Startup Barnsley tech firm to distribute 3D smartphone device

A new Barnsley-based technology company has secured the rights to be the UK distributor of a screen protector for smartphones that can convert 2D into 3D without the need for glasses.

Established only three months ago, 3DU is now taking pre-orders for its first product in preparation for an official launch in July.

The company is based at the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley which is a dedicated hub for the creative and digital industries.

The 3D conversion works by applying the specially designed screen protector to a device and then downloading the Whoosh3D app. Within the app, users have the option to stream videos and movies and adjust the depth of field, creating a 3D effect.

3DU won the contract to supply the screen protectors after managing director Tom Kitchen-Dunn, met US developers 3D Vision Technologies at a convention in Orlando.

The screen protector and app, is the first of many 3D technology products 3DU plan to bring to market in future, including their own creations.

Tom Kitchen-Dunn, managing director at 3DU, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the company, we’ve just recently launched our brand new website, and we’re now taking pre-orders on the screen protectors.”

The company, which is being given free business support by Enterprising Barnsley, currently employs four, having recently recruited a customer services advisor. Over the next several months, 3DU aims to take on six new members of staff and create its own in-house app development team.

The company has plans to create a 3D house viewing app for estate agents, a 3D version of photo-sharing website Instagram and specially designed 3D games.

Tom added: “We’re already looking at ways that we can expand the business and keep growing. The possibilities are endless when it comes to 3D; it’s just about creating and implementing them.”

The Whoosh3D app also has the capacity to shoot photos and videos in 3D, as well as converting existing photos and videos into 3D. The screen protector is available for iPhone 5 models and upwards, iPad air and iPad mini and is coming soon to android devices.

John Heckingbottom from Enterprising Barnsley said: “Everything seems to be going 3D these days and it was only a matter of time before the devices that we carry around all day joined that trend.

“It’s great that the company that is going to be making our handheld devices 3D is right here in Barnsley. Tom has great knowledge on the subject, and we’re confident that the company is going to be a huge success.”

Enterprising Barnsley, which is supported by Barnsley Council, has given 3DU support with HR matters, branding and recruitment.

Tom said: “Enterprising Barnsley has always been there on the other end of the phone to give us advice when we need it the most. They’ve given us a big bunch of keys to a lot of doors and it’s up to us where we go from here.

“It’s great to be based at the DMC and part of a digital hub in the centre of Barnsley too. It’s a fantastic base to grow the business and the combination of Enterprising Barnsley and DMC support is instrumental.”

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