In the virtual world, selfies are the tsunami waves, while in the real world, 3D printing is the meteor on the horizon. When both of them meet at a point, your selfies turn into shapies – the 3D figurines that will rock your world.
Image courtesy: Artec
In the world of Shapies, you’ll have your own 3D images similar to those Superman toys in your showcase. That’s where 3D technology is taking us. Already, in Europe and America, people are replacing snaps of children, pets and themselves with their 3D models in various postures. And 3D printing booths are already mushrooming to satisfy the demand for this new-found indulgence.
Shapily booths
Remember how you went into photo booths, got your photos printed and framed and preserved them? Shapily booths, reminiscent of the old photo booths, have started printing colourful 3D shapes, and people are standing in queues to get their own figurines. For those interested in making a business out of this newfound craze, the Artech Group is selling shapily booths and software. This video shows you how the shapily booths work:
It won’t be long before you’ll find them in your city, near malls, theme parks and tourist sites. Not only that, you’ll soon invite shapie-makers to your home to capture your special occasions.
Shapies for occasions
Shapies will soon add a new dimension to event photography. Shortly, you’ll be able to get 3D printed shapies of special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. You can even shapify your love story!
Chocolate selfies
How about creating a chocolate statuette of yourself or your beloved to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Isn’t that truly sweet? You can even have pet-shaped 3D chocolates. Endless possibilities in the shapie realm!
The 3D selfie app
Best of all, this is not going to be a costly affair. Because, soon you’ll be able to take shapies on your mobile devices. European technology companies Dacuda and Volumental are coming out with the world’s first 3D-Selfie app for tablets. The two companies have displayed an early prototype at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona (March 2-5, 2015) using a Dell Venue 8 7000 tablet. Let’s hope that they launch the app soon for our Apples, Androids and other devices.
