In a dynamic move that has tech enthusiasts and gamers buzzing, Pico has officially launched the Pico 4 Ultra Mixed Reality Headset in China. This next-gen headset is a refined version of its predecessor, the Pico 4, boasting significant upgrades that promise an unparalleled immersive experience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, early adopter, or avid gamer, the Pico Ultra brings cutting-edge technology to your fingertips.
What Makes the Pico 4 Ultra Stand Out?
The Pico 4 is designed to deliver an exceptional mixed reality experience, thanks to a host of advanced features. At its core, it features two 2160 × 2160 Fast LCD displays with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 105° field of view, offering stunning visuals that make virtual environments come alive.
But that’s just the beginning. The headset is equipped with two 32MP RGB passthrough cameras, providing a remarkable 20.6 pixels per degree (PPD) resolution in passthrough mode, along with a depth sensor for enhanced spatial awareness. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the device includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, ensuring robust performance for even the most demanding applications.
Unmatched Connectivity and Ergonomics
The Ultra 4 supports Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, along with USB-C and Bluetooth options, ensuring you stay connected with minimal lag. The ringless controllers have been redesigned for improved ergonomics, featuring advanced haptics powered by the Centaur multi-modal algorithm and Hyper Sense broadband linear motors.
Weighing in at 580g, the headset is perfectly balanced, with 304g at the front and 276g at the back. The battery, located in the rear padding, has a capacity of 21.9Wh and supports fast charging at 45W, allowing it to charge from 0% to 100% in less than an hour.
Enhanced Productivity and Multitasking with Pico OS
The new Pico OS is a game-changer, enhancing productivity by allowing users to position 2D windows in a 360° environment. This feature is especially useful for multitasking, enabling the mirroring of multiple devices and resizing virtual windows to suit user preferences.
Additionally, the software supports spatial video recording at 2048 × 1536 resolution, 60 FPS, and 50 Mbps, ensuring you capture every detail of your virtual adventures.
Pricing and Availability of Pico 4 Ultra Mixed Reality Headset
The Pico 4 is priced at ¥4300 (approximately $600) for the consumer version, with preorders starting on August 20, 2024. Shipping will begin on September 2, 2024. For those seeking a more business-oriented solution, the enterprise version is available for ¥7499 (around $1,050), with shipping commencing on September 3, 2024.
Key Enhancements Over Predecessors
The Ultra 4 introduces several enhancements over its predecessor. Screen brightness has been increased by 25%, providing clearer visuals even in brightly lit environments. The passthrough feature now offers 8MP colour passthrough with MR image frame alignment, making mixed reality experiences more seamless.
Improved hand tracking using internally developed algorithms and real-time environment tracking capabilities allows for environment meshing, further enhancing the immersive experience.
Compatible Content and Gaming Experience
In addition to its improved hardware, the Pico Ultra is compatible with mixed-reality versions of popular games like Puzzling Places and Demo. It will also support new content such as Three Body and Outer-Space Interactive MR Exhibition, ensuring you always have something exciting to explore.
Introducing the Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise
For businesses, Pico has launched the Pico Ultra Enterprise, designed with materials that facilitate cleaning and support enterprise features. While it shares many similarities with the consumer model, the enterprise version boasts a sleek all-white design.
The company has also introduced the Pico Motion Tracker, a pair of tracking bracelets that enable full-body VR tracking. These small devices weigh only 27g and can be worn on the ankles to provide 6DoF tracking with a frequency of up to 200Hz. The trackers are priced at ¥399 (around $56) for a pair and are compatible with over 25 applications available in the Pico Store.
Pico 4 U vs. Meta Quest 3
In the competitive landscape of mixed reality headsets, the Pico Ultra positions itself as a strong contender to the Meta Quest 3. While both devices share the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the Pico 4 offers more RAM with 12GB compared to Quest 3’s 8GB.
The display technology in the Ultra uses pixel binning to achieve better quality passthrough, and its 45W charging speed significantly outpaces the 20W charging supported by both the Pico 4 and Quest 3.
Although Pico is currently focusing on the Chinese market, with the device launching there first, there are indications that it may expand to other regions in the near future. However, China remains a crucial market for MR devices, likely the most important one globally.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Feature | Pico 4 Ultra | Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise |
---|---|---|
Chipset | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
Display Resolution | 2160 × 2160 per eye | 2160 × 2160 per eye |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz |
Field of View (FOV) | 105° × 105° | 105° × 105° |
Passthrough Camera | Binocular (32MP total) | Binocular (32MP total) |
Passthrough Resolution | 8MP (with pixel binning) | 8MP (with pixel binning) |
Depth Sensing | Yes | Yes |
Hand Tracking | Improved algorithm | Improved algorithm |
Controllers | Ringless, ergonomic | Ringless, ergonomic |
Battery Location | Rear Padding | Rear Padding |
Battery Capacity | 21.9Wh | 21.9Wh |
Charging Speed | 45W | 45W |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
Storage Options | 256GB | 256GB |
Weight | 580g | 580g |
Software (OS) | Pico OS | Pico OS (enterprise features) |
Spatial Video Capture | Yes (2048 × 1536, 60 FPS, 50 Mbps) | Yes (same) |
Device Mirroring | Yes | Yes |
VR Content | Mixed reality versions | Mixed reality versions |
Enterprise Features | No | Yes |
Design | Semi-Rigid Plastic Strap | Semi-Rigid, all-white strap |
Price | ¥4300 (~$600) | ¥7499 (~$1,050) |
A New Era in Mixed Reality
The launch of the Pico 4 Ultra marks a significant milestone in the realm of mixed reality technology. With its advanced features, unmatched ergonomics, and competitive pricing, it is set to redefine the standards for immersive experiences.
For tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and gamers alike, the Pico 4 offers a glimpse into the future of mixed reality. Stay tuned as Pico continues to innovate and expand its reach, bringing the best of MR technology to a global audience.
Ready to experience the future of mixed reality? Stay updated with the latest news and reviews, and be among the first to get your hands on the Pico Ultra.
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