We tested the new eyeglass stereoscopic 3D display from Acer ConceptD laptops

We were invited to Acer France headquarters for a presentation of the manufacturer’s future laptops that were unveiled on May 27, 2021, and we were able to sit in front of a very unique ConceptD computer. Equipped with an Nvidia Quadro graphics card and SpatialLabs software suite, the computer also has a set of specific optical technologies. Target ? To be able to view 3D images in front of your computer without specific glasses or VR headset.

SpatialLabs is a suite of optical technologies from Acer that combine a stereo camera with an eye and face tracking system, with a “classic” 2D UHD panel adorned with a liquid crystal lens. So the computer can be used normally, but once the software associated with SpatialLabs is activated, these elements make it possible to display a different image in each eye, giving our brain a 3D view.

Sure, stereoscopic 3D does indeed exist, but it suffered from a commercial failure in televisions during the 2000s, to the point that this technology has completely disappeared for several years now, and is mainly found only in cinema. So why would Acer try the laptop?

Actually, it’s not the target audience here, but creatives, graphic designers, and other designers who can benefit from this technology. With this screen, it is actually possible for them to display their 2D creations directly in 3D in front of their eyes in real time, without having to equip themselves with a heavy and bulky virtual reality headset. SpatialLabs applications support 3D software such as Blender, Autodesk Fusion 360, or Unreal Engine and an object or character can be projected as floating in front of the screen, in 1: 1 ratio and from all angles, using the SpatialLabs Model Viewer software.

This all sounds great on paper, but is the result really convincing?

Our first impressions

We are not 3D designers and it is impossible to comment on the use of SpatialLabs in a tangible or professional way, but from the point of view of the average spectator, we must admit that the effect obtained is deceptive.

While sitting in front of a computer, we first see a strange and somewhat blurry 2D image, before the brain adapts to see the 3D image actually float before our eyes. We were able to try the stereoscopic 3D effects in different situations. First of all, with depictions of frozen bodies and figures, such as a goat skull or an astronaut. The result is stunning, and with great precision, images can be rotated in any direction by 360 degrees. In addition, eye tracking was not defective, and we were able to move away from the center of the screen or tilt our heads without noticeable image distortion.

We were also able to watch a short animated video of characters playing in space, as an asteroid came dangerously close to our face. Guaranteed effect, impressions of depth, distance and relief are well respected. Likewise, we plunged into a sequence under the Unreal Engine similar to a first-person game, before we wandered into an apartment furnished by a designer and eventually watched some holographic 3D videos on YouTube (yes, it really is).

It is also possible to watch a “classic” movie by activating SpatialLabs. While this obviously doesn’t display the movie in 3D, it does get more depth in some scenes (visually only, unfortunately not from the perspective of the script).

In principle, everything works very well, and it will take more hindsight and testing outside of the formal demonstrations for us to spot any problems. We are, however, eager to get our hands on a suitable ConceptD model so that we can test the capabilities this monitor offers in more detail.