Canon Japan develops mixed-reality headset to enjoy music performances outside traditional performance venues

Canon Japan has developed a mixed-reality headset to enjoy live music performances, according to an exclusive NHK World News report. Muraki Junya from Canon says, “This technology allows a user to have a musical experience usually only available in a concert hall.”

Concert goers are limited by their seat selection as to what they can see and experience. Usually, a select few have up-close views while others sitting further back might need to watch the performance on large stage displays. Very few attendees are allowed to move about freely, and even fewer VIPs are allowed on-stage.

Canon utilizes up to 50 cameras to record live music performances from all angles for the mixed reality experience. Users can enjoy a more immersive experience from various positions, meaning fans won't just see Taylor Swift, but can stand next to her during performances.

The Canon MR experience appears to utilize its MReal X1 headset that was unveiled at the end of 2022, rather than the even smaller prototype unveiled at CES 2024. The 5.6 ounce (158 gram) X1 headset offers a 58 degree x 60 degree field-of-view.

During a demonstration, a user held the headset in front of her eyes as she walked about an empty space. The headset tracked the spatial location markers on the floor while projecting a recorded concert performance from tethered laptops.

The MReal X1 and CES 2024 headsets are prototypes, and Canon has not yet stated a timeline for commercialization. In the meantime, users who want to jump into mixed reality can start off with an entry-level Meta Quest 3 or go big and join the Varjo XR-4 waitlist.