Sony CES 2024 presentation didn’t have much news for the first 25 minutes, but then the company revealed a new XR head-mounted display and controllers with… no name so far, aimed at “spatial content creation.” With a matte gray finish, the headset looks like a stripped-down PSVR2, and there appear to be two cameras facing out from the front.
There is also a controller-wand and a smaller peripheral similar in size to a ring. The new hardware is apparently aimed at creators and artists who manipulate and craft products in virtual spaces. It will be available later in 2024, though pricing will be announced at a later date.
Sony unveiled a new mixed reality headset during a presentation, providing some key specifications in a subsequent press release. The headset is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, offering a self-contained experience without the need for a connected computer. The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 drives dual 4K OLED microdisplays and includes features like “user and space tracking” for mixed reality interactions. Sony’s CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida, emphasized its suitability for professionals, hinting at applications in 3D design. Sony CES 2024 presentation
The device incorporates “video see-through” functionality and is equipped with a total of six cameras and sensors. Sony showcased two controllers: a “ring controller” for manipulating objects and a “pointing controller” for more precise pointing actions. The company envisions creators using these controllers alongside traditional input devices like keyboards to craft real-time 3D models. The headset aims to provide a “crisp viewing experience” and intuitive interactions, aligning with Sony’s reputation for professional-grade devices and cameras.
Sony is also talking up the headset’s balance, saying it has fine-tuned “the balance of the device’s center of gravity.” The display portion of the headset also flips up and out of the wearer’s field of vision, allowing them to dip in and out of their work without needing to remove the headset entirely.