Since the big names in VR, such as Oculus and HTC, have already largely renewed their hardware offer in 2019, it was expected that virtual reality would be discreet during this 2020 edition of CES. This was without counting on Panasonic who took advantage of the event to lift the veil on an astonishing object: not a headset, but a “simple” virtual reality glasses which also prove to be, according to the manufacturer, world’s first VR device glasses supporting ultra-high definition (UHD) image and High Dynamic Range (HDR).
Allegedly, using the device is as simple and convenient as ordinary sunglasses. The glasses are based on the OLED micro-panels co-developed with the American company Kopin, a specialist in miniaturized display solutions. They display a very generous definition of 2,560 x 2,560 pixels per eye – significantly more than the definition of current commercial headsets and sufficient, assures the manufacturer, to eradicate any grid effect.
As for sound, it is produced via integrated headphones whose speakers were designed by Technics, the specialized audio subsidiary of Panasonic. The acoustic system of these virtual reality eyeglasses provides high-quality sound. The compact and lightweight frame does not require additional fasteners. The gadget also uses Panasonic’s audio and visual technologies, including for signal processing, Technics audio products, as well as optical technologies used in LUMIX digital cameras.
Some patience will be required before the general public can get their hands on this intriguing object: the glasses are for the moment only a prototype that Panasonic says it wants to “continue to develop” before making it a commercial product.
The firm has set itself the objective of supporting the deployment of 5G with its virtual reality glasses. But also all the uses that the new mobile networks could generate on the side of the live broadcast of immersive video content – for which a product as compact as this one would appear much more suitable and attractive than the big current headsets.
