Canon Showcases Its Next Enterprise AR/VR Headset ‘MREAL S1’ in New Video

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Canon previously announced its next AR/VR headset MREAL S1 back in October. Now, the Japan-based company has shown off the enterprise-focused device in a new video.

Update (January 27th, 2021): Canon Japan released the first promo video for their upcoming AR/VR headset, which uses a passthrough camera for room-scale augmented reality interactions. The headset is set to release in late February 2021. 

Since Canon seems to be pitching the device only within Japan, YouTuber ‘Tyriel Wood’ did the courtesy of running the video through Google Translate so we can get a handle on the particulars.

In the video, we learn the headset weighs an impressive 137g, and claims to be the smallest, thinnest and lightest of Canon’s offerings. With the headstrap attached, it can be flipped in the upward position and adjusted for fit. A mechanical IPD adjuster is also built into the headset’s lenses. As previously seen, the MREAL S1 can also be used like a pair of hand-held binoculars, replete with light-blocking guard around the sides.

Original Article (October 7th, 2020): Unlike the MREAL Display MD-20, which was unveiled earlier this year, you might describe MREAL S1 as technically a VR headset with passthrough AR, which is achieved by the inclusion of stereoscopic camera sensors on the front of the device and VR displays, providing a ‘mixed reality’ view to the user. The headset also includes two additional optical sensors for positional tracking.

Image courtesy Canon Japan

Canon Japan hasn’t released specs, prices or availability yet, however the company says on its Japan-facing site “the smallest and lightest video see-through MR device in the history of MREAL.”

MREAL S1 requires a PC tether to function (ie. not a standalone headset), however the company says its been created to work with mobile workstations, and is both cheaper and more portable than its predecessors, the MD-20 and 2016-era MD-10. Of course, some degree of that portability is owed by the headset’s notable lack of any sort of light-blocking blinders, although that’s been a design choice the company has made with all of their MREAL headsets to date.

Image courtesy Canon Japan

As you’d imagine with any enterprise-focused AR headset, the head-mount version of MREAL S1 is designed for work with industrial applications, which might require two hands such as CAD software. The handheld style however was created for easier use at exhibitions.

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Both MD-20 and MD-10 include this level of convertibility, however MREAL S1 is substantially smaller in size, slimming down to about the size of a smartphone. Its handheld configuration is also much less ungainly, as Canon has done away with the giant handles seen in previous models.

Like its previous AR headsets, MREAL S1 is likely to be a Japan-only device for companies there looking to partner with the Canon.

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Well before the first modern XR products hit the market, Scott recognized the potential of the technology and set out to understand and document its growth. He has been professionally reporting on the space for nearly a decade as Editor at Road to VR, authoring more than 3,500 articles on the topic. Scott brings that seasoned insight to his reporting from major industry events across the globe.
  • dk

    if it was stand alone u could use it as a 180 3d camera too

    • sfmike

      Sadly the tech companies see no future in 180° 3D cameras as the profit margin and user base is so low. Our only hope small Chinese companies will come up with something good that isn’t “enterprise” priced.

      • dk

        well some companies in one industry can definitely see the huge potential of 180 3d ….but yeah that’s still for enterprise

  • xyzs

    lol I remember their first attempt with their ugly basic vr headset that was sold 20 000 dollars or so.

  • Canon + AR = Way more $$ than it’s worth

  • TrumpSupporter

    I think the best model is of nreal which all AR/VR cos. should follow:
    1. To look like spectacles , all else looks uncool.
    2. Should be light weight.
    3. Use projection technology(from sideways or from up to down)
    4. No on board processing to reduce weight. Processor box or mobile to be in pocket.
    5. Connector : USB3 or similar tech.

    Additionally I would prefer using fiber optics to project RGB (3 each for each eye) to deliver images from processor box (in pocket) to reduce weight further. The processor box can even be combined with a 10k removable powerbank(to provide freedom of movement)

  • I tried writing Canon asking for specs or price but they never answered me

    • silvaring

      You think that knob on the front is the same function as the current back knobs for VR headsets? Looks like its height adjustable on the knob too…

  • Liam Mulligan

    ill take Lynx anyday over this. There is too much marketing fluff in this video. I like Canon’s DSLR gear, but haven’t seen anything to indicate that their XR hardware is going to be marketable to the masses.

  • Renos Dickey

    $38,400

  • HECMAR JAYAM

    I think the Panasonic VR Glasses might be the best realistic form factor so far. Anything else feels bulky and gimmicky.

  • You forgot to specify the price: $38500. I’m thinking buying 3 or 4

  • Tony_Neville

    That music fading in and out was just irritating…