Later in 2024, Sony will launch a mixed reality headset independent of the PlayStation brand. This high-end device will be aimed at content creators, while the spatial computing revolution could soon begin.
When Sony launched the PlayStation VR2 in 2023, several analysts warned of the very special nature of this headset. According to them, the PS VR2 risked being the last of its kind. Sony reportedly planned to launch this product quickly in order to focus on mixed reality or spatial computing, which it considers more likely to attract the general public.
At CES 2024 on January 8, Sony confirmed the development of a high-end mixed reality headset that could compete with the Apple Vision Pro, which goes on sale on February 2. A press release published immediately reveals the first technical characteristics of this device.
4K Micro-OLED screens
At first glance, Sony’s headset will be primarily aimed at 3D creation professionals. Sony says it has equipped it with an ultra-precise controller designed to manipulate virtual objects, to help them prepare for the computing of tomorrow. A ring will also allow you to manipulate objects with precision.
Mixed reality requires, the Sony headset is capable of transcribing reality in real time. Thanks to 6 cameras, it allows you to see a reproduction of the world when you wear it. Sony has chosen 4K Micro-OLED displays similar to Apple’s. It must be said that it is he who supplies the Californian.
Unsurprisingly, it is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, which has just been announced, which will give power to the headset. The tech industry is gradually pivoting toward 3D computing, with no certainty about its success. Sony intends in particular to offer several technologies to model people, in order to experiment on the interests of these new type of headsets. The headset can be used wirelessly, but can also be connected to a PC for more power.
One of the particularities of the Sony helmet is that it can be raised like a visor, like its French competitor from Lynx. Sony does not say when its product will be marketed but, and this is rare enough to point out, it speaks several times about the metaverse in its press release. Proof that its approach is not entirely to compete with Apple, while an alliance between Google and Samsung should move into this area in the coming months.
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