Samsung Limits Note 3D Scanning to Premium Plus Model
Samsung's new 3D scanning feature on the Galaxy Note 10+ wows crowds but offers limited practical value right now. The capability remains locked to the more expensive phone to help justify the higher price tag.
Samsung introduces an impressive 3D scanning feature on the new Galaxy Note 10+ that captures objects and separates them from their backgrounds. The company demos this technology by scanning a stuffed beaver toy and mapping its movements to the user in an AR style. However, this crowd-pleasing capability comes with a significant catch.
The 3D scanning feature is only available on the pricier Note 10+ model and is completely absent on the standard Note 10. This limitation exists because the Plus model includes a time of flight sensor that provides the extra level of depth sensing required for the technology. Samsung uses this hardware distinction to separate the two devices and justify the higher cost.
Despite the flashy demonstration, the feature currently offers very little real-world value for the average consumer. Samsung primarily includes it to prove the company is actively exploring augmented reality and providing the necessary hardware. Making this 3D scanning technology truly useful ultimately depends on third-party developers creating practical applications for it.