NEWS  Headset  April 23, 2024  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Canon Japan has recently unveiled a groundbreaking technology that promises to transform the way we experience live music performances. In an era where digital entertainment is rapidly evolving, the company's new mixed-reality (MR) headset offers a unique way to enjoy concerts with a level of realism that surpasses traditional methods like television or other remote-viewing platforms.

A New Era for Concert-Going

Typically, attending a live concert comes with limitations. Your seat location determines your view, and often only those with premium tickets have access to up-close experiences.

Most attendees must rely on large screens to follow the action, and very few have the opportunity to move around freely or even step on stage. Canon's mixed-reality headset aims to change that dynamic by offering an immersive experience that transports users into the heart of the performance.

The Technology Behind the Experience

According to an exclusive NHK World News report, Canon's MR experience utilizes up to 50 cameras to record live music performances from various angles, creating a multi-dimensional experience for headset users. Unlike watching a concert on television, this technology allows users to virtually "stand" on stage or select different vantage points during the show. It brings a sense of presence and interactivity that is typically reserved for live attendees.

Muraki Junya, a spokesperson for Canon, explained the vision behind this innovation, stating:

"This technology allows a user to have a musical experience usually only available in a concert hall. We think the technology will have applications in education and entertainment."

Canon's MReal X1: The Hardware Powering the Revolution

The mixed-reality experience appears to leverage Canon's MReal X1 headset, first unveiled at the end of 2022. This headset offers a 58-degree by 60-degree field-of-view and weighs only 158 grams, making it a lightweight and comfortable option for immersive experiences.

Users can explore virtual concert spaces by holding the headset in front of their eyes, while spatial location markers on the floor guide their movement.

Although the MReal X1 and the smaller prototype revealed at CES 2024 are still in the prototype stage, they hint at the potential for a new category of entertainment devices. Canon has not yet announced a timeline for commercialization, but the buzz surrounding this technology suggests that mixed-reality concerts could become a mainstream experience in the near future.

The Impact on the Music Industry

Canon's mixed-reality headset isn't just a technological marvel; it could have far-reaching implications for the music industry. By providing a realistic concert experience outside of traditional venues, this technology could open new revenue streams for artists and create unique opportunities for fan engagement. Concert-goers worldwide could soon enjoy front-row experiences from the comfort of their homes or other non-traditional settings.

In a related development, Tokyo's Toranomon Hills complex has introduced a 300-seat orchestra event hall designed with digital twin technology. This innovative setup allows up to 10,000 people to watch live performances online in a metaverse-like environment, even enabling digital viewers to choose their seats. This development underscores the growing interest in combining real-world and virtual experiences for music entertainment.

As mixed reality and other immersive technologies continue to advance, the future of live music looks increasingly vibrant. With Canon's new headset, the thrill of a concert hall could soon be accessible to anyone, anywhere.

 SOURCE: NHK WORLD JAPAN | IMAGES CREDITS: CANON | COVER PICTURE BY FREEPIK