3D without VR headsets: Sony’s holographic displays get a major upgrade
Sony just rolled out a substantial update for its 3D displays that work — crucially — without the need for a VR headset. The new developer software, SDK 2.5.0, brings a host of improvements to both the ELF-SR1 and ELF-SR2 models.
Sony’s latest software update for its XYN display family is all about tightening up OpenXR integration. Leading the charge is a new “OpenXR Control Panel,” which now lets users fine-tune the viewing angle, depth perception, and spatial effects for OpenXR-based apps. Managing your settings profiles also just got easier, thanks to streamlined save and load functions.
Compatibility is another big win. The update deepens support for popular 3D programs — think Autodesk VRED 2025.3, Twinmotion 2025.1.1, NVIDIA Omniverse USD Composer 2023.2.5, and Blender 4.2. The latest versions of leading game engines — Unreal Engine 5.5 and Unity 6 — are now fully supported as well.
The larger 27-inch ELF-SR2 model didn’t get left out, either. It now boasts HDR support for better high-contrast visuals and a dedicated DICOM mode to dial in color accuracy for medical imaging. Sony has also improved the face recognition algorithm, meaning gaze tracking is more precise — and the whole 3D effect feels sharper and more immersive.
3D Effects, No Headset Required
Sony’s Spatial Reality Displays stand out by generating a true 3D experience — no special glasses or VR headsets necessary. That’s a notable distinction from competitors like Illumetry, whose holographic displays still rely on 3D headsets.
Sony is aiming these displays squarely at professionals: architectural visualization, technical design, product development, and game creation are the key markets. The price point reflects that focus—the larger model comes in at around $5,000, marking it as a premium, pro-grade tool.
Of course, you’ll need serious hardware to run the show: at minimum, an Intel Core i5 six-core CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER graphics card, and 16 GB of RAM. Sony isn’t alone in chasing holographic display tech — other players in the space include Looking Glass, Roomality, and Light Field Lab, all racing to push the boundaries of 3D without the headset.
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