iHologram: 3D Depiction Beyond Gaming Implications

It'll be a while before we see true 3D holograms the likes of Star Wars but even without lasers and mirrors, simulated holograms can be created. On the iPhone that is. iHologram is an app for the iPhone but certain, this can be achieved on other mobile devices as well.

With the iPhone 3GS' compass, the iPhone can display realistic 3D images of moving objects. This enables the user to see the object from a variety of angles. Of course, I wouldn't go as far as to call this a hologram as the app's title would like us to think. Nevertheless, this is a clever use of the built-in compass.



Having said all this, it would be prudent for hardware developers to include chips or digital compasses in their future designs. Yeah, I'm talking to you, Sony and Nintendo.

More than that, an intelligent camera capable of pasting together images will allow a multitude of applications.

• Doctors can see 3D images of patient scans.  I'm think of when Apple (or others) come out with its tablet.  Apps like iHologram with multitouch support can allow a physicians to see very detailed images of, say, a brain scan by zooming in and out.
• An architect or real estate agent can provide detailed of home or buildings
• Military commanders can look at the battle field from various angles for tactical informations on troop movements and supplies.
• When the time comes, perhaps Hollywood can allow the audience to watch movies from a variety of perspectives, providing the view a deeper level of emersion that a 2D screen will never be able to provide.

Those are just a couple of examples.  I'm sure you can think of more.  For now, simply be amazed by what a couple of clever developers are capable of coming up with.

More at Macrumors.