If you don’t get broadband in your crib, you might have missed the global movie phenomenon titled, “Avatar.” James Cameron did it again and cleaned up at the box office with a staggering $2.039 billion earning worldwide. Which converts into Rands at an incalculable, 15, 6646 billion ‘Rond.’ He over took his own previous record for Titanic as the biggest box office, money earner in history. The biggest thing to come from this success however, is the emergence of the 3D generation. The cinema experience will never be the same again.

According to Ster-Kinekor, the financial impact ($$$) of the new generation 3D films has been so great that most pundits advocate this format will become the standard for cinema-goers.

So in layman’s terms how does it work? Images are taken from two separate motion-controlled digital cameras that are placed side by side as the “left eye” and “right eye” and used to shoot film in 3D. The images from the two cameras are then manipulated in postproduction to match perfectly.

This phenomenon is already permeating our everyday lives. Sky just made TV 3D history, by broadcasting Man United vs. Arsenal in 9 pubs around the UK and Ireland. Their customers became the first audiences anywhere in the world to experience live Premier League in 3D. Major television manufacturers are now making the move towards releasing 3D TV’s later this year. South Africa has been confirmed as one of the territories earmarked for release with the 2010 FIFA World Cup bolstering South Africa as a prime destination. Whether this new technology will benefit sport viewing, is yet to be seen. (The guy below certainly seems to be digging it!)

Personally I’m skeptical about 3D TV and think 3-D should only be a sporadic treat, for the very same reason nobody rides a roller coaster to work – not only would it lose its appeal after the first week, it’s admittedly rather impractical.

Don’t hold your breath…

3D is currently being used online still utilising old 3D technology. A great experiential example was recently developed by Filtrete Filters informing the public  of the bugs and bacteria in your house where bugs literally fly out of the screen – Filtrete 3d experience. Without your own pair of goggles handy (which I’m sure is the case most of the time) this technology loses its effectiveness. Google seems aware of this problem and are developing the ‘Googgle.’

Google’s Sergey Brin says, “The main purpose is to give users a three dimensional interface with the Internet.”Anyone putting on “the Googgles” will be immersed into a three dimensional, stereo-vision, virtual, reality called 3dLife. The homepage of 3dLife will be called the Library and will include a collection of virtual books with Ms Dewey the librarian there to assist you. The ‘Googgles’ have a built in sub-vocalizing microphone which will allow you to interact with her like you would a normal person. Outside of this room there will be a 3d world, similar to Second Life except in 3D. Anyone with a Google ID can obtain an avatar. To make this happen however, the present glasses need to be upgraded significantly. Google also intends the ‘Googgles’ to be a fashion statement in the same way the iPod is now, already partnering with Prada to design it. The attached stereo ear buds can play music and movie soundtracks and you can use the visor to watch regular YouTube clips and 3D versions of movies. YouTube is definitely a part of the Google vizor strategy.

Applying 3D to the 3d world we live in: “Google will also combine the ‘Googgles’ with their Google Maps and Google Earth Services. “You can use the ‘Googgles’ when walking down a city street,” Matt Cutt says. “The ‘Googgles’ have a built in GPS, and will automatically download the relevant satellite images and maps from Google. The built in cameras will make it possible to superimpose information and ads on your view of the city street. If you look at a store for example, the ‘Googgles’ will present the latest promotions and specials. If you were to look at a museum you might see the opening hours and more information on current exhibitions. And if you can’t find the nearest cinema you could just ask your librarian to give you the directions.” I get a mixed feeling of shock, horror and excitement at the thought!