Tag: Mixed Reality Headsets

  • Pico 4S Mixed Reality Headset: Specs, Images, and Details Revealed

    Pico 4S Mixed Reality Headset: Specs, Images, and Details Revealed

    Pico, a subsidiary of ByteDance, is gearing up to release its next-generation mixed reality headset, the Pico 4S. Information regarding this device was first leaked in July 2024. The 4S model comes with numerous enhancements over its predecessor, the Pico 4.

    Enhanced Strap Design and Controller Safety

    One of the notable improvements in the Pico 4S is its upgraded strap design, which now includes detachable wrist straps for the controllers. This enhancement is aimed at improving user safety and ensuring that controllers are not easily dropped or lost.

    Advanced Chipset for Superior Performance

    A significant upgrade in the Pico 4S is the inclusion of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, also found in the Meta Quest 3. This powerful processor features two 2.05GHz cores and four 2.36GHz cores, coupled with 12GB of RAM. This combination is expected to deliver superior performance, setting the Pico 4S apart from its competitors.

    Seamless Mixed Reality Experience

    The Pico 4S is designed to seamlessly merge the virtual and real worlds. Although the front panel may look like a display, it mainly houses cameras crucial for mixed reality experiences. These cameras allow users to interact with both virtual and physical environments at the same time.

    Focus on Comfort and User Experience

    Comfort and user experience continue to be a priority for Pico. The Pico 4S boasts an improved head strap design, enhancing the comfort level established by its predecessor. Furthermore, the detachable wrist straps for the controllers add an extra layer of safety, preventing accidental loss.

    The headset is anticipated to be released soon, likely aligning with the upcoming holiday season.


    Pico 4S Mixed Reality Headset: Specs, Images, and Details Revealed
  • Samsung Unveils New XR Platform at Galaxy Unpacked 2024

    Samsung Unveils New XR Platform at Galaxy Unpacked 2024

    At its recent Galaxy product launch event in Paris, Samsung outlined its roadmap for the eagerly awaited XR project but did not reveal the actual headset. While the event introduced new items like the Galaxy Ring, Watch Ultra, and foldable phones, details about the XR headset remained undisclosed.

    Promising Update from Samsung

    Samsung did, however, offer an encouraging update. TM Roh, president of Samsung’s mobile division, announced the forthcoming release of “a brand new XR platform later this year.” This came as a surprise given that earlier reports had suggested a launch in the first half of 2025.

    Rick Osterloh, Google‘s senior vice president, also spoke about their close partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm on “the next generation of devices” and heralded an “exciting new era in mobile computing.”

    Focus on User Experience

    Samsung first introduced its mixed reality project over a year ago, emphasizing deep integration with mobile phones. In a pre-event interview, Patrick Chomet, Samsung’s executive vice president, stressed the importance of user comfort, optical quality, and artificial intelligence in developing this technology. Chomet believes AI will be pivotal in making XR genuinely user-friendly.

    Reports indicate that Samsung’s XR headset will compete directly with Apple’s Vision Pro. It aims to fuse VR and AR by delivering mixed reality experiences with high-resolution displays, all at a more accessible price point.

  • AR/VR’s Future: Will It Surpass Smartphones Soon?

    AR/VR’s Future: Will It Surpass Smartphones Soon?

    The realm of technology is swiftly advancing. While the last decade was dominated by smartphones, the current focus has shifted towards artificial intelligence and mixed reality. There is a growing anticipation for the convergence of these two technologies, potentially surpassing the capabilities of the current Apple Vision Pro. How will this expectation impact consumer behavior? Recent research from IDC paints a promising outlook for AR/VR headsets in 2024. Let's delve into the details…

    AR/VR Headset Market Poised for Rapid Growth Post-2023 Dip

    Mainstream availability of AR/VR headsets has been limited despite their existence for some time. Meta’s Quest models held sway until Apple's unveiling of the Vision Pro mixed reality headset in 2023. While this announcement injected new vigor into the industry, it also caused a temporary downturn in sales. Global sales of AR/VR headsets saw a 23.5% drop in 2023 as consumers postponed purchases in anticipation of the Vision Pro.

    Projections for 2024 and Beyond

    Expectations are set to shift significantly in 2024. With an uptick in Apple Vision Pro purchases and wider adoption of this technology, more consumers are likely to explore alternative options. IDC forecasts a 44.2% surge in sales, totaling 9.7 million units this year. This growth trajectory is predicted to soar, potentially hitting 36 million units by the close of 2028.

    Looking Ahead: Potential Transformative Impact

    It’s crucial to remember that these are projections based on current market dynamics. In 2023, a staggering 1.2 billion smartphones were sold globally, underscoring their pivotal role in daily activities. Should AR/VR technology undergo significant advancements akin to smartphones, it could potentially mirror the transformative impact seen in sales figures, reaching comparable levels in the years to come.