Looking Glass Portrait
| Looking Glass Portrait | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality / 3D Display |
| Type | Holographic Display |
| Subtype | Light Field Display, Glasses-Free 3D |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi |
| Creator | Looking Glass Factory |
| Developer | Looking Glass Factory |
| Manufacturer | Looking Glass Factory |
| Announcement Date | 2020 |
| Release Date | 2020 |
| Price | $299 |
| Website | https://lookingglassfactory.com/ |
| Versions | Looking Glass Portrait, Looking Glass Go, Looking Glass 16", Looking Glass 32" |
| Requires | HDMI source or onboard Raspberry Pi |
| Predecessor | Looking Glass Standard |
| Successor | Looking Glass Go |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows, macOS, Raspberry Pi OS |
| Chipset | Onboard Raspberry Pi 4 |
| CPU | Raspberry Pi 4 |
| GPU | Raspberry Pi integrated |
| Storage | |
| Storage | SD card (Raspberry Pi) |
| Memory | Raspberry Pi RAM |
| SD Card Slot | Yes (via Raspberry Pi) |
| Display | |
| Display | 7.9" LCD |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB |
| Peak Brightness | Standard LCD |
| Resolution | 2048 × 1536 |
| Pixel Density | High |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Persistence | Standard LCD |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 58° viewing cone |
| Horizontal FoV | 58° cone |
| Vertical FoV | Vertical viewing |
| Average Pixel Density | High |
| Peak Pixel Density | High |
| Foveated Rendering | N/A |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Lenticular lens array |
| Ocularity | Multi-viewer (no glasses) |
| IPD Range | N/A (glasses-free) |
| Adjustable Diopter | N/A |
| Passthrough | N/A |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | N/A (display only) |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | N/A |
| Eye Tracking | N/A |
| Face Tracking | N/A |
| Hand Tracking | Optional (gesture sensors) |
| Body Tracking | N/A |
| Rotational Tracking | N/A |
| Positional Tracking | N/A |
| Update Rate | 60Hz |
| Tracking Volume | N/A |
| Play Space | Desktop display |
| Latency | Standard display |
| Audio | |
| Audio | N/A |
| Microphone | N/A |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | N/A |
| Camera | N/A |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB |
| Ports | HDMI, USB |
| Wired Video | Yes (HDMI) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | Via Raspberry Pi |
| Bluetooth | Via Raspberry Pi |
| Power | External power |
| Battery Capacity | N/A (powered display) |
| Battery Life | N/A |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Portrait orientation |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (660g) |
| Material | Display housing |
| Headstrap | N/A (desktop display) |
| Haptics | N/A |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | Optional gesture sensors |
| Input | External input, gesture control optional |
| Compliance | Consumer electronics |
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The Looking Glass Portrait is a holographic display developed by Looking Glass Factory, released in late 2020 at $299 (currently available with discounts). Unlike traditional 3D displays requiring glasses, the Looking Glass Portrait uses a lenticular lens array to project up to 100 different perspectives of a 3D image simultaneously, allowing multiple viewers to see full 3D content from different angles without special eyewear, head tracking, or VR headsets. The 7.9-inch display features a 2048 × 1536 resolution with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 58° viewing cone, weighing just 1.3 lbs (660g) in a portrait orientation form factor. The display includes an onboard Raspberry Pi 4 with proprietary software capable of producing 3D images at 60Hz even when not connected to a computer, enabling standalone operation. Looking Glass Factory provides software plugins for Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, and WebXR, with optional touchless gesture control through external sensors. Primary use cases include displaying 3D photos, viewing 3D artwork and designs, showcasing holographic portraits, and presenting 3D models for design review. The Looking Glass Portrait targets photographers, 3D artists, designers, and consumers wanting to display 3D memories and creations in a physical, shareable format—bridging digital 3D content with real-world viewing.
History and Development
Looking Glass Factory Origins
Company background:
- Brooklyn-based startup
- Holographic display pioneer
- Consumer 3D display focus
- Multiple display sizes
Looking Glass Standard
Earlier product:
- Larger form factor
- Higher price point
- Professional market
- Technology foundation
Portrait Launch (2020)
Consumer product:
- $399 original price
- Personal holographic display
- Accessible price point
- Holiday 2020 release
Price Reduction
Current pricing:
- $299 base price
- Discount codes available
- Consumer accessible
- Market expansion
Product Lineup Expansion
2024 updates:
- Looking Glass Go (portable)
- Looking Glass 16" OLED
- Looking Glass 32"
- Expanded options
Design Philosophy
Glasses-Free 3D
Core concept:
- No special glasses
- No head tracking required
- No VR headset needed
- Natural viewing
Multi-Viewer
Shared experience:
- Multiple people simultaneously
- Different viewing angles
- Group viewing
- Social 3D
Light Field Display
Technology:
- Lenticular lens array
- Multiple perspectives
- Volumetric appearance
- True 3D effect
Standalone Capability
Independence:
- Onboard Raspberry Pi
- No PC required
- Self-contained display
- Easy deployment
Display Technology
Light Field Rendering
Display method:
- Perspectives: Up to 100
- Simultaneous projection
- View-dependent imagery
- Holographic effect
Lenticular Lens Array
Optical system:
- Micro-lens layer
- Directional light steering
- Perspective separation
- 3D reconstruction
Resolution
Display specifications:
- Resolution: 2048 × 1536
- Aspect ratio: 4:3
- High pixel density
- Sharp imagery
Viewing Cone
Viewing area:
- Cone angle: 58°
- Horizontal viewing range
- Multiple viewer positions
- Natural movement
Refresh Rate
Display speed:
- Rate: 60Hz
- Smooth playback
- Real-time content
- Standard refresh
Physical Design
Form Factor
Orientation:
- Portrait orientation
- Vertical display
- Photo-frame style
- Desktop placement
Display Size
Screen dimensions:
- Size: 7.9 inches
- Compact personal size
- Desk-friendly
- Portable form
Weight
Mass:
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (660g)
- Lightweight
- Easy placement
- Portable
Onboard Processing
Raspberry Pi 4
Integrated computer:
- Onboard processing
- Standalone operation
- Wi-Fi connected
- Self-sufficient
Standalone Mode
Independent operation:
- No PC connection required
- 60Hz 3D rendering
- Content playback
- Slideshow capable
Connected Mode
External source:
- HDMI input
- USB connection
- PC rendering
- Real-time content
Software Ecosystem
Looking Glass Studio
Content creation:
- 3D content preparation
- Photo conversion
- Model viewing
- Easy workflow
Engine Plugins
Development support:
- Unity: Plugin available
- Unreal Engine: Plugin available
- Blender: Plugin available
- WebXR: Support
Content Types
Supported formats:
- 3D photos
- 3D models
- Holographic portraits
- Animated content
Input Options
Gesture Control
Touchless interaction:
- Optional sensors
- Hand gestures
- Touch-free control
- Interactive displays
Standard Input
Traditional control:
- Keyboard/mouse
- Touch (external)
- Remote control
- Standard interfaces
Use Cases
3D Photography
Photo display:
- Depth photos
- Portrait display
- Memory preservation
- Photo frames replacement
3D Art Display
Creative use:
- Digital sculptures
- 3D artwork
- Artist portfolios
- Gallery display
Design Review
Professional:
- 3D model viewing
- Design presentation
- Client review
- Prototype visualization
Education
Learning:
- Anatomy models
- Scientific visualization
- Interactive learning
- Museum displays
Digital Signage
Commercial:
- Retail displays
- Product showcases
- Attention-grabbing
- Marketing tool
Product Lineup
Looking Glass Portrait
Personal display:
- Size: 7.9"
- Price: $299
- Desktop use
- Consumer market
Looking Glass Go
Portable version:
- Compact/portable
- Wi-Fi connected
- Mobile display
- Travel-friendly
Looking Glass 16"
Larger display:
- OLED panel
- Professional size
- Higher resolution
- Premium market
Looking Glass 32"
Large format:
- Biggest option
- Commercial use
- Maximum impact
- Professional installations
Comparison with 3D Displays
| Feature | Looking Glass Portrait | Traditional 3D TV | VR Headset | AR Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasses Required | No | Yes (active/passive) | Headset | Yes |
| Multi-Viewer | Yes | Limited | No (single) | No (single) |
| Head Tracking | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Form Factor | Desktop display | Large TV | Head-worn | Head-worn |
| Perspectives | ~100 | 2 (L/R) | Unlimited | Variable |
| Interaction | Optional gesture | Remote | Controllers | Gestures |
| Price | $299 | $500+ | $299-$3,500 | $299-$3,500 |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Glasses-free 3D viewing
- Multiple viewers simultaneously
- 100 perspectives (light field)
- 58° viewing cone
- Onboard Raspberry Pi (standalone)
- 2048 × 1536 resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- $299 affordable price
- Unity/Unreal/Blender plugins
- Compact 7.9" size (1.3 lbs)
- Optional gesture control
Limitations
- 58° limited viewing cone
- Fixed display (not head-tracked)
- Requires holographic content creation
- Not full-room 3D (desktop only)
- Content conversion learning curve
- Resolution shared across perspectives
- Limited to static/video content
- Not interactive VR
- Power required (no battery)
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Light field holographic display |
| Display Size | 7.9 inches |
| Resolution | 2048 × 1536 |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Viewing Cone | 58° |
| Perspectives | Up to 100 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Onboard Processing | Raspberry Pi 4 |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (660g) |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB |
| Price | $299 |