Sony introduces XR headset with dual 4K OLED microdisplays
Sony launched the PlayStation VR2 headset for gaming in late 2022. Now the Japanese have also announced an XR headset for professional use. It was created in collaboration with Siemens and is aimed at “spatial content creators”. Use in product design through to film production is conceivable.
The headset features two 1.3-inch OLED microdisplays with 4K resolution that cover 96% of the DCI-P3 color space. They are powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset. The system supports split rendering, which divides the computing load between the head-mounted display and the computers. Sony wants to ensure a stable frame rate when rendering large 3D models. The headset will also enable “realistic rendering of textures of 3D objects and facial expressions of human characters” in real time.
Spatial tracking is carried out using six cameras and sensors, which also offer a video see-through function. This is where the mixed reality aspect comes into play. The Sony XR headset can also display virtual objects in the real world, just like the new Apple Vision Pro. The headset comes with two interesting controllers. One looks like a ring and allows manipulation of 3D objects, the other is a precise pointer that also helps designers create and manipulate virtual objects. The headset also works with Siemens’ NX Immersive Designer software.
Sony designed the headset for extended use. You can also fold the front up and concentrate on the real world for a moment without having to remove the headset. The Sony XR headset is expected to hit the market later this year, but further details or prices are not yet known.
