#1. Sony PSVR 2
Sony will release the second generation of its PlayStation VR (PSVR 2) headset on February 22nd, 2023. At CES 2022, we got a first glimpse of the internals running underneath the hood of this new headset. This device is equipped with a resolution of 2,000 x 2,040 per eye, an OLED HDR display, and a refresh rate of either 90 Hz or 120 Hz, offering a 110° field of view. It also has a six-axis motion sensor, four cameras for both the headset and controllers, an IR camera for eye-tracking, and integrated haptic feedback for both the headset and controllers. Finally, this device has a 3.5 mm audio connection and a USB-C port for connecting it to your console.
This is an exciting step forward for the PSVR series, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for it. The cost will be $549.99 for this headset. Check out their website for more information.
#2. HTC Standalone Headset
Another one of 2023’s most promising headsets is a standalone (i.e. not requiring a PC or phone to operate) from HTC, the Vive XR Elite. This headset stands out from the competition by offering a sleek and lightweight design, 4K resolution with 2K displays for each eye and a refresh rate of 90Hz, a 110-degree field of view, and a powerful Snapdragon XR 2 chipset with 12GB RAM, 120GB ROM, and a two-hour battery life with 30W fast charging.
Additionally, the headset features comfortable removable fabric gaskets, built-in diopters to accommodate users with glasses, and improved directional audio. Users can also choose to remove the battery pack, connect it to a phone or PC with USB-C, and use the headset like a pair of VR goggles.
The Vive XR Elite retails for $1,099 for the headset, controllers, and carrying case. Pre-orders are available today and shipments are expected in March of 2023.
#3. Somnium VR1
For the more advanced VR user, Somnium Space has just announced their VR1 headset, a high-end PC VR headset with high-resolution displays and custom non-fresnel, crystal-clear lenses. It also includes eye and hand tracking, high-resolution pass-through cameras, and a modular design that allows users to modify, add, or change different parts of the headset. It also provides access to many of the headset’s sensors, allowing advanced users to create custom VR and mixed-reality applications.
The headset features a 2 x 3.2″ 2,880 × 2,880 Fast LCD with a 120° horizontal FOV and a 100° vertical FOV. It also comes with 2 x 3.864 × 2.192 pass-through cameras with a 90 FPS FOV and Ultra Leap hand tracking. It supports native Steam VR and OpenXR, has a headphone jack, integrated high-quality stereo microphones, and a custom-made head strap with in-ear headphones. Additionally, it has 3 USB-C 10 Gbps ports for external accessories, WiFi 6e, and wireless PC VR streaming.
There is no standalone version, but the company states it is to come later. No price has been announced as of yet. For more information, check out this blog post from Somnium.
#4. Sharp's “Ultra-High Resolution” Headset
Sharp has recently made a debut of its new “Ultra-High Resolution” headset in the AR/VR corner. This ultra-lightweight head-mounted display prototype is designed to provide an enhanced experience for virtual reality users, equipped with the latest devices such as an ultra-high-resolution display, ultra-high-speed autofocus camera, and ultra-compact proximity sensor.
While the details for the headset are still relatively unknown, it is sure to be a promising device for gamers and other VR users. In addition to the headset prototype, Sharp will also be introducing its LC-LH (Liquid and Crystal Light Harvesting), an indoor photovoltaic device developed by integrating dye-sensitized solar cells and LCD technology, a Passenger Information Display utilizing viewing angle control and a compound photovoltaic module (which has the world’s highest conversion efficiency).
Sharp is known for their pioneering technology in the field of displays and the new “Ultra-High Resolution” headset is sure to be an exciting addition to their portfolio. It will be interesting to see how the headset is adapted and utilized by the gaming and VR industry.
