New Holographic Display Technology to Help 3D Developers

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. integrate / ˈɪntəˌgreɪt / (v) – to merge two or more things in order to create something
    Example:

    The developers integrated several programs into the device.


  2. static / ˈstætɪk / (adj) – not moving
    Example:

    Photographs are static images.


  3. craft / kræft / (v) – to skillfully create something
    Example:

    The architect crafted models of the new building.


  4. constrain / kənˈstreɪn / (v) – to limit
    Example:

    The lack of materials constrained the engineer, so his device was poorly made.


  5. at (one’s) disposal / æt dɪˈspoʊzəl / (idiom) – ready to be used by someone
    Example:

    With the new technology, users will have Internet access at their disposal.


Article

Read the text below.

A US-based startup has developed a hologram device called Looking Glass to aid developers in making three-dimensional (3D) displays.


The company Looking Glass, which is also the name of the product, created the device using holography—a technique that captures light from an object and translates it into a 3D image. With this technology, users will have no need for a virtual reality headset to see the 3D displays. The product comes in 8.9-inch and 15.9-inch sizes.


Each Looking Glass device is integrated with apps that can be downloaded from the program App Library. The apps’ content includes holographic short films, games, and virtual pets, among others. The device needs to be connected to a computer to display static or moving objects from 3D software programs like Maya and Unity. Users can also interact with the holograms using accessories like Leap Motion Controller and Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controllers.


Because the holographic display of Looking Glass produces 45 views inside the device, users can see 3D models from various angles.


The company is planning to make Looking Glass available to 3D creators like animators. Developers dealing with 3D content can use the device to craft better characters, models, or plans. Users will also no longer be constrained by a 2D screen, as the device lets them represent and understand 3D displays better.


Through the Looking Glass device, the company hopes to encourage 3D creators to share their own apps through the App Library. The startup’s founder believes that more people would want to have the device at their disposal once more content is available.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Would you be interested to buy a Looking Glass device? Why or why not?
• What industries do you think can benefit from the Looking Glass device (e.g. education)? Explain.

Discussion B

• Do you think hologram technology will be more popular in the future? Why or why not?
• If you were to develop a device that uses hologram technology, what would you invent? Discuss.