NEWS  Headset  January 9, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

During Sony's CES 2024 presentation, the company stole the spotlight by revealing the awaited XR head-mounted display and controllers aimed at "spatial content creation". While the first 25 minutes might have lacked major announcements, the subsequent revelation left tech enthusiasts and professionals eagerly anticipating the release later in 2024.

The matte gray-finished headset caught the audience's attention with its innovative design. Featuring two front-facing cameras and a controller-wand, the device is complemented by a smaller peripheral, akin to a ring. Sony explicitly targets creators and artists involved in virtual space manipulation and product crafting.

Despite the initial lack of detailed information on stage, a subsequent press release provided essential specifications. The XR headset is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, offering a self-contained experience without the need for a computer. Dual 4K OLED microdisplays and "user and space tracking" capabilities promise a crisp viewing experience and intuitive interaction for 3D design, appealing to professionals akin to Sony's renowned line of cameras and devices.

The device boasts "video see-through" functionality and a total of six cameras and sensors, providing creators with a versatile mixed reality experience. Sony introduced two controllers – a "ring controller" for object manipulation and a "pointing controller" for precise interactions. The envisioned seamless integration of these controllers with traditional input devices like keyboards allows creators to craft 3D models in real-time.

Sony emphasizes the headset's balance, fine-tuning the device's center of gravity, and allowing the display portion to flip up, providing a convenient transition between the virtual and real worlds. Positioned as a creative take on Microsoft's HoloLens, the headset offers a unique approach to mixed reality, leaning more towards professional applications than consumer use.

Further details emerged during Siemens' keynote at CES 2024, as the two companies revealed their collaboration on an "industrial metaverse". The XR headset, referred to as "Sony's new spatial content creation system", will be instrumental in businesses' manufacturing and design processes. 

The collaboration showcased potential use cases, including Red Bull Racing's engineering and design teams visualizing the cockpit of a Formula One car. Siemens pitches the headset as a tool for real-time collaboration between humans and AI in professional settings.

 IMAGES CREDIT: SONY