The era of flat, static screens is about to be surpassed by an innovation that seems straight out of a science fiction film. I'm talking about Looking Glass Go, the world's first portable holographic display, created by the startup Looking Glass Factory.
This is a device, just launched on Kickstarter, which promises to revolutionize the display industry by offering an immersive 3D viewing experience without the need for special glasses or headsets.
A leap into the future of images
With the launch of the Looking Glass Go, the Looking Glass Factory opens the door to a future where holographic technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives. Shawn Frayne, CEO of the company, underlined how the convergence of two major trends (3D space platforms and generative artificial intelligence) was fundamental in the development of this extraordinary device.
How does it work? The portable holographic display can transform two-dimensional photos into three-dimensional holograms thanks to sophisticated AI software. In dimensions no larger than those of a common smartphone, it incorporates a plenoptic camera of high precision that allows you to tilt the image according to the desired angle, offering a unique and engaging visual experience.
A universe of possibilities
Thanks to integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and a memory capable of holding over a thousand holograms, Looking Glass Go is not only a visualization tool, but also a center for creating and sharing holographic content.
The app Liteforms, combined with the power of ChatGPT, allows users to generate customized holographic characters, creating virtual desktop assistants with personalities and voices.
The software package included in the holographic display offers the ability to play experimental space videos and access the platform Looking Glass Blocks, Ideal for the sharing holograms. Additionally, 3D modelers and programmers can leverage plugins and libraries for Unity, Unreal, Blender, and WebXR, making the device an open and versatile platform for building advanced apps.
Looking Glass Go holographic display, some more data
With an input resolution of 1.440 x 2.560 pixels and an aspect ratio of 9:16, the Looking Glass Go offers double the pixel density of the previous holographic display developed by the same company, and is almost ten times thinner.
Made of ABS, steel and glass, the device measures just 16 x 8 x 1,9 cm and weighs 235 grams: cutting-edge technology condensed into the right dimensions. Will it be enough?
The (holographic) future at your fingertips
Launched on Kickstarter with offerings starting at $199, well below the expected retail price of $300, the Looking Glass Go aims to become a benchmark in the field of holographic displays. Shipping is expected starting from June 2024, but it is a safe bet that the device will fill up with orders starting from its expected appearance at the next CES 2024 in Las Vegas.
The Looking Glass Go is not just a device; it is a window into the future of digital interactions. It is confirmation that yesterday's science fiction is today's technological reality. With its innovative design, portability and wide range of applications, this positions itself as a pioneer in the world of holography, promising to transform the way we perceive and interact with the digital world.
