Sony launch phone that can take 3D pictures on a standard 2D camera - Daily Mail

By Duncan Macpherson

Last updated at 3:23 PM on 4th September 2011

A mobile smartphone which will be able to take 3D, panoramic photos is expected to go on sale next month.

Pictures taken on Sony Ericsson's new, top-of-the-range Xperia Arc S can be viewed on any compatible television set.

The phone, however, will display them only in two dimensions. Nor will it be able to produce 3D video output.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, unveiled at the IFA technology fair in Berlin, takes 8.1megapixel panoramic photos which can be viewed in 3D on a TV screen

The camera works by taking several simultaneous images and 'stitching' them together.

The phone, which runs Google's Android operating system, has a 4.2" screen and the camera definition is 8.1 megapixels, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

Any 3D images are viewed by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output.

3D photographs from the Arc S can be viewed on a compatible television set

Sony Ericsson said the Arc S's 1.4GHz processor means it will start up 25 per cent faster than its predecessor, the Arc.

It also doubles as a remote control for Sony Bravia televisions, and features Sony's Music and Video Unlimited media stores.

Most of the Arc S's other updates are software-based. It comes with Android 2.3 installed, which enables faster web-browsing.

The company said the Arc S will come in five colours - white, blue, silver, black and pink.

The device was unveiled at the IFA technology fair in Berlin.

The show also featured what Toshiba claims is the first glasses-free 3D television, although the model, the 55ZL2, has had mixed reviews.

Korean manufacturer LG demonstrated a glasses-free 3D computer monitor.

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Sounds like a waste of time and money to me.

- Nick, Glasgow, 04/9/2011 16:40

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It's just a gimmick, nothing more, there's nothing to see here. The ability to use a normal camera to take 3D photos is nothing new, it has mixed results, and quite frankly, if one wants to take 3D photos, it's better to buy a 3D camera, or wait till the phone companies actually put a proper 3D camera and viewer on, not some software that tries to replicate it, and ends up being a dud.

- Mr Mark 1977, Worthing, 04/9/2011 16:27

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So basically unless you have one of the ridiculously expensive 3D TVs then the fact it can take 3D pictures is pretty much useless.

- Jack, London, 04/9/2011 16:24

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Worse buy 3D Nintendo console, it does your eyes in, cannot imagine this 3D photos would be any better, I would rather wait for the next James Cameron 3D movie than buy anything 3D again.

- Lee, London England, 04/9/2011 16:19

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3D? That's sooooo 2009.

- Paul, London, 04/9/2011 16:17

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