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