Panasonic wouldn’t be the first name to pop in your head if anyone mentioned VR set trading. However, with the CES 2020, Panasonic has unveiled its first pair of Virtual Reality glasses that quickly became a hot topic.
They are High Dynamic Range capable UHD VR googles, and they look pretty cool. Panasonic, in collaboration with Kopin Corporation, has co-developed a micro OLED panel that can display High Dynamic Range images void of any screen-door effect.
It is a prototype of a VR headset with the googles having a 1.3-inch OLED panel that brings forth an outstanding 2560×2560 resolution image with a 120Hz refresh rate. Virtual Reality Glasses also includes Panasonic’s visual and audio technologies already existent in its previous products.
Design
The CES 2020 has a somewhat steampunk design, which makes it pleasant to the eyes; the Panasonic gear doesn’t need any processing hardware in it, which keeps the weight down. The little disadvantage, however, is that there is no tracking that is set up in the VR glasses yet. This makes them just a Virtual Reality viewpoint that can change where you are looking, and not much else.
Koonin Corporation, 3M Company, and of course, Panasonic, have developed a novel optical model that enables the display of distortion-free and original images in a super single focus. All while maintaining a lightweight and compact design.
It offers high-quality optimal sound and images that deliver very realistic sensations that draw the user to the images projected right in front of their eyes. All in the comfort of having the glasses on.
It currently weighs 250 grams, and Panasonic still has plans to shed another 100 grand off it to make it arrive at 150 grams.
The combination of these new and existing technologies has enabled Panasonic to create an eyeglass like shaped headset, which can be worn with ease without needing a headband. This makes it easier to use than many VR sets that are quite bulky and also require bands.
First Impression
Japan’s 4Gamer did a test drive of the new set of glasses and was impressed- Nishikawa Zenji claimed that the effect of the HDR was way more immersive than viewed on a simple direct-view display, like a TV. A tester of the glasses, however, claims that due to the design and the absence of a head strap, if you gamed in this VR, it could fly off your head.
The glasses are very comfortable, enough that users feel they are wearing eyeglasses. It is also equipped with a high-quality sound that can reproduce over a wide frequency range- from ultra-low to high. It is, however, impossible for Virtual Reality glasses to be worn on top of actual eyeglasses.
In anticipation of the full-scale 5G service, Panasonic will ensure to continue working round the clock to enhance the VR glasses so that they are capable of being used in a wide range of applications. With potential usage in healthcare, sports, and entertainment, even in virtual travel experience, VR headsets could see more significant adoption this year.