Rumor: Apple hopping aboard the glasses-free 3D train

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Reports from Japan suggest that Apple is thinking 3D for its next batch of portable devices

Ninten-who? 3D-what? Rumors out of Japan this week are indicating that Apple is pursuing glasses-free 3D technology for its next generation of iPhones and iPod touches.

The enticing news comes from the Japanese blog,Macotakara, which recently posted confirmation from one ofits sources that Apple was indeed outfitting future iPod Touches and iPhones with a 3D LCD screens.Combined with the iPod'sbuilt in cameras, motion sensors and gyroscopes, it's reported thatthe iDevices would then track the movement of the user's face in order to render true 3D images in accordance to their position. Macotaka also provided a mock-up of how this might look:

True or not, glasses-free 3D tech on iPhones and iPod Touches makes complete sense. Not only are Apple'smobile systemssmall enough to make it work, but similar smartphone innovationshave already begun to crop up in Japan. Moreover, Apple has been exploring 3D functionality on its devices for a few years now, and recentlywon patent approvalfor a 3D Stereoscopic Display System.

It may be a while before Apple chimes in on its 3D strategy, but it's a safe bet thatsomeday theAngry Birds willreturn...in3D!!

Jan 20, 2011

Source:MacotakaraviaInRumor

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Matt Bradford

Matt Bradford wrote news and features here at GamesRadar+ until 2016. Since then he's gone on to work with the Guinness World Records, acting as writer and researcher for the annual Gamer's Edition series of books, and has worked as an editor, technical writer, and voice actor. Matt is now a freelance journalist and editor, generating copy across a multitude of industries.