Future Tech: Take the cinema with you for Sony’s 3D visor

Do you love 3D? Are you legally above the age of 15? Then you'll be all over Sony's sci-fi HMZ-T1.

By Emmet Purcell

Let's be honest, 3D as a consumer experience can be pretty embarrassing.

Whether you're swinging around your Nintendo 3DS to utilise its gyroscopic controls on the bus or wearing 3D glasses in the living room and hiding behind the couch from a shark that "literally, came right at me!", it's hard not to enjoy 3D without looking like a fool.

Evidently, nobody told Sony so they've decide to go full steam ahead on their 3D visor, the HMZ-T1 Personal 3D Viewer. It looks exactly like a virtual reality headset, though if you plonk one on your head and walk around, you'll end up getting plenty of stares and perhaps a few nicks from walking into oncoming traffic.

It's a pity he's watching The Green Hornet though. Awful movie...

Costing around €650, the device is basically a combination of googles and earphones, slotted over your head. The HMZ is also equipped with two HD OLED panels and 5.1 channel dynamic audio.

According to Sony, it's the equivalent of watching a 750" screen from 20m away. Basically, your face becomes your own personal cinema. Sounds pretty tempting, right?

Shigeru Kato of Sony went further, stating: "The hardest part for us was to make it as small-sized as possible, while maintaining high definition, but we succeeded. People can enjoy watching a favourite movie or play a videogame on their own without bothering other family members". That is if they can refrain from screaming "HOLY CRAP THIS IS AMAZING!!" every few seconds.

The HMZ is set to reach Japanese stores on November 11, with a North American and European release to follow next year. Are you over 15? Then go for it.

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