Japanese electronics and entertainment giant Sony wants to create a gaming experience using sound and augmented reality with the help of Niantic.
Niantic and Sony will combine their technologies to realize a gaming experience with a headset that offers auditory AR, not only visual, but will also develop an application and promotional activities in this area. The first initiative is the launch of Ingress, an alternate reality MMO, later this year with the new LinkBuds wireless headphones.
“We are thrilled to start an augmented reality audio collaboration with Niantic, which places great importance on the role of sound in augmented reality games,” said Hiroshi Nakamura, head of the augmented reality division. Sony Group Corp. “By combining Sony’s spatial audio technology with Niantic’s gaming content, we aim to deliver amazing experiences that merge reality and gaming through a headset.”
Setsuto Murai, vice president of Niantic, added, “Sony is a global brand with a wide range of audio products and excellent audio technologies. By combining audio technology from Sony with Niantic’s augmented reality technology, we believe we can deliver a new level of augmented reality experience beyond what you can see. We look forward to providing a more immersive real-world augmented reality experience. ”
LinkBuds, Sony’s new true wireless headphones that connect the real and virtual worlds
LinkBuds connect all your worlds perfectly. With their open, round design, they let you listen to music, make calls, and enjoy all your online content while staying connected to the world around you. Small, light and designed for optimal comfort even for hours on end, they keep you connected to the real world so you don’t miss anything. With an open center that ensures sound transparency, the annular diaphragm lets you hear ambient sounds. Listen to everyone who is talking to you during a call and connect with your friends while listening to music.