The View-Master of Webcams

I'm a big View-Master collector, but even I never sat back and wondered aloud, "When will they come up with a Webcam that does 3D?" Then arrives the Minoru 3D Webcam.

Minoru 3D Webcam. The name means "reality" in Japanese.

(Credit: PDT, Ltd.)

The Minoru has two discrete lenses spaced at roughly human eye distance, but unlike a View-Master reel, it doesn't deliver two discrete images, rather it mixes both together into a blurry-looking mess that requires the goofy two-color glasses that have kept 3D on the launch pad since Day 1.

More encouragingly, you don't need a special Web platform or software for viewing: standard video IM clients or YouTube and its ilk are all compatible; the video will just look badly out of registration until you put the glasses on.

I can't help but wonder how much more satisfying the experience might be if the Minoru fed two discrete images to a viewer on the other end wearing video goggles.

The Minoru is supposed to ship December 2008 for less than $100.

[Gouda--2008]

Meh.

[man_w_balls]

an important step in the world of cybersex
or tele-sex
lol

[RFGauthier]

"It mixes both together into a blurry-looking mess that requires the goofy two-color glasses." Sounds more of a disservice, to ViewMaster, to compare it with the venerable View-Master.

[mehap]

3D Digital Real Image System from FujiFilm (http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/topics/2008/0922_02.html)...

[deanrdavis]

This would be much better if there were viewing options other than anaglyph. I prefer cross-eyed free viewing. The red and cyan colored glasses are an irritating compromise to view 3d images.

[ranman54]

Geez, I think I'll buy stock in 3-D glasses and finally make it big! Come on!!! What the HELL are these people thinking? I want a job there... I'll be a god.