Glasses-free 3D using webcam head tracking
4 comments
·October 18, 2025il_nets
socalgal2
I don't know if you designed it for a specific monitor but, feedback. It tried using it on my M1 Mac.
First thing, there is no loading indicator and it takes too long to start so I though it was broken a few times before I realized I had to wait longer.
Second thing, although it was clearly tracking my head and moving the camera it did not make me feel like I'm looking into a window into a 3d scene behind the monitor.
These kinds of demos have been around before. I don't know why some work better than others.
some others:
https://discourse.threejs.org/t/parallax-effect-using-face-t... https://www.anxious-bored.com/blog/2018/2/25/theparallaxview...
Hi HN, I'm Sten, one of the creators.
We built this because we wanted 3D experiences without needing a VR headset. The approach: use your webcam to track where you're looking, and adjust the 3D perspective to match.
Demo: https://portality.io/dragoncourtyard/ (Allow camera, move your head left/right)
It creates motion parallax - the same depth cue your brain uses when you look around a real object. Feels like looking through a window instead of at a flat screen.
Known limitations: - Only works for one viewer at a time - Needs decent lighting - Currently WebGL only
We're still figuring out where this is genuinely useful vs just a novelty. Gaming seems promising, also exploring education and product visualization.
Happy to answer questions!