On browsing the net to find out why Apple seems to have deserted blu ray completely, it became apparent that Apples eye was actually elsewhere. Blu ray sales figures havent been as fantastic as first thought and although there is a trade there, the biggest pushes are occuring in the web video/download market and of course in the emerging 3D market.
Apple are already serving the world with video downloads via iTunes (albeit a limited selection which is regularly updated), so the next obvious step for Apple was 3D. Apple being Apple got to work to try to make 3D available to the general consumer without the need for special glasses which also means glasses wearers, are not inconvenienced by wearing two pairs!
And the result of this work - Apple today has been awarded a patent covering a 3D stereoscopic system! “An exceptional aspect of the invention is that it can produce viewing experiences that are virtually indistinguishable from viewing a true hologram. Such a ‘pseudo-holographic’ image is a direct result of the ability to track and respond to observer movements,” Says the Patent.
Really exciting stuff, especially when Apple seems to be providing something that is able to track movements of the eye so that the left and right 3D sub-images are adjusted in response to the tracked eye movements to produce images that mimic a real hologram!
It's likely to be launced on computer displays, and the iPad. But of course this will require new filmmaking techniques and Ossian Productions is hot on this new direction and will be preparing accordingly!
Watch this space
