Sony, a leader in VR gaming with the PlayStation VR2, introduces the SRH-S1, a premium XR headset designed for enterprise product design. This high-end device boasts specifications comparable to Apple’s Vision Pro, but with a focus on professional applications and a higher price point. Unlike Sony’s upcoming XYN headset powered by Google’s Android XR, the SRH-S1 is a standalone system and doesn’t connect to the PlayStation 5.
At $4,750, the Sony SRH-S1 offers integrated hardware and software, a convenient flip-up visor for seamless real-world interaction, and a comfortable halo strap design eliminating facial pressure. Unique controllers enhance the user experience: a finger-worn ring for virtual object grasping and a futuristic 3D stylus for precise manipulation.
Mirroring the Vision Pro, the SRH-S1 boasts impressive specifications. It features dual 4K microOLED displays providing stunning visuals for each eye, along with full-color passthrough technology, allowing users to see their surroundings without removing the headset. Advanced head, hand, and eye-tracking ensure intuitive control, further enhancing the immersive experience. The headset operates as a standalone device or can be connected to a computer for increased performance, positioning it among the top VR headsets in terms of display and sensor quality.
The SRH-S1 enters a competitive XR market with several Vision Pro rivals emerging. While the Sony headset has been on the radar since last year, its pricing and availability were recently confirmed. The SRH-S1 will be available through Siemens, developers of the integrated NX Immersive Designer CAD software, starting January 23, 2025, with shipping expected in February.
Though designed for enterprise applications, the SRH-S1 highlights the potential of XR technology in 2025. The year promises exciting advancements in immersive gaming, cinematic viewing experiences, and innovative computing solutions, all within the comfort of a virtual environment.
