The return of 3D in 2023? At first it made us laugh. After a few minutes of using these new laptops, we have to admit: Asus’ glasses-free 3D technology is a truly stunning viewing experience. These laptops use a lenticular lens, high computing power and advanced eye tracking to create a 3D image.
Among Asus’ announcements at CES 2023, an announcement surprised us. Indeed, these are two laptops equipped with 3D OLED screens. They allow you to see 3D without having to wear 3D glasses. If you think we’re back in 2009, you’re wrong. We wanted to check if this comeback is worth it.
State-of-the-art technology that requires a lot of power
This feature allows viewing and working with 3D content without wearing 3D glasses. Yes, it’s true, similar technologies have already been used on various screens, such as the Nintendo 3DS but also the Sharp Aquos Phone where the LG Optimus 3D, but Asus is integrating this technology for the first time in OLED laptop screens. Combined with a high refresh rate, two tracking camerasa stylus with a 3D recognition system and the latest laptop CPUs and GPUs, including the13th Generation Intel and an Nvidia RTX 40the Asus Spatial Vision is a powerful niche tool for creative professionals looking for new ways to work.
Asus’ Spatial Vision 3D technology debuts on two laptops: the ProArt Studiobook 16 3D OLED (H7604) and the Vivobook Pro 16 3D OLED (K6604). These laptops each havea 16-inch OLED panel, with a definition of 3,200 × 2,000 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The OLED panel is topped with a layer of optical resin, a glass filter and a layer of lenticular lens. The lenticular lens works with a pair of eye-tracking cameras to render images in real time for each eye that adapt to your physical movements.
Now that you know the theory, let’s get down to business. We tested these laptops with different applications, from manipulating 3D objects, to 3D videos as well. We understand better why 3D without glasses took 10 years to come back, it requires a lot of technologies and a lot of computing power, not to mention high definition screens, low latency, with high refresh rates.
Forget the 3D of yesteryear
We quickly forget the 3D experience of yesteryear. Here, we completely rediscover this technology. The image is sharp, the animations are fluid, it doesn’t hurt the eyes, even following 30 minutes of use. And, above all, it adapts in real time to your movements. You can freely use your laptop without having to find an optimal position and without having to concentrate.
It’s impossible to make you live the experience from a distance, and it’s a delicate exercise to explain to you what it feels like. 3D technology without glasses is a truly stunning visual experience that allows you to enjoy an even more intense immersion. This technology has managed to create an illusion of depth and relief without the need to wear specific glasses.
The result is absolutely impressive and allows you to feel even more involved in what you are looking at and what you are handling. It’s a unique experience that brings a new dimension to content creation. Even more when you take the stylus and you can move 3D objects a few centimeters from your eyes. You really feel like you can touch them.
At the moment, compatible programs are rare. This technology will have to be brought to 3D creators, but it can also be very useful in areas such as health or the building trades. Asus’ hope isn’t so much to sell tons and tons of these models as to seed the idea that bezel-less OLED works. And, from what we’ve seen, it works very well.