use of 3D glasses is because the Optimus 3D screen simultaneously broadcasts images captured by both lenses separately to each eye. Furthermore, the screen is covered with a polarising see-through material similar to those used in 3D cinema glasses. As a result, the two sets of images on the screen are separated and diverted to the correct eye, creating a sweet spot of around 20-inches from the screen in order to provide optimal 3D effect.
In addition, in a move to overcome the lack of adequate commercial 3D films and television programmes, LG has also announced a YouTube partnership that will allow Optimus 3D clips to be directly uploaded and shared on the Web. Users will also be able to download and share 3D footage created by other users. There are however some fears about how good the quality of user experience in terms of watching 3D programmes on a small screen will be and whether the market is actually ready for such an innovative technology.
