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Apple, which has seen a declining demand curve for its latest
iPhones, is reportedly planning to attract the audience by offering improved
portrait photography, industry-best biometric authentication, and more
immersive AR content with the next generation flagships.
And to achieve all of this, the Cupertino giant is working with
Sony to implement 3D cameras on the upcoming iPhones.
Here's more on this development.
Firstly, understanding Sony's 3D cameras
Technicality
Sony's 3D cameras are based on 'Time of Flight' (ToF) technology
which is used to accurately map objects in 3D till upto 5 meters.
The camera emits invisible laser beams and measures the
"flight" or time taken by these beams to bounce back after hitting an
object.
Now, this time detail and image data are synced to create a 3D
model of the object.
How Apple plans to use 3D cameras: Better portrait photography
Using these cameras, Apple will accurately map objects in 3D and
bring focus to every part of the picture.
The company will use this data to improve image processing and
offer high-class portrait photography - something the present day iPhones can
offer but using 2D optics.
Hence, your future Portraits will have non-blurred ear edges and
smoothened hair strands.
Improved biometric authentication: Shrinking the notch
Currently, iPhone X and later models house an Infrared camera,
Flood illuminator, and Dot projector to map your face in 3D.
However, with a dedicated 3D camera, future iPhones would offer
the same reliability and security but with fewer sensors.
Hence, your next-gen iPhone could have a narrower cutout or
in-screen camera design for this sensor to offer a notch-free bezel-less
design.
Immersive AR gaming: 3D experience in 2D world
Currently, Apple's ARKit serves as one of the best platforms for
developing AR content.
However, with a dedicated long range 3D camera, developers can
potentially use real 3D data of spaces such as rooms, tables, chairs etc to
create spell-bounding content.
Moreover, users can involve themselves to become objects for
immersive AR and VR experiences.
Imagine being Spider-Man and shooting cobwebs. Fascinating?
You could see some of these features in 2019 iPhones
Coming soon
Given Apple is working with Sony to implement 3D cameras in its
next batch of iPhones, we can expect Apple XI or whatever it may be called, to
offer some top-of-the-line features.
According to Satoshi Yoshihara, Head of Sony's sensor division,
the company will have its 3D cameras ready in 2019 with mass production set to
begin in "late summer to meet demand".
Tags:
Mobile