Want to view objects from your computer like they existed in the real world? A New York-based startup is introducing a new pair of holographic displays that can project 3D images.
The displays come from Looking Glass Factory, which has been marketing the products to 3D artists and graphic designers. On Tuesday, the company unveiled its latest attempt to commercialize the technology in the Looking Glass 4K Gen 2 and Looking Glass 8K Gen 2.
The technology works by projecting 45 to 100 simultaneous views of the image, but from a range of different angles. So as your eyes move around the display, the object seemingly shifts too, creating the 3D illusion.
To improve the technology, Looking Glass managed to make the displays even more compact. “The most notable difference is in the hardware itself, which is now ‘blockless,’ meaning the screen is thinner, the hardware is lighter weight, and the holograms float out of the screen,” the company said. “Improved optics decrease ambient reflections, making group viewability easier.”
However, the displays are very expensive. The 4K Gen 2 is going to retail for $3,000 while the 8K Gen 2 is going to cost $17,500. Nevertheless, the second-generation 8K display is about 50 percent more affordable than the previous model, a company spokesperson told PCMag.
The 8K display has a 32-inch screen size, making it ideal for group-viewing sessions. Meanwhile, the 4K version spans 15.6-inches, and can fit alongside a traditional monitor on a desk. The 4K model also has a standalone mode, enabling it to display a 3D image without being hooked up to a PC.
The new displays are available for pre-order today via the official Looking Glass website. The company plans on shipping the first units in the fall. To work over the displays, your PC will need a graphics card. The 8K model calls for an Nvidia RTX 3090 while the 4K version needs at least an Nvidia GTX 1060 card. Both displays are also compatible with 3D software including Unity, Unreal Engine and Blender.
For consumers on a budget, the company last December launched the Looking Glass Portrait, a 7.9-inch display that retails for $299.
