Learn about everything we know so far about Sony’s VR headset.
Be honest: how many people do you know with a Sony virtual reality (VR) headset? Probably not that many. The PlayStation VR wasn't exactly a hit. Yes, they have sold millions of units, but it wasn't until the 2024 price drop of the PlayStation VR 2 that led to a 2350% skyrocket in sales that made a difference.
Still, if VR is your thing, Sony has created excellent models—and now they're here with the off-brand name Xyn (pronounced Zin). It's not being marketed as your traditional gaming VR, MMO ready (if you're wondering what does MMO mean, here’s a simple explanation: it's massively multiplayer online game that works great in and out of VR) device. Instead, it's being marketed as a spatial capture solution that will change content creation. Intrigued? Read on to find out more.
Xyn: Sony's Answer to Extended Reality
It's a headset Sony is marketing as an "extended reality" (XR) headset.It is basically a 3D virtual world for designers, filmmakers, and animators. Unlike the traditional VR headsets, Xyn allows creators to remain aware of their surroundings while interacting with virtual objects. They use software integrated with 4K OLED displays as a pass-through video for supreme industry-standard results.
It's not a gaming device, not like the PlayStation VR. It blends augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for content creation in 3D environments. Xyn seems like it will never fail to impress, with its most intriguing feature being a flip-up display, which assists in quickly switching view modes. Interactivity will also be enhanced through the pointer and ring controller integrated within the device.
Xyn Motion Studio: Sony's Motion-Capture Software
The headset is accompanied by Sony's launch of Xyn Motion Studio, a Windows software that improves motion capture workflows. The application complements up to 12 Mocopi, Sony's miniature wireless motion sensors that are mainly used by digital animators and V-Tubers.The software developed by Sony simplifies character animation and virtual production by allowing them to trim, merge, and adjust captured motion data.
Spatial Capture Solution: A New Way to Build 3D Worlds
Perhaps one of the biggest impacts of Sony's Xyn is the Spatial Capture Solution. This technology is capable of transforming real-life environments and objects into 3D photorealistic assets due to Sony's unique algorithms.These changes might create a huge impact in industries like virtual production, product design, or even architecture. Instead of modeling objects manually, artists could use a 3D scanner and bring the real items into digital realities in an instant. Although in the prototype stage, its existence alone makes it a great tool for professionals dealing with 3D content creation.
How Does Xyn Compare to Other XR Headsets?
Xyn is not necessarily vying for market shares with consumer-oriented VR devices like the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro. It is more in the line of enterprise-level XR equipment targeting enhanced productivity.Here is how this device differs from others:
- 4K OLED per eye
- Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 chip
- Mixed Reality Support
- Flip-up Display
- Third-Party Software Compatibility
Considering the above specs, Xyn is without a doubt aimed at professional XR headset users and not the average user. Price estimates sit between $1000 and $2000.
When Can We Expect Xyn?
The launch of the Xyn Motion Studio software is expected in March of 2025, as stated by Sony, although both the release date of the headset and its price remain a mystery. Given that Xyn is still in the prototype stage, it may be some time before it is officially released.While that may be the case, it must be said that the investment by Sony into the development of spatial content creation tools is very real.
There's still a lot to learn about Xyn, but what we know so far is exciting. Would you be in the market to buy Xyn?
