We stopped into the Android area at MWC and were stunned to see the Optimus 3D and Optimus Pad on display and available for demonstration prior to LG’s press conference. Then we headed over to the LG booth where they had a bunch of the devices gathered while mobs of people poured in to take a peek. I snagged a few minutes of face time with the Optimus 3D in this one-handed demo and let me tell you… it’s pretty awesome:
There will be two kinds of people who try the Optimus 3D:
I was personally debating which of the two categories I would fit into and I knew that would largely depend on the quality of the glasses-free 3D technology. After playing with the handset, I’m definitely in the “think it’s cool” category.
Not only can you watch 3D videos, take 3D videos, and take 3D pictures, you can also play games and run apps in 3D. The dimensions really are enjoyable although you’ve got to do a little trial and error with distance from your face and allow your eyes to adjust. The skydiving video I watched really had different layers and levels popping out at you.
Unfortunately you’ll have to take my word for it… it’s technically impossible to show what the 3D rendering looks like to the human eye when you’re standing in front of it. So whether you trust it or not, my words and opinions follow!
Put aside your predispositions about the purpose of 3D and understand that this phone was made for folks who would enjoy 3D content. Will it increase your productivity? No. But in my mind it’s a pretty killer feature that works better than I expected. Whereas I wouldn’t require a phone to have 3D in order for me to buy it, think about all you get with the Optimus 3D… and then tack on a pretty outrageous and original 3D platform.
Some of the software was a tad buggy with a force close or two, but the important part is that this 3D non-glasses technology is actually pretty darn good. The Optimus 3D and the Xperia Play are two of the more exciting things for me to explore here at MWC because they bring something new to the Android Table.
While Android announcements these days typically just include a long list of specs, the LG Optimus 3D offers something truly and undeniably original. Watching 3D video on the Optimus 3D for the first time… I couldn’t help but smile. I’m eager to hog more time with the Optimus 3D, play more games, watch more videos, take some pictures, and ultimately put it through all the paces. For now, I’m satisfied with finally seeing what glasses-less 3D on a mobile really meant… and to me, it means fun.
The Optimus 3D will launch in Asia, then Europe, followed by North America bringing up the rear. Stay tuned for more coverage of the LG Optimus 3D throughout Mobile World Congress!