3D mobile phones: All you need to know

LG announced its first glasses-free 3D smartphone this week, known as the LG Optimus 3D. The device, which will launch at Mobile World Congress 2011, is one of the first of a new breed of smartphones that bring an additional third dimension into play.

So what's this 3D malarkey all about then – and more importantly, how does it actually work?

The secret is in the size of the object that you are trying to view it on. A smaller screen like a mobile phone, for instance, allows for the ideal glasses-free 3D.

The technology that glasses-free smartphones will use is much the same as that of the Nintendo 3DS.

To create a glasses-free 3D viewing experience, the device must create something known as a parallax barrier, which replicates the job usually reserved for those inconvenient, ill-fitting glasses.

When you wear the glasses, each eye receives a different image, by way of blocking out light, hence the different colour frames. Our eyes then put these images together to form a combined image – and one that appears to be 3D.

The parallax barrier is a filter that goes over the screen to direct the different images to the correct eye, allowing us to then form that combined image and view the phone's display in 3D.

A parallax barrier can only really work on a smaller screen, due to the intricacies involved. There is a specific position, or "sweet spot" that allows the eyes to create this 3D image. On a television screen, this is not really possible. However, for a small screen like a mobile phone or tablet, it is ideal.
How does a 3D camera work?

To create a 3D image, we take two 2D pictures of slightly different perspectives and put them together, as we have seen with the display explanation above.

Like human eyes, 3D camera lenses need to be a distance apart so as to ensure that the camera gets the specific perspectives required to produce a 3D image.

This isn't the only way, though. For instance, some cameras use built-in software to get the different perspectives – something that requires the user to take multiple pictures, which are then put together to form the 3D image.
Why could 3D be a cool feature to have?

A 3D display will add to the entertainment value of a phone or a tablet.

Playing games and watching videos will feel more immersive. It is likely that any phone with 3D capability will feature a 3D camera of some description to capture original content.  The LG Optimus 3D will feature a dual-lens camera to capture 3D images and video, helping to bring your own experiences to life.

Here's what LG said about the device:

"The LG Optimus 3D addresses the lack of 3D content issue — one of the biggest problems facing the 3D market — with a complete platform for a one-of-a-kind experience on a mobile device."

This suggests that there are likely to be plenty of features to keep any 3D fan busy, and also suggests that plenty of games will be available for 3D phones, on the Optimus 3D at least.

Watching 3D films will be possible on a 3D phone, although it remains to be seen how watching the likes of Avatar on 4-inch screen will compare to watching it at the cinema or on a widescreen TV. This may be a situation where a tablet with a 3D 10-inch screen is more suitable.

In addition to video and games, there is the potential for menus to become more interactive and interesting.
Which phones and tablets will use 3D technology?

LG has confirmed this week that the LG Optimus 3D will be unveiled at this year's Mobile World Congress. That event is being held in Barcelona from February 14th to the 17th.

LG also has a "3D-capable" tablet, the LG G Slate, which means it will not be possible to view 3D without glasses.

But LG is not the only manufacturer entering the 3D universe.

Sharp has the Galapagos which was available to view at CES. This also has a 3D display and a 3D camera. Unlike the dual-lens camera of the LG, it has built-in software to allow you to manually take photos from the different perspectives required.

Sharp isn't too well known for its smartphones, but all this could change with release of the Galapagos in Japan at least. No news is known of whether it will ever see the light of day in the UK.

Sharp is also interested in making these 3D screens up to 9.7-inches – the same size as the iPad.

HTC is also rumoured to be keen on entering the 3D smartphone market. Not much is known about this device - only that HTC is thought to have been researching 3D technology, and that 3DRadar claimed an insider said that a 3D superphone could be on the way by the end of 2011.

Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci has also said that they are looking to introduce 3D into its phones and tablets as well.

So, it certainly looks like 3D is poised to be quite a big deal in 2011 – both on tablets and smartphones.
How will 3D phones affect the market?

Many people say that 3D has become the latest "must-have" feature in technology. However, how much is likely to really affect the phone and tablet market?  Will it be a feature that will be an essential part of any phone or tablet for years to come, or will it be a fad looked back on as a needless component?

Smartphone displays are quite limited in terms of size, anything bigger than 4.3-inches can be quite cumbersome. So in this context, it is difficult to see the smartphone becoming the first port of call for viewing 3D entertainment.

Watching videos on a 4-inch screen will still not be particularly comfortable experience, even if it is jumping out at you – something that is compounded by the need for it to held at a particular distance.

Gaming on 3D, on the other hand, looks quite promising though. For instance, when playing a game, you have to hold the phone at that "sweet spot" anyway, so to add 3D to that would probably bring greater aesthetic pleasure.  The question is, how many games will be out there available to play in 3D?

One big point that critics are picking up on is the "failure" of 3D televisions.  They have not been particularly successful so far.  Is this due to the glasses that are required, or is there just little demand for 3D technology?

We should see the answer to that question with these new phones and tablets that are featuring 3D technology, as a big deal is being made out of the fact that they are glasses-free. It will certainly make it more convenient and user-friendly, but that doesn't necessarily mean people will want to use it.