Japan Promises 3D Holographic Broadcasts for 2022 World Cup [World Cup]

You think 3D TV is impressive? Japan wants to broadcast 3D holograms to stadiums all over the world for the 2022 World Cup. Yes, 3D holograms.

They claim they'd be able to pull this off by capturing the action via 200 3D HD cameras at each game while microphones under the field would record all the sound. They then just assume the technology would be available for projecting 3D holograms onto the field itself, making it seem like you were watching the game in person.

Oh, and did I mention how they'll power it? With electricity generated by spectators cheers and foot-stomping, of course. That and the power generated by good vibrations from all the fun those fans will be having, I'm sure.

Of course, if that doesn't work out they can just project the 3D images on giant screens, but once you promise holograms, normal 3D is just gonna be a disappointment.
[Gizmodo via AFP via Engadget]

Holographic laser head-up display, small enough for side mirror

Increasingly popular head-up displays aren't only for BMWs, Corvettes , Cadillacs, and F-16 jets. Light Blue Optics is making the tech more practical, creating a new projection device that's so small, it'll fit in a car's side mirror. It shows you an image that looks like it's about 6 feet behind you, superimposed over the road.

This trickery is possible because of a miniaturized holographic laser projector that's about a tenth the size of the head-up display system in the BMW 5 Series. It's small enough to install in a variety of configurations, and will work equally well on the windshield, or rearview mirrors and side mirrors.

These displays will be safer, too. The data appears to your eyes to be the same distance as other objects on the road, making it so you don't need to waste time focusing. Says Light Blue Optics head of business development Edward Buckley, 'At speeds of 100 kilometers an hour, this can cost you 22 meters in stopping distance.' Too bad Buckley says we won't see this technology in vehicles for four more years.
[DVICE via Technology Review]