Over the past year, we haven’t heard much about Sony’s SRH-S1 standalone mixed reality headset since its initial reveal at CES 2024. However, there’s finally some news as the enterprise-centric device now has an official release date and price.
The SRH-S1, developed in collaboration with Siemens, is all set for a February 2025 launch with a price tag of $4,750. Aimed squarely at businesses, it’s available for pre-order starting January 23, 2025, exclusively through Siemens.
While last year’s pitch highlighted creative applications, Sony and Siemens have now shifted the focus to industrial uses. They claim the SRH-S1 will “enable the industrial metaverse” and improve product design and manufacturing by leveraging Siemens’ advanced mixed reality tools.
Packed with impressive specs, the headset boasts a 13.6MP display per eye using Sony’s ECX344A OLED microdisplay and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset. It also features what Sony describes as “proprietary rendering technology” for dynamic 3D object visualization.
As a mixed reality headset, the SRH-S1 is equipped with passthrough video, a flip-up visor, and uniquely ergonomic controllers. These controllers innovate with a stylus-type pointer and ring for seamless 3D interaction.
Siemens has spent the last year refining its Immersive Engineering tools, aimed at enhancing the SRH-S1 experience. These tools empower users to design in 3D CAD, engage with models, and conduct virtual design reviews through Siemens’ NX X platform.
Bob Haubrock, Siemens’ SVP of Product Engineering Software, shared, “After previewing the HMD at CES last year, we’ve developed tools that transform mixed reality usage in engineering, supporting global collaboration with high-fidelity 3D models and enabling co-creation directly on crucial 3D CAD data within a secure environment.”
In related news from CES, Sony also announced the upcoming XYN headset, targeting creative professionals. This prosumer device is still under wraps without a set price or release date but seems to be a variant of the SRH-S1, identifiable by its black color design compared to the SRH-S1’s grey.
