The Pimax Dream Air headset marks a fresh direction for the company, known for its distinctly wide field-of-view headsets, which often sport a rather bulky design. This time, however, Pimax is venturing into the realm of sleek, compact headsets, yet without skimping on the features. One standout feature that sets the Dream Air apart is a headstrap that automatically adjusts to fit—it’s a first in the industry.
Set at a price of $1,900, the Dream Air is slated for shipment in May 2025. This new venture from Pimax is poised to enter the burgeoning market of high-end, compact PC VR headsets, competing with models like the Bigscreen Beyond and the Shiftall MaganeX Superlight.
But what would a Pimax product be without ambitious promises? A notable promise for the Dream Air is its optional compute puck, dubbed ‘Cobb’. This add-on transforms the headset into a standalone VR experience, featuring a Snapdragon XR2 chip and a battery. Additionally, there’s an option for a SteamVR Tracking faceplate.
It’s worth noting that Pimax has a history of unveiling exciting new tech without always delivering on previous promises. The Dream Air’s announcement follows the reveal of the Crystal Super headset in April 2024, originally anticipated for a Q4 2024 release, now postponed to Q1 2025.
Regarding specifications, the Dream Air is packed with features many VR enthusiasts have been longing for:
– A featherlight weight of 200g
– High-resolution micro-OLED: 13MP (3,840 x 3,552) per eye at 90Hz with HDR
– 102° field-of-view
– Inside-out tracking
– Motion controllers and hand-tracking capabilities
– Built-in audio system
– Optional prescription lenses
– Eye-tracking technology
– Automatic IPD (interpupillary distance) and strap adjustments
Notably, the headset’s automatic strap tightening is a feature not yet seen in major headsets. The idea is intriguing, as it tackles the challenge of achieving the perfect fit. The snugness most users desire for stability often comes at the expense of comfort. The auto-adjusting strap, cleverly hidden beneath fabric, creates an illusion of the strap seamlessly shrinking to fit.
If Pimax succeeds in precisely calibrating the fit, it could be a game-changer for many users. The automatic IPD adjustment further supports this by aligning the lenses to the wearer’s specific eye width, a task usually challenging for many to do manually.
While only time will tell if Pimax can deliver the promised svelte design, their efforts at a more polished aesthetic are evident, moving away from the utilitarian vibe of their previous models.
Interestingly, moving forward, Pimax isn’t abandoning its iconic boxy designs. While the Dream Air represents a shift towards compactness, the company continues to innovate in the arena of larger headsets known for an expansive field-of-view.
Pre-orders for this highly-anticipated headset are already open, with a steep price tag of $1,900 and a hopeful release in May 2025.
