Pico publicizes G3 headset and provides new life to 3DOF

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 taking a look at an XR information roundup and I out of the blue noticed the information of a brand new headset introduced by Pico, I used to be a bit stunned. I began wanting 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 spend money on 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 system, stolen from my associates at VR Expert:

• Show decision: 1832 x 2160 pixels per eye
• Refresh charge: 72/90 Hz
• Pixels per inch: 773
• FOV: 98°
• Lens kind: 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 appears 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 appears 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 suppose that Pico didn’t need to waste sources to enhance the visible side of a headset devoted to the enterprise world, which could be very sensible.

A headset for enterprise

The G3 will not 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 suggests that’s simpler to scrub than the sponge of some client headsets (e.g. the Valve Index). This will increase hygiene in enterprise settings
• The headset is comfy to put on as a result of it’s light-weight and its weight is balanced because of the battery within the again. Additionally it is doable to put on it with out issues for folks having glasses. All of those options collectively ensure that folks in enterprise settings can put on it for a lot of hours. There are additionally 3 completely different IPD settings to pick out from (like on Quest 2)
• It runs the latest Pico OS and a particular Pico Enterprise Retailer which hosts solely enterprise-oriented VR functions and companies

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

Value and availability

Pico G3 is obtainable for preorder at €399 (+ VAT) on the PICO Enterprise Channel, or by Pico enterprise resellers like VR Professional. The delivery of the system will begin at the start of Might, and after that, the system will likely be obtainable for direct buy. Keep in mind that since it’s an Enterprise headset, Pico received’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 keep in mind years in the past Pico telling me that its 3 DOF market was nonetheless big and that individuals pondering that 3 DOF was lifeless had been doing a giant mistake. Immediately’s information proves that this case remains to be fairly true. Whereas within the client market, the 3DOF format is lifeless and forgotten, within the enterprise there are nonetheless many sectors (like multimedia, coaching, schooling, advertising and marketing) 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 a number of 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 seem excessive to you, as a result of it’s greater than the worth of the Pico 4 (which is 6 DOF), however do not forget that right here we’re speaking a few headset for the enterprise. Enterprise headsets are dearer as a result of they provide an entire gamut of companies with them (e.g. devoted help): as an illustration, the comparability with the Pico 4 shouldn’t be made with the buyer one, however with the Enterprise one which prices 899€. 399€ for an enterprise headset is sort of low-cost. However nonetheless 100€ greater than the G2 4K.

Speaking in regards to 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, at the least on paper, that this system is a really slight downgrade with regard to the earlier version for what issues visuals. Fortunately, there are a lot of different options the place this headset shines as a substitute: the processor is rather 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 rather more horsepower and extra battery length. I’m notably impressed by means of the XR2, which is an excellent chipset that may make wonders on a 3-DOF system. 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 quite a bit within the newest years, so I suppose there will likely be many total enhancements each on the {hardware} (I think about this headset doubtlessly being extra comfy and higher crafted) and software program (the place as an illustration the chromatic aberration has been decreased quite a bit). However earlier than expressing an opinion I’ve in fact to attempt the system. You possibly can’t choose a headset till the second you attempt it. For that reason, I hope to have the event this yr, perhaps 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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