We could find many virtual reality headsets in the market and most of them are quite bulky. Panasonic has introduced a solution to this by developing and introducing a lightweight design. At the moment, there’s still no report or announcement about the cost of the headset and when we can purchase it. Even so, Panasonic’s new headset definitely looks quite good and hopefully, we could purchase it not long from now. Their new VR headset looks like glasses with apparent steampunk design. This makes the headset much more easily to put on and because it’s light, you can do longer VR session without getting tired. One reason why Panasonic’s new headset is light, because it’s a tethered device, with much of the processing takes places on the tethered personal computer or smartphone. Although it means that you need a somewhat powerful smartphone or PC to run a more demanding VR content, it is quite convenient to wear the headset. The headset is consisted of dual micro OLED panels with 2560×2560 resolution. It also supports 120Hz refresh rate to ensure smoother and nausea-free experience. But again, it will take a particularly powerful hardware to achieve up to 120fps, when running 3D content or games.
Panasonic has also introduced audio upgrades for the new VR headset. Unlike previous headsets from the company, the new model doesn’t have dangling earbuds. Instead, the audio integrates directly into the headset. It comes with 10-bit colour reproduction and it means that the headset can reproduce around 1 billion colours. This ensures that images shown inside the headset will look life-like and natural. The headset can be connected to the smartphone or personal computer using USB-C cable. This ensures that you can deliver HD content to the headset for improved experience.
At CES 2021, Panasonic also introduced a related technology for consumers. The Japanese electronics maker announced a new AR HUD for cars. Compared to current HUD solutions in cars, Panasonic says that users should get more features. Head-up display is a convenient way to obtain information without requiring you to look away. This ensures better safety, because essential information is embedded on the windscreen. However, Panasonic’s new technology offers a new thing. It promises better situational awareness and a larger display.
With AI-driven information projected on a 3D system, this should increase road safety and reduce driver distractions. The expanded FoV should be beneficial for uses. Artificial intelligence could rearrange graphics dynamically and vehicle’s movements can be adjusted. Panasonic says that if there are sudden changes in the surroundings, such as quick appearance of cyclists, the system could notify the driver within 300ms, which is nearly instantaneous. Better awareness about the surroundings will increase the overall safety levels. The integrated 3D imaging radar provides a complete 180-degree vision to about 90 meters, which covers three road lanes. The system will adjust any inconsistency between the line of sight of the driver with the projected HUD images. This technology could provide assurance to the drivers of future self-driving vehicles, because it’s not necessary for the driver to regain manual control of the car.
