Looking Glass Launches Next-Gen Holographic Displays

Looking Glass Factory Unveils Next-Generation Holographic Displays

Based in Brooklyn, Looking Glass Factory has announced the availability of two updated holographic displays. Building upon the release of the introductory Portrait model from late last year, the company is now providing enhanced versions of the Looking Glass 4K and 8K systems.

Display Sizes and Pricing

A significant difference exists between the models in terms of price. Alongside the $299 Portrait, the 4K version is priced at $3,000, while the 8K model costs $17,500. This price disparity is notable considering the core technology used for creating and viewing 3D content remains consistent across all three displays.

Production Volume and Market Strategy

According to CEO Shawn Frayne, production volume plays a key role in the pricing structure. He explained to TechCrunch that there are relatively few 8K displays of this size currently available. While the company anticipates strong sales of the 8K model in the coming years, initial production scales are lower compared to the Portrait.

The Portrait is viewed by the company as a crucial introduction to their technology. Especially during the past year, when in-person demonstrations were limited, the Portrait served as an accessible entry point. Experiencing the effect via video conferencing doesn’t fully replicate the in-person experience, as observed by many.

Accessibility and User Experience

Frayne stated that the Portrait provides individuals with an opportunity to own a holographic display without requiring organizational approval. He believes that the Portrait’s quality is high, and the larger units simply offer a scaled-up version of that same quality.

Transition from Developer Units

The new models are designed to supersede the previous generation, which were primarily intended for developers rather than mainstream consumers. The company will continue to provide support for the older units. Beyond a reduced cost, the second-generation displays are lighter and demonstrate enhanced visual clarity, particularly around the edges – an area where holographic displays can sometimes experience challenges.

Improvements have been made to the processors, resulting in better overall image quality. These enhancements address common issues found in holographic displays.