Holography, a revolutionary technology that produces three-dimensional images using light, has found applications in music concerts, presentations, and advertising installations. Recently, it even made its way into funerals, combining holograms with artificial intelligence to display images of the deceased. However, the focus now shifts to holographic smartphones, a potential game-changer in the world of telecommunication.
The Evolution of Smartphones:
Smartphones have come a long way since the iconic iPhone's introduction, which revolutionized the industry by introducing touch screens and eliminating physical buttons. Over time, smartphones have seen improvements in screen quality, battery size, and overall design, with the introduction of foldable devices as a notable innovation. Yet, commercially available holographic smartphones have remained elusive.
Pioneering Efforts:
The concept of holographic smartphones dates back to physicist Dennis Gabor's Nobel Prize-winning work on holography in 1971. While advancements have been made, integrating this technology into smartphones remains challenging. Pioneering efforts like the Hydrogen One by RED in 2017 and the HoloFlex by Queen's University showcased the potential of holographic displays. However, they faced limited success due to high costs and content limitations, similar to the fate of 3D televisions.
Barriers to Entry:
Introducing radical changes in the competitive smartphone market is no easy task. Companies like Samsung faced initial criticism for their foldable smartphones but managed to progress due to their vast resources. The successful integration of holographic displays into smartphones will depend on manufacturers taking the bold step forward.
The Advancements in Holographic Technology:
Despite challenges, holographic technology has advanced. The Korea Institute of Science and Technology developed a tiny camera that generates holograms and can integrate into future smartphones. This miniature camera, equipped with a special photodiode sensor, converts light into the necessary signals for creating stunning 3D holographic images.
Promised Features of Holographic Smartphones:
Once realized, holographic smartphones promise exciting features, including the ability to view 3D images, engage in virtual video calls, and interact with holographic interfaces. These devices will undoubtedly redefine the way we communicate and interact with our handheld devices, opening up a new era of user experience.
The Road Ahead:
While holographic smartphones are yet to hit the commercial market, affordable accessories like the Pixel by Holusion, which generates small 360º holograms when placed on smartphones, provide a glimpse into the technology's potential. Manufacturers and researchers continue to explore holographic technology in various projects, inching closer to making holographic smartphones a reality.
Hologram-capable smartphones represent a promising technology that could reshape the future of communication and user experience. With ongoing advancements in holographic technology and the efforts of manufacturers and researchers, we eagerly await the day when holographic displays become an integral part of our smartphones, offering us unprecedented possibilities in how we view and interact with our digital world.
