Microsoft And Skype Developing 3D Video Calls

Tim here, and I've got a few stories that are all being posted together. These are stories I've colleced over the last week, but have been busy editing a project for a recurring client. Please also check out the latest news on Apple's Patent for 3D Gesture and Moulin Rouge! 3D.
Hot news from Skype yesterday: Skype has confirmed it is developing 3D video calls! Revealed by a senior executive in a BBC interview marking the 10-Year Anniversary of Skype, the technology is said to be years from launch.

"We've done work in the labs looking at the capability of 3D-screens and 3D-capture," said Microsoft's corporate vice-president for Skype, Mark Gillett. "We've seen a lot of progress in screens and a lot of people now buy TVs and computer monitors that are capable of delivering a 3D image. But the capture devices are not yet there. As we work with that kind of technology you have to add multiple cameras to your computer, precisely calibrate them and point them at the right angle. We have it in the lab, we know how to make it work and we're looking at the ecosystem of devices and their capability to support it in order to make a decision when we might think about bringing something like that to market."

Gillett went on to further express his belief that autostereoscopic screens are pivotal to expanding 3D-capable screens in homes, whether it's a 3DTV, 3D Tablet, or 3D Phone. "I can imagine a day when you have a 3D-cellphone screen that doesn't need 3D-glasses to use it," he said. He went on to add that first TV's will have 1080 HD cameras attached for video calls, and then "you'll see much more penetration of 3D on TVs, on computers and ultimately in smartphones, probably, ahead of seeing it for sending a video call."

This is exciting news. Imagine, not too long from you, you'll be able to video chat with people in 3D using Skype! It's pretty exciting stuff.

Lytro Cameras Getting 3D Parallax Software Update

Tim here, by the end of the year that cool Lytro camera that allows you to choose focus after you take the photo will be adding a software update by the end of the year that allows you to also choose 3D parallax. When the Lytro camera was first announced one of the early ideas was to use this technology for 3D image capture. Since the cameras record light rays in terms of the direction, color, and intensity of their travel, it's entirely possible to use that information to construct a 3D scene. At first however the technology was limited to choosing focus.

The below video is from the Engadget who went to the Lytro launch in Hong Kong, where the company previewed those parallax effects coming soon. The update allows users to pan around the scene slightly, and the subject adjusts accordingly. It's pretty cool.

A Lytro rep (in the video) said the new feature would be added by the end of the year, and would be pushed out via software update. Also, since the raw data needed for the parallax effect is already present in all pictures, it will work on photos taken before the update is launched.

This is definitely going to be a must have this holiday season. Lytro also mentioned to be working on support for 3D monitors and TVs. Drop hints to loved ones and look for this nifty stocking stuffer.

CES 2009: "How Will We See 3D TV?" Panel Podcast

Hi - Michael here.  Listen to the podcast below for the best panel session on 3D I've heard yet.  This session focused primarily on 3D at home technologies, and the panelists go into some fascinating detail regarding the various technologies that are in the running, as well as what will need to happen for a standard to be reached.  The questions directed to the panel from both the moderator and audience resulted in some great discussion.

This is really a must-listen for those who want to be on the cutting edge of what is happening to bring 3D into the living room.

Listen to the podcast below:

Moderator: 

Eric Taub, Technology Contributing Writer, The New York Times

Panelists: 

Doug Darrow, Brand Marketing Manager, DLP Products, Texas Instruments

Nicholas Routhier, President and CEO, SENSIO Technologies

David Naranjo, Director, Product Development, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc.

Chris Chinnock, Co-Founder, 3D@Home Consortium and President, Insight Media

Neil Wittering, International Strategic Business Manager, projectiondesign

3D Geek Alert: 3D Display Uses A Mirror To Project Objects

Now this looks pretty cool. I prefer the elegance of a 3D solution that does not use any "hardware" at all on the 3D image itself so that you can interact with it however. With this particular solution, while stunning, you cannot put your hand into the box as there is a rapidly spinning mirror within that bounces the various images back to your eyes at any angle.

Have a look. It's very interesting, but I am still partial to the tactile response 3D imagery found here.