At Laval Digital, Pico has simply introduced a brand new headset for its enterprise line: the G3. Surprisingly, it’s a 3DOF headset.

Pico G3 Headset launched

I wasn’t at Laval Digital this yr and I wasn’t even correctly briefed about this launch. So after I was lazily an XR information roundup and I instantly noticed the information of a brand new headset introduced by Pico, I used to be a bit stunned. I began trying round for extra particulars, and so found that the launch involved a brand new enterprise headset: the G3, which is the evolution of the G2 4K. The G2 4K has been a really profitable headset within the 3DOF market, and so Pico is releasing an replace for firms that also need to put money into the 3DOF format.

The brand new headset, known as Pico G3, has not been solely introduced however additionally instantly launched by the Chinese language firm.

Pico G3 Specs

Right here you’re the specs of the gadget, stolen from my pals at VR Skilled:

• Show decision: 1832 x 2160 pixels per eye
• Refresh price: 72/90 Hz
• Pixels per inch: 773
• FOV: 98°
• Lens sort: Fresnel
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
• Weight: 604 grams with Strap
• Storage: 128 GB
• RAM: 6 GB
• Monitoring: Inside-Out 3DoF
• Controller: 3-DOF tracked Distant
• Battery: 5300mAh
• Value: €399

Design

These are some renders of the headset. It seems to be like a extra polished model of the Pico G2 4K, which has taken some classes from the design of the Pico 4.

Total the design seems to be clear, however it nonetheless options the previous “shoebox” look that now all of the headset producers (Pico together with) are abandoning in favor of one thing prettier. I assume that Pico didn’t need to waste sources to enhance the visible side of a headset devoted to the enterprise world, which may be very sensible.

A headset for enterprise

The G3 shouldn’t be a headset for customers, and has some options which have notably been thought with enterprise in thoughts:

• The face foam is in PU, which implies that’s simpler to scrub than the sponge of some shopper headsets (e.g. the Valve Index). This will increase hygiene in enterprise settings
• The headset is snug to put on as a result of it’s light-weight and its weight is balanced because of the battery within the again. It is usually potential to put on it with out issues for individuals having glasses. All of those options collectively make it possible for individuals in enterprise settings can put on it for a lot of hours. There are additionally 3 totally different IPD settings to pick out from (like on Quest 2)
• It runs the most recent Pico OS and a particular Pico Enterprise Retailer which hosts solely enterprise-oriented VR functions and providers

• There may be a devoted Enterprise SDK that provides extra low-level options than the one devoted to customers, in order that enterprise functions might have extra management over the gadget
• It provides amenities for enterprise playback, like the potential for controlling a number of gadgets collectively, having kiosk mode, and so on… That is elementary as an illustration for advertising installations or digital cinemas
• It implements the know-how ARM Trustzone to assure increased safety of the kernel.

Value and availability

Pico G3 is obtainable for preorder at €399 (+ VAT) on the PICO Enterprise Channel, or by means of Pico enterprise resellers like VR Skilled. The transport of the gadget will begin in the beginning of Could, and after that, the gadget will likely be out there for direct buy. Do not forget that since it’s an Enterprise headset, Pico gained’t let customers purchase it.

Commentary

There are some things to touch upon about this announcement.

The primary one is that 3 DOF digital actuality remains to be related sufficient that one of many main VR producers has determined to launch a brand new product on this class. I bear in mind years in the past Pico telling me that its 3 DOF market was nonetheless enormous and that individuals pondering that 3 DOF was useless have been doing a giant mistake. Immediately’s information proves that this case remains to be fairly true. Whereas within the shopper market, the 3DOF format is useless and forgotten, within the enterprise there are nonetheless many sectors (like multimedia, coaching, schooling, advertising) the place firms use tons of of 3DOF headsets. 3 DOF remains to be a actuality… sorry to shock you by saying this. I personally know just a few firms nonetheless doing good enterprise with 3 DOF, so I can affirm that there’s nonetheless a marketplace for these gadgets.

It was about time that there was an choice to improve for these firms, so the G3 is greater than welcome. The worth of €399 + VAT could appear excessive to you, as a result of it’s greater than the worth of the Pico 4 (which is 6 DOF), however keep in mind that right here we’re speaking a couple of headset for the enterprise. Enterprise headsets are costlier as a result of they provide a complete gamut of providers with them (e.g. devoted help): as an illustration, the comparability with the Pico 4 shouldn’t be made with the patron one, however with the Enterprise one which prices 899€. 399€ for an enterprise headset is kind of low-cost. However nonetheless 100€ greater than the G2 4K.

Speaking concerning the G2 4K, the comparability of it with the G3 makes me a bit confused. As a result of there are some specs of the G3 which are really INFERIOR to the one of many G2 4K:

• Decision: G2 has 1920×2160 per eye, whereas G3 has 1832 x 2160
• FOV: 101° vs 98°
• PPI: 818 vs 773

So it appears, not less than on paper, that this gadget is a really slight downgrade with regard to the earlier version for what issues visuals. Fortunately, there are numerous different options the place this headset shines as a substitute: the processor is way more superior (Snapdragon XR2 vs Snapdragon 835), there may be extra RAM (6 GB vs 4), and the battery is extra highly effective (5300mAh vs 4200mAh). So this headset has really way more horsepower and extra battery period. I’m notably impressed by way of the XR2, which is an excellent chipset that may make wonders on a 3-DOF gadget. This appears to be essentially the most highly effective of the 3DOF headsets.

I’ve additionally so as to add {that a} headset can’t be judged on paper, as a result of the specs by no means inform the total story. I’ve seen Pico enhancing loads within the newest years, so I assume there will likely be many general enhancements each on the {hardware} (I think about this headset probably being extra snug and higher crafted) and software program (the place as an illustration the chromatic aberration has been diminished loads). However earlier than expressing an opinion I’ve in fact to attempt the gadget. You’ll be able to’t choose a headset till the second you attempt it. For that reason, I hope to have the event this yr, possibly in some exhibitions.

After all, I’m curious to listen to what’s your opinion about this new G3 headset. Are you stunned by the truth that 3 DOF gadgets are nonetheless alive and kicking? Do you prefer it? Let me know your ideas within the feedback part right here or on my social media posts!

(Header picture by Pico)

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