Sony's Hopes For The Metaverse Are Zero, But The PlayStation Goggles Are A Win For...

Despite Sony's new $550 headset offering best-in-class virtual reality gaming, there are still many skeptics who question the need for VR goggles. While the technology behind VR is undoubtedly impressive, some argue that it is still in its infancy and not quite ready for mainstream adoption. Additionally, many people are simply content with traditional gaming experiences and don't see the need to invest in expensive VR equipment.

The Metaverse and PlayStation VR2: A Tech Critic's Perspective

The concept of a Metaverse has been around for a long time, with its origins going back to science fiction novels and movies. But now, with advancements in technology, virtual reality has taken us closer to this futuristic concept than ever before. It is still unclear whether the Metaverse will ever become a reality or remain just a fantasy, but one thing is certain: virtual reality has the potential to transform the way we interact with the world around us. In this blog post, we will take a look at Brian X. Chen's recent review of the PlayStation VR2 in The New York Times and his thoughts on the current state of virtual reality.

Brian X. 

Chen is a tech critic who has been following virtual reality for the past seven years. He has tested almost every pair of virtual reality goggles released during this time and has been eagerly waiting for the technology to evolve to a point where it becomes mainstream. Chen recently tested Sony's PlayStation VR2, which is one of the first major hardware releases in the Metaverse category this year. Based on his review, it seems like virtual reality still has a long way to go before it can become a staple for work and play.

One of the significant advantages of the PlayStation VR2 is its ability to connect to the PlayStation 5 console, which has a powerful computer to run high-resolution games more smoothly. By contrast, Meta's VR devices, including its $400 Oculus Quest 2 and $1,500 Quest Pro, work wirelessly and rely on slower computing chips built into the headsets. Sony focuses primarily on gaming with its VR goggles, which is a wise choice since games are currently the most popular VR applications. Chen notes that productivity apps for taking video calls through headsets haven't gained traction yet.

However, despite its impressive hardware capabilities, the PlayStation VR2 still faces some of the same problems that have plagued VR headsets since the beginning. The design of the headset is still off-putting to many, and the high price remains a significant barrier for most consumers. Chen notes that he can recommend the VR2 to enthusiasts but not to those who play occasional video games.

One of the key issues with virtual reality is that it has yet to find a truly killer app that will make it more than a niche. While there have been significant advancements in the technology, the PlayStation VR2 still does not offer a clear answer as to why we should use virtual reality for making video calls, streaming movies, or playing games when the existing methods already work well. Chen notes that while the VR2's graphics are clear and smooth, he found himself wondering why he should play a game in virtual reality instead of on a television screen.

Chen also notes that the headsets still look and feel weird to wear. While the PlayStation VR2 is an ounce lighter than its predecessor and five ounces lighter than the Meta Quest Pro, it still feels too heavy to wear for extended periods. Chen could only wear the VR2 for 30 minutes before starting to feel neck strain. The headset's design also makes it look ridiculous, as Chen's wife could not resist mocking him while wearing the device.

In conclusion, while the PlayStation VR2 is one of the best pieces of VR hardware you can buy, it still has a long way to go before it becomes a mainstream staple for work and play. Virtual reality still faces many of the same problems that it has had since its inception, such as the headset's design and the high price. However, advancements in technology are continuing, and more brands, including Apple, are preparing to enter the industry, which could lead to more significant changes in the future. For now, virtual reality remains a niche technology that has yet to find its killer app.

However, there are also many enthusiasts who are passionate about the potential of VR gaming. For these individuals, the immersive experience offered by VR goggles is unparalleled, and they believe that the technology will only continue to improve in the coming years. As more games and experiences are developed specifically for VR, it's likely that we'll see a growing demand for high-quality VR equipment like Sony's new headset.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in VR goggles is a personal one. While some may see it as a novelty or a passing trend, others believe that it represents the future of gaming and entertainment. As with any emerging technology, it will take time for VR to reach its full potential, but for those who are willing to take the leap, the rewards can be truly amazing.