Whenever a new consumer technology is released those that bought an earlier version of it are left feeling cheated. Imagine spending $1500 on a new flat-screen TV only to learn the 3D displays are the new state of the art. Outside of returning the product and demanding a refund, the consumer is left with little recourse.
If manufacturer Global Wave have their way, consumers will have a retroactive solution for upgrading any LCD device to display 3D images without the need for glasses. At the annual 3D and Virtual Reality Exhibition held in Japan, Global Wave debut ’Pic3D’ a plastic film that will work similar to the screens found in Nintendo’s 3Ds handheld console.
Typical 3D viewing requires expensive glasses, Global Wave’s solution is a simple plastic film that can be placed over the screen of an iPhone, iPad or any other flat-screen device. It works with any image or video recorded using the side by side method. The Pic3D utilizes a lenticular lens based technology that allows for a wider viewing angles and color density. As a user interface the technology will be compatible with both the touch based Apple iOS and Windows operating systems.
As for pricing, the sheets will be available in 12.1-inch, 21.5-inch and 23-inch configurations and retail for between ($25) 2,000 yen for the iPhone screen and ($185) 15,000 yen for 23-inch monitors.
*A major caveat is that the product requires the use of a software component to run your media through and make it compatible with their screen.*
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