Sony Shows Off Hologram Tech During SXSW

Sony has been trying to take the top spot as a tech innovator for decades and during the most recent SXSW event in Austin, Texas, it has come closer than it has ever come before. The company showed off new display features at the meet-up, which puts holographic technology much more within reach of consumers, taking augmented reality to another level.

For most consumers, the only way to experience AR is through their smartphones or through wearable-integrated technology such as Smart glasses. As The Verge notes, Sony is attempting to provide the same experience to users without having to wear cumbersome peripherals. Current technology is limited in how this can be delivered, by the firm did provide an idea as to what it could look like in the future.

During the SXSW event, for example, Sony brought 3D-printed objects that were then placed under a spotlight for a demo. A computer interface recognized the object, which allowed the sensors to bring the object to life.

Based on that exhibit, it’s clear that the technology is nowhere near ready to be released to the market, but the potential is clear. With a sensor array that covers a wide area such as a big room or even an open field, having digital interfaces interacting with physical objects can be done on a mass scale.

Further emphasizing how far Sony has come in its quest for AR dominance, the company also showed off several activities that can be done using its technology. There’s even a display that allowed attendees to play air hockey made more challenging by the company’s high-speed vision technology, Engadget reports.

The sensors would basically track the puck as it travels, projecting different shades of color and light as it does so. As the game progresses, the interface adds new challenges by throwing in some clone pucks designed to confuse the players. Naturally, virtual reality also made an appearance at Sony’s area, featuring an experience called “Ghostly Whisper” for horror buff attendees.