The virtual reality platform is poised to take off this year, and many tech companies have already launched, or at least demonstrated, their VR products. Sony is also in the thick of this scramble, as it plans to unveil its Sony PlayStation VR soon.
However, Masayasu Ito, Sony Computer Entertainment's senior vice president, has said that the technology might not be able to hold a candle against Facebook's Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive. Ito made his statement while discussing the PlayStation VR's value proposition.
"If you just talk about the high-end quality, yes, I would admit that Oculus may have better VR," Ito said. He was comparing the two devices in terms of hardware. For instance, PlayStation VR will sport a smaller field of view and lower resolution screen.
It is important to note, however, that PlayStation VR's quality is aligned with a strategy to build a device that is more portable and one that will come at a lower price point. To illustrate this, one can also turn to the HTC Vive. Like the Oculus Rift, this VR headset needs immense computing power in order to work. It is, therefore, wired to a personal computer with a high-end graphics processor. On the other hand, PlayStation VR will only require a PS4 to run.
Sony's goal seems to make sense because, presently, it might not be easy distinguishing one VR headset from another. The reason for this is that the technology is said to be heavily dependent on software and less on hardware. One can say that the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive might have better or faster performance, but it is still too early to tell. Here, it is important to remember that the VR platform is still in its introductory stage. Also, for Sony, the best way forward seems to be towards a more accessible product to facilitate faster VR adoption.
Details about PlayStation VR, such as pricing and availability, are still not available. Andrew House, Sony Computer Entertainment chief, was quoted as saying that the device could have the same price as a new gaming platform. Also, Sony will be holding an event on March 15, and many expect that PlayStation VR will make an appearance there.
