Sony's latest smartphone the XZ1 come with a host of new features including the ability to scan objects in crisp and clear 3D. The phone was launched today by Kenichiro Hibi, Managing Director, Sony. The phone was recently unveiled at the IFA show in Berlin and now in India.

Over the years, the Sony design has become instantly recognisable, but with the XZ1, some of the flat chunky slab signature has gone. This is a 5.2–inch device with rounded sides and countered back, making the all-metal body easier to hold. The metal build makes it sturdy and solid and the size is easy to grip.

The most stand-out feature on the XZ1 is the ability of the phone’s primary 19 MP camera to scan objects (and people) in crisp and clear 3D. This is done through the dedicated 3D Creator app. In good and even lighting, the user can hold the phone and move around the object or person as instructed and scan the image allowing the dot projection to take place. Once that is done, the image is rendered without taking too long about it.

The result—such as a person’s head and torso—can now be viewed, rotated, swivelled in all directions. The result is remarkably clear. If there is access to a 3D printer and materials, the image can also be printed into a physical object.

There are many other applications possible with the 3D scan, including sharing online, promoting Sony to label the feature and capability “3D Communications”.

There are four scan modes —head scan, face scan, food scan and freeform scan. Each mode has its own custom guides for ease of use.

The scanned objects can then be shared on messenger apps using 3D stickers or uploaded to 3D communities such as Sketchfab. Users can also bring scans to life by using them as avatars on the camera’s AR effects options, third party apps or as live wallpapers.

The scans can even be printed on a 3D printer and converted into memorable keepsakes.

The 3D Creator app also sports a ‘Find More’ option that provides access to a growing 3D ecosystem via Google Play like, one can turn himself/herself into a rockstar, try their favourite moves in a video using their 3D Scan with Shadow.lol application.