New research has found a way for people to watch a film in 3D without the need for glasses. Will this tech create business opportunities and IT jobs?
With augmented reality applications like Pokemon Go taking the internet by storm, the way we view the world has become more digitised than ever. But what about the way we view our entertainment? 3D movies have evolved past the flimsy red and blue lensed glasses, yet for many, the current plastic eyewear remains an annoyance that distracts them from the action of the film.
Today’s consumers want an increasingly immersive experience from their technology. That’s why scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are developing a new technology that lets people watch their films in three dimensions – without the glasses. With the potential for this innovation to transform not only the movie-going experience but the way businesses interact with their customers, here’s what professionals looking for digital recruitment need to know
Innovation could change the way we view media
New research released by scientists from Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab MIT has revealed a prototype for a display that lets the viewer to see images in three dimensions with their bare eyes. It uses a mix of lenses and mirrors to allow the depiction to be seen from any angle.
“Existing approaches to glasses-free 3D require screens whose resolution requirements are so enormous that they are completely impractical,” said MIT professor Wojciech Matusik. “This is the first technical approach that allows for glasses-free 3-D on a large scale.”
According to Stanford University Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering Gordon Wetzstein, the development unlocks new doors to apply the technology to televisions, which would have previously been a challenge due to the limitations of viewing.
“With a 3D TV, you have to account for people moving around to watch from different angles, which means that you have to divide up a limited number of pixels to be projected so that the viewer sees the image from wherever they are,” he said.
The business potential of glasses-free 3D
So how could this innovation be used by businesses? If glasses-free 3D displays do become a regular fixture in households, it could change the way organisations reach their market and deliver a digital user experience. For instance, it would be possible to create a 3D advertisement on a television that gives customers a clear view of their product, and the customer service interfaces on company’s website or mobile app could become more immersive and interactive.
This variety of possible business opportunities may also translate to new software and app developer roles, meaning that IT professionals may find a new dimension added to their career in the future.