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Samsung Invests $15 Million in 3D Display Firm; Getting Into the 3D Tablet/Handset Game?

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News has come through the wire that Samsung Ventures has invested $15 million dollars in a company called MasterImage 3D. As you might have guessed, they create 3D mobile display technology that’s already being used in theaters and will soon be in phones from many known manufacturers.

It’s an interesting move from Samsung, though not a surprising one. Their homeland competitor – LG – introduced 3D phones and tablets last month at MWC, while HTC unveiled the EVO 3D this past week at CTIA. 3D is gaining traction in mobile and Samsung looks to be taking action.

The last time we heard from them on this subject matter, Samsung said there was no need for 3D in phones… yet. They didn’t write 3D off, but they didn’t feel it had become big enough for them to jump into the fold. That was just a bit over a month ago.

Of course, Samsung is also a television manufacturer and could simply be interested in what they’re doing for bigger screens, but the Korean manufacturer explicitly mentions that they’re interested in both the cinema and mobile 3D technology the firm has created in the following statement:

“Our investment in MasterImage 3D is consistent with our strategy to work closely with established market leaders. The company was early to market with auto-stereoscopic 3D mobile displays and has built a significant business in 3D cinema. MasterImage 3D has demonstrated both a technical and business vision in driving adoption of 3D and we look forward to contributing to the progress MasterImage 3D has made in all facets of consumer entertainment and communication.”

We know Samsung has the processor technology to pull a 3D product off on both phones and tablets, but if they do end up going 3D I wouldn’t expect an announcement until sometime late in the year, if not early next year. Take a look at MasterImage’s full press release at their site.[via IntoMobile]

Quentyn Kennemer
The "Google Phone" sounded too awesome to pass up, so I bought a G1. The rest is history. And yes, I know my name isn't Wilson.

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11 Comments

  1. Can they just improve the cameras first and worry about the gimmicks later?!

  2. I’m tired of this 3D gimmick crap. Let’s at least make 2D look nice first.

    1. What’s wrong with current 2D?

      1. Not all UIs are buttery smooth yet. When I think 3D, I know that it’ll be more than just videos and games in it. With glasses free tech, it’s only a matter of time before we have 3D UIs. Rather than pushing forward with the latest fad/trend, let’s up the pixel density and resolution of the devices we have. Give me higher quality LCD/AMOLED/Super AMOLED/qHD displays, not 3D that I’ll use for 5 minutes and then shut off.

        1. I hear you. For me the SGS2 is the perfect phone because of the its screen size and Super AMOLED Plus which has higher PPI. Sadly I may have to wait till the ATT buy out to get that screen.

  3. nice innovation by samsung.. just doing great for its competition..

  4. Samsung Feb 17th: “We are world leaders in 3D, but we haven’t seen a need for 3D on mobiles as yet … we just don’t see [3D] is needed yet–good luck to the innovators though, it will be interesting to see if it works, and if it does you’ll see a response from Samsung quickly”

    http://phandroid.com/2011/02/17/samsung-no-need-for-3d-in-cell-phones-yet/

    Well that didn’t take long lol.

    1. 3D technology is something all the electronic giants are trying to get their hands into. I communicate for project Advanced Technology and Design Korea, and have posted a couple related content onto the blog: http://www.advancedtechnologykorea.com/?p=3353, http://www.advancedtechnologykorea.com/?p=3243. Come browse through the Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/advancedtechKOR) and twitter (www.twitter.com/advancedtechkr) where I share your info and other related info. Have a good one and keep up the great posts!

  5. I think the manufacturers and Hollywood are trying to push 3D a lot more than people actually want 3D. For me, 3D is just a novelty; I may look at a 3D image for a few seconds and think “that’s neat” and I’m done. I love my techno gadgetry, and have 3 Samsung LED HDTVs, but never had any desire to get a 3DTV with or without glasses. I think it’s great that it is being offered, I’m just not sure exactly how well it will go over. We’ve had 3D monitors where I work for years, and I’ve always hated them. I just hope that the manufacturers don’t decide that 3D is a great idea for most phones – even with the neccessary ability to turn it off – and focus on other innovations.

  6. 3D is over rated now. and it’s gay too. it hurts my eyes while wearing some 3D glasses

  7. 3D technology is something all the electronic giants are trying to get their hands into. I communicate for project Advanced Technology and Design Korea, and have posted a couple related content onto the blog: http://www.advancedtechnologykorea.com/?p=3353, http://www.advancedtechnologykorea.com/?p=3243. Come browse through the Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/advancedtechKOR) and twitter (www.twitter.com/advancedtechkr) where I share your info and other related info. Have a good one and keep up the great posts!

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