3D phones: Everything you need to know

3D is the new buzzword for the mobile industry. Not only are there 3D phones coming up, but even 3D games, 3D apps and 3D tablets are on their way.  So, what does a 3D phone consist of? Is this the next-gen technology?

Lets have a look.

3D technology or 3D display refers to enhanced display technology that aims at providing 3-dimensional display perception to the user. In a nutshell, a 3D phone aims at providing real-life clarity with its display.

3D is not a new concept. People have been turning tricks with 3D for 60 years. Along the way, we have come to have 3D movies and even 3D televisions. But getting such a technology to a small device such as a mobile phone requires skill.

There is one staunch difference between normal 3D and mobile 3D. When we watch 3D flicks, we have to strap on special glasses for an enhanced view. But, when using a phone it seems improbable to put on a pair of glasses every time you want to make a call. Therefore, a phone needs to have a glasses-free 3D display.

Mobile phone manufacturers have been working overtime to come up with such a feature and have finally provided us Autostereoscopic Parallax Barrier(APB) technology that ensures glasses free 3D display. With this technology, a device is placed in front of a liquid crystal display that allows the user to have 3D imaging without the need for special glasses.

Currently, 3D is still in its initial stages. In fact, it is a hassle to use 3D. People still get headaches from recording and watching 3D videos, but going along, it is expected to improve. 3D is expected to eventually become easy-to-use and manufacturers such as Qualcomm have promised to make 3D more consumer compatible.

Another pertaining issue is the lack of 3D content. Although many projects are instill in the pipeline, there seems to be as shortage of 3D movies and games. Unfortunately, there are only two major 3D phones available globally - the HTC 3D and the LG Optimus 3D. In anticipation the new iPhone being 3D, manufacturers such as Epic have even launched 3D games such as Infinity Blade 3D. 

3D has the scope to become the technology of the future. Technology giants LG and HTC have already announced their 3D phones and many other manufacturers are about to announce theirs. In fact, even Indian brands such as Spice are planning to unveil their own 3D phones. If it is properly reinvented, we might be looking at a 3D future for smartphones.

Watch this space for more on 3D and smartphones.