Intel Corp., Nokia and the University of Oulu have announced the establishment of their first joint research center. One of the first objectives of the new lab is to create new and compelling mobile user experiences that leverage the rapidly increasing capabilities of mobile devices. Going forward, the two companies and the university will jointly explore stereo-3D interfaces on mobile devices.

Creating interfaces that are more similar to interactions in the real world can enable experiences that are more natural and intuitive, in the same way that modern games and movies are more immersive through the use of realistic 3D graphics. The new lab is well aligned with the MeeGo open source platform recently launched by Intel and Nokia

Another potential area of research could look into technologies that allow displaying a stereo-3D hologram of the person you are talking to on the phone, a capability only found in science fiction movies today. Consumers will feel more involved and engaged with their mobile experience than with current methods.

“3D technology could change the way we use our mobile devices and make our experiences with them much more immersive. Our new joint laboratory with Intel draws on the Oulu research community’s 3D interface expertise, and over time will lay down some important foundations for future mobile experiences," said Rich Green, Senior vice president and chief technical officer, Nokia.

The center will employ about two dozen R&D professionals and become the latest member of Intel’s European Research Network, Intel Labs Europe. The lab will be located at the center for Internet excellence at the university of Oulu, and will work closely with the Oulu urban living labs, which provide a unique environment for sensor research, testing and piloting technological and social innovations.

Tags: Intel, Nokia, Stereo 3D