Beyond Pixels: The 3D Revolution and the Magic of Holograms

Go from Image to Hologram with Looking Glass Blocks

Total reading time is about 3 minutes.

This issue is brought to you by Looking Glass.

The tech landscape is buzzing, and a sense of anticipation is hard to ignore.

We're on the precipice of a monumental shift in how we experience the digital world.

The AI Surge: Beyond Automation to Creation

Artificial intelligence has been a popular topic for a while, but the last few years have seen a shift from AI as a tool for automation to AI as a tool for creation.

We've witnessed artificially intelligent machines craft art, compose music, and even dabble in literature. This isn't just about machines replicating human tasks; it's about pushing the boundaries of creativity in ways we hadn't ever thought possible.

But with this explosion of AI-driven content, there's a growing realization: our traditional mediums might not be enough.

The 3D Imperative: A New Canvas for a New Age

2D screens have served us well, but we're starting to feel their limitations as AI brings depth, dynamism, and complexity to digital content.

Enter light field displays in the form of holograms. On August 23, Looking Glass announced the launch of their Image to Hologram service.

While it may seem to some just a tech novelty, I see it as a response to the evolving needs of our times. It promises a platform where AI's creative potential can be fully realized and appreciated. 

I view my static images in a new light - instead of looking at them, I see into each scene to explore new wonders that used to exist only in my imagination.

The Convergence: Where AI Meets 3D

The real magic is happening at the intersection of AI and 3D.

It's one thing to take an idea and have Midjourney bring it to life, but imagine experiencing that same idea in 3D, where every detail is accentuated, and every layer is discernible.

When I first heard about Looking Glass, I could immediately imagine my use case: I’ve been sharing my AI image generations as standalone JPEGs on the internet.

This is a way to bring my artwork to life - dynamically as a hologram.

I can download my favorites and have them running on a playlist without connecting them to my computer. 

Think about educational modules where abstract concepts come alive, making learning not just informative but immersive. The potential applications are vast and transformative.

Of course, I had to try it out!

Here is my Midjourney image before and after transformation as a hologram:

Original image

The experience is much better in the Looking Glass, but you can view it in your browser since Blocks is officially out of beta. Upload it and see it in 3D:

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Liteforms: Holographic Conversational Chatbots powered by ChatGPT

While my natural gravitation is to that of the image-to-hologram workflow, it's hard not to make a quick mention of Liteforms, an AI conversational character platform that Looking Glass released earlier this year.

It's an incredible preview of what's possible when you combine AI-driven chatbots with holograms. The possibilities are exciting and endless, from interactive customer service modules to dynamic storytelling platforms for brands worldwide.

I had a conversation with one of the characters, named Inu. It was a lot more fun than I anticipated!

We had a regular conversation about current events. Listen for yourself:

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What’s Next?

The fusion of AI and holograms is no longer just a fad that might disappear; it's a cultural shift that feels here to stay.

As creators, consumers, and tech enthusiasts, we are all active participants in this evolution. It's a journey filled with promise and possibilities. As we navigate this new frontier, it's essential to stay informed, curious, and most importantly, open to the possibilities.

For a limited time, Looking Glass Portraits are available for $299 ($100 off the regular pricing) with free shipping to the US & Japan. Use my discount to get an extra 10% off here.

Thanks for reading!