While glasses-free 3D has been attempted in the past, it has not had a long-term adoption from the public. However, there are signs that 3D could be making a resurgence with glasses-free displays and other technologies in laptops capable of handling 3D graphics.
From 3D-compatible hardware in laptops to enhanced software offering a more comfortable user experience. There are factors paving the way to a possible 3D revival in the form of a creative tool and media experience in laptops.
1. Glasses Free 3D Technologies in Laptops
3D displays and experiences are nothing new. However, the technology currently observed in some of the latest machines is.
Manufacturers such as Asus and Acer utilize a stereoscopic eye-tracking system dual camera system in their machines. A glasses-free 3D experience is created when twin cameras combined with eye-tracking technology focus on the user’s eyes. The laptop can then create an interwoven image split, fooling the brain into viewing a 3D image.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 Spatial Labs edition released in 2022 was the first laptop of its kind to introduce a stereoscopic glasses-free 3D experience. However, at a cost of $3,500, this is definitely not a budget-friendly laptop.
Asus announced their Asus ProStudio Book 3D at CES 2023 and has also revealed the Vivobook Pro 16X 3D OLED. The price of both Asus laptops is currently unknown, but they will officially launch in Q3 2023. All of these laptops use stereoscopic cameras for eye detection and split the image accordingly.
2. Increased Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications
Applications used in the process of creating virtual and augmented reality experiences are increasing in popularity as the AR/VR market increases. These applications, including Unity and Adobe Aero, use 3D graphics and effects. As such, the users of these types of applications stand to gain a huge benefit from a glasses-free 3D laptop.
3. Dedicated GPUs in Laptops Help Facilitate 3D Rendering
3D rendering, gaming, and other useful applications rely on a high amount of graphical power. This is attained through a dedicated GPU to handle intense graphical tasks. More and more laptops are coming to market with dedicated GPUs and other technologies, such as MUX switches, to allow laptops to fully use these powerful graphics chips.
More laptops use these technologies, meaning more devices are becoming capable of handling virtual and augmented reality applications while retaining their portability benefits. Additionally, these applications often rely on 3D visuals, increasing demand for glasses-free 3D models to be released.
4. HDR and OLED Display Technologies
Combine stereoscopic glasses-free 3D technology with an OLED HDR display panel; these machines can output rich, detailed images. This is largely due to the OLED panel’s capability of displaying vibrant colors with a high level of contrast leading to more detailed blacks. HDR improves displays as it promotes a wider range of contrast and brighter highlights.
As popular 3D creation software such as Autodesk’s 3D Max and Maya becomes more prominent, there is a higher demand for 3D experiences in laptops. CAD designers and other creative professionals are using these tools, and a glasses-free 3D display would certainly boost productivity in these areas. A great use case for a glasses-free 3D display would be to help facilitate the visual impact 3D creation applications can provide.
Glasses-Free 3D Could Be the Future if It Becomes More Affordable
A future where a lot of consumers use glasses-free 3D laptops is potential. Asus and Acer have already made this viable by introducing glasses-free capable laptops that are well-reviewed. However, the price is still quite high. For a high adoption rate, the price of these technologies will need to come down to a price that is appealing to the masses.