Holus Tabletop Hologram Turns Digital Content Into 3D Experiences

There are already a number of desk knick-knacks touting holographic technology that make it look like simple objects are floating in the air. Holus is not one of these: Holus is a new, holographic way to experience your old, boring 2D content.

Essentially, Holus is little more than a big glass box with a pyramid inside. But it uses this pyramid to recreate digital content using the old “Pepper’s Ghost” technique, making it 3D and projecting it inside the pyramid space. As a result, it looks like the object is really there – and Holus has several ideas about how to use this in the real world.

Since the holographic chamber can accept images from computers, tablets and smartphones, it can transition a whole lot of content into a hologram – for better or worse. The Pro version has the most options, with an HDMI port and SDK tool for developers. This is great for innovators, engineers, and those who like to tinker – as well as being handy for businesses. Imagine mounting your webcam on top and talking with a holographic image instead of a flat screen for your next conference.

Another interesting possibility is use in schools: Holus suggests bring up a strand of DNA or a solar system model from a 2D environment to explain it more completely to students gathered around the hologram.

However, the home edition also has plenty of potential uses. One of the more exciting is a home gaming development, where a digital board game – say, from an iPad app – can be given 3D life on the table while you play. You can also use it to talk with long distance family members. There’s a tablet computer holder at the base of the Holus box that facilitates Facetime or gameplay as well.

The Kickstarter for this handy hologram box has already far surpassed its goals, so let’s talk about price. The early bird prices are already gone, but there are still options left for a “late bird” Holus at $560 for the normal home model, and $660 for the Pro model. Pledging $750 will get you a Leap Motion sensor to make holo-conversations much easier.