Panasonic’s VR glasses

VR glasses. © Panasonic.

Panasonic has unveiled some prototypes of virtual reality glasses that break away from the usual ski goggle design. These very cool steampunk welder’s glasses are also the first to offer HDR (High Dynamic Range) images thanks to ultra-high definition (UHD) micro-OLED panels co-developed by Panasonic and Kopin. And the audio is up to par, with earbuds that provide rich, dynamic sound. Panasonic says the glasses are light and comfortable and don’t require a wrap-around headband, unlike the competition’s products. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Panasonic is about to sell the glasses to the general public, pointing instead toward commercial applications. But, at the very least, they could kick-start an industry-wide move to a lighter, more comfortable product that could popularize the VR experience.

⇨ Ars Technica, Kyle Orland, “Panasonic breaks out of VR’s ‘headset’ bubble with fresh ‘eyeglasses’ design.”

⇨ The Verge, Sam Byford, “Panasonic’s VR glasses support HDR and look pretty steampunk.”