Acer launches SpatialLabs Eyes 3D compact camera with livestreaming and video-calling
Over the last few years, Acer has been hard at work developing SpatialLabs, a full-fledged, practical ecosystem for creating and viewing 3D content, including the Predator Helios 3D 15 and Aspire 3D 15 laptops, the SpatialLabs View 3D monitor lineup, and a suite of software tools for developers. Now, it has launched the final piece – the SpatialLabs Eyes Stereo Camera, or ASEC-1, a compact stereoscopic camera that allows anyone to capture 3D content easily.
At 10.4 x 6.5 x 2.3 cm (4 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches), and weighing 220 g (0.4 lb), the ASEC-1 is about the same size as a typical compact digital camera. The body is also weatherproof, and has a selfie-mirror on the front, which are both nice touches for such a device.
The lenses have an equivalent focal length of 21 mm and f/2.0 aperture. Behind them are two 8 MP sensors, which output photos at up to 7680 x 2160 and videos at 7680 x 2160 @ 30 fps, in side-by-side (SBS) format. Electronic image stabilisation (EIS) is also present, and the 2.4” touchscreen can be used for spot focusing and metering.
Of course, the real feather in its cap is the ability to livestream and video-call in 3D. Livestreaming to YouTube and other platforms is enabled through the SpatialLabs Player 3.0, while video-calling, which is supported on Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet, requires the SpatialLabs video call widget that will released later this year.
The livestreaming and video-conferencing features are especially exciting considering that the 3D video captured is ideal for viewing on not just Acer’s SpatialLab Edition laptops and monitors, but also VR/AR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and the Apple Vision Pro.
In past years, 3D TVs and monitors, as well as stereoscopic cameras have both seen limited success mainly because each depends on the other’s quality and popularity. With interest in VR/AR headsets growing fast, all Acer needs to do is spur other companies to follow suit with their own competing devices, and we could very well see a revolution in spatial content creation and consumption.
The SpatialLabs Eyes camera will be available in Q3 of this year, and will be priced starting at $549 (€549 in Europe). Alongside the camera, Acer will also be releasing several new software tools for developers, including plugins for Unreal and Unity.
Buy the Acer Nitro SpatialLabs View 15.6" portable 3D display with eye-tracking, on Amazon.
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