Sony testing ‘virtual reality’ headset

The forgotten fad of virtual reality gaming may be set for a surprise revival, with Sony confirming to Develop that it is experimenting on the technology within its studios.

Mick Hocking, senior director at Sony Worldwide Studios, said that a prototype device used to test virtual reality also displays high-end 3D.

We’ve got a new head mounted display [in development] that we showed at Consumer Electronics Show,”Hocking said in a newly published interview with Develop.He said the prototype device (pictured below) has twin-OLED screens – one for each eye – to eliminate information crossover issues.

Now further developments have led Sony to incorporate head-tracking into the device, paving the way for a virtual reality experience.The tech is being experimented on with a number of games including first-person shooters, but there appears to be no solid product launch plans for now.

At the moment it’s just a head-mounted display; the head isn’t being tracked – but that’s something we’re doing R&D on,” Hocking said.I have to say, what we’ve done in the R&D projects has just been fantastic. We’re working with a couple of games at Sony that are experimenting with virtual reality type experiences.”

Sister site Develop has more details.