The jury may still be out on whether 3D viewing is to be a significant part of the technology industry moving forward, or whether in fact it’s just a novelty feature to be enjoyed from time to time. If you’re of the opinion that yes, 3D viewing is a key part of digital viewing in future, then you may be interested by the creation of a Singapore-based bunch of researchers, who’ve developed a special type of film that can help mobile displays output in three dimensions.
It’s called the EyeFly 3D film, and although it looks about as unspectacular as your regular screen protector, its actually contains half a million of what are described by CNet Asia as "lens-like structures". They are so small (around one-thousandth the width of a human hair), that they’re completely imperceptible, but when the screen protector is applied to a mobile device, the filter works in conjunction with iOS and Android apps to produce stunning, 3D renders.
EyeFly 3D intends to take general 2D content and turn it into eye-popping stereoscopic 3D, and although creator Nanovue wants $34.95 for a sheet of film, it’s important to note of one or two issues CNet Asia found when carrying out tests. Having used the EyeFly 3D on the Retina display on the iPhone 5, it apparently looked lower in resolution as a result, with ,"text and icons appear[ing] to have jagged edges." With that said, screen brightness remained just as bright as before, and if you’re a bit of a fiend for 3D viewing, this could be the best low-cost option available to you at this point in time.
Although the cost is somewhat high, it is nowhere near as pricey as purchasing an out an out 3D smartphone. You can pre-order EyeFly 3D right now, with units expected to ship later this month. If you’re interested in 3D-ifying your iPhone 5 or iPod touch 5G (the only two available to pre-order at this stage), please check out the pre-order form for more details.
Support for the iPad, Android smartphones and tablets is currently in the works, and with 3D-capable hardware still costing a bit more than many would be able or willing to pay, this could be your best bet.
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