Sony filed a patent detailing what may be an Apple Vision Pro competitor, a PlayStation branded AR headset. Sony was quick to jump on the bandwagon of dabbling in AR technology after Apple announced its new mixed reality headset at its 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference. The use of advanced AR technology could be a game changer for PlayStation.
Apple’s Vision Pro is a hybrid VR and AR headset used for spatial computing. This sleek headset that resembles snowboarding goggles will allow users to browse the web, capture photos and videos in 3D, expand and become more immersed in shows, movies, and games. This is Apple’s first device created for spatial computing and is setting an example of pushing boundaries in technology. However, Apple’s new product disregards a demographic worth catering to with the Vision Pro. Apple’s Vision Pro was not created with gamers in mind, but Sony may change that.
Sony Interactive Entertainment filed a patent for what could be a new PlayStation product that implements AR technology for gaming. The product could detect the user’s current environment and allow them to play AR games remotely. The patent illustrates a user playing a game using AR technology while still being present in their current environment. The game, its audio, and a virtual can is captured while the user is still aware of their environment such as background noises from outside the space essentially bringing their game into reality rather than being transported to a virtual world.
There are currently no AR titles available for the PlayStation 5, so it is possible that Sony will release a new product implementing AR technology in the years ahead. Other than the patent documents, Sony has not publicly shared any information regarding a possible new product implementing AR technology. Although PlayStation has been proactive in finding innovative ways to improve its products, it is taking yet another risk. Rumors already say that Sony could be scaling back on the production of PlayStation VR2 headsets due to low sales.
Sony has been implementing VR technology into its products since 2016 with the PlayStation VR and later with its next iteration, the PlayStation VR2, which was released in 2023. It is evident that Sony is committed to widening its horizon with mixed reality implemented into its products. A good portion of the 2023 PlayStation Showcase was dedicated to its upcoming VR games such as Synapse and Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2. Being teleported into a game has been a cool idea to many gamers since its inception and advancements in technology have been turning the impossible into reality. However, many gamers lost interest because of the steep price of entry.
While the PlayStation VR2 sold better than its predecessor, it still struggles to capture a broader audience. The third time could be the charm if Sony demonstrates that it has learned from its previous attempts with its potential new product.