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Glasses-free 3D phone

LG's Optimus 3D bins the need for specs

Glasses-free 3D phone

As sensory experiences go, there aren’t many things that top hearing the sweet blast of horns on mid-paced Motown classic Heatwave.

But gazing into the 3D screen of LG’s new smartphone comes close. Utilising the same parallax barrier technology as Nintendo’s 3DS, the Optimus 3D’s 4.3in display disposes with the need for geeky specs. And like the 3DS, objects don’t leap ‘out’ of the screen; rather, it creates a mesmerising sense of depth. It’s a bit like The Indian In The Cupboard — except real, and in the palm of your hand. You can capture high-def video in 3D and it’s blazingly fast, too. It runs Android 2.2 and is due first at Carphone Warehouse in April.

FIVE OPTIMUS 3D FACTS

  1. You can adjust the intensity of the 3D effect with a slider that ranges from standard 2D to full, mind-bending 3D mayhem.
  2. There is a sweet spot about 20in from the screen. And you’ll need to hold it still. Anyone attempting to peep over your shoulder will pretty much see what Captain Haddock does after a case of Loch Lomond.
  3. It captures 2D and 3D video in 720p high-def. There are dual 5-megapixel cameras set into the back, with an LED flash squeezed between them.
  4. A 3D hotkey on the side of the phone instantly serves up all your 3D content. You can share 3D video with other early adopters on a special YouTube channel, or with 3D laptops and TVs.
  5. To power its mighty 3D turbines, the phone has both a dual-core processor and a dual memory.

It is, without question, the most powerful Android smartphone ever.