When Pimax announced the upcoming Dream Air headset, the VR community was buzzing with curiosity and questions. We reached out to the company to get some answers, and we also got an exclusive look at early prototypes, a comprehensive list of specifications, and an update on some of Pimax’s other products that are still in the pipeline.
Pimax has been in the game of making VR headsets for quite some time now. However, they’ve often faced criticism for lacking polish in their products, not having a clear strategic direction, missing release deadlines, and the tendency to announce new gadgets before delivering on previous ones.
The unveiling of the sleek and compact Dream Air headset brought these criticisms back to the forefront. Many wondered if Pimax would overcome these hurdles this time. So, we took some of the most frequently asked questions and posed them directly to Pimax. Here’s what they had to say, along with some photos of the Dream Air prototypes, a full rundown of the specs, and an update on other products that were announced but are yet to hit the market.
Q: How confident is Pimax that Dream Air will be completed and available by May 2025?
A: We’ve been refining the Crystal Super micro-OLED and the Dream Air for over a year now. Internally, they share many components. The optical engine is fully operational, and we believe from now until May is ample time to handle the rest, drawing parallels to the Crystal Super’s timeline. The Dream Air borrows its optical engine from the Crystal Super but presents it in a fresh design. The main obstacle could be sourcing micro-OLED panels, and possibly the controllers. To start, some headsets might ship with ringed controllers rather than ringless, but upgrades will be available. We’re aiming to ship 200 to 300 units in May—a key reason for announcing the headset now.
Q: Why announce Dream Air so close to the Super’s unveiling and start pre-orders already?
A: We didn’t want to surprise customers post-Super release, causing potential buyers to hesitate. Some are already expressing these thoughts on Discord. However, those with pending orders can switch their pre-order from the Super to the Dream Air if they prefer. We’re also battling the limited availability of micro-OLED panels, as demand currently overshadows supply in this market. By opening pre-orders, we gauge demand and can place panel orders for May shipments. These orders need placement by January, considering supplier holidays like the Chinese New Year. This scarcity isn’t exclusive to us; competitors face the same. Our pre-orders are refundable before shipping, and there’s a $1 reservation option.
Q: What’s your response to those who say Pimax should concentrate on fewer products?
A: We’re committed to a diverse product line because VR headsets are evolving rapidly. Our aim is delivering top-notch experiences, tailored for various uses through our Crystal and Dream lines. Despite our range, shared technology underpins all our headsets, focusing on PCVR. We have a nine-year legacy in VR headset development, with two R&D centers and a second assembly line to support our strategy. Sharing technology across products lets us channel resources into broad improvements, avoiding yearly sales peaks and smoothing out production demand. This approach maximizes efficiency since we handle manufacturing in-house.
Q: Are there more headsets in the works beyond the current line-up?
A: We plan to update older models, but no new models with specs exceeding the Dream Air and Crystal Super are in development, besides the anticipated 12K.
Q: Can you share the design progress on Dream Air? Are the announcement renders mockups or accurate designs? Is there a functional prototype?
A: The headset internals are complete, utilizing a fully functioning optical engine, and the software is in place, largely akin to the Crystal Super, including all tracking and settings. Externally, development continues using the Crystal Super’s housing while we finalize Dream Air’s distinct design. Here are glimpses of two prototypes in various stages of development.
Images of prototypes shown
Q: Will the standalone module Cobb ship in 2025?
A: There’s no precise ETA for Cobb as of now. It’s an add-on for Dream Air, and we’re planning additional features that weren’t part of the initial announcement.
Q: What safety measures ensure the auto-tightening head strap isn’t risky if it malfunctions?
A: The straps, designed from elastic rubber, are strong enough to hold the headset’s weight without causing harm. This tech is comparable to that in self-lacing shoes like Nike’s Auto Adapt.
Q: Can the head straps on the headset be replaced, and how?
A: Yes, they can be detached at the stems.
Q: Will we see it running HorizonOS or AndroidXR in the future?
A: There are no such plans. It shares its engine with the Crystal Super and operates with Pimax Play as a PC VR headset, compatible with OpenXR/OpenVR and SteamVR.
Pimax also generously shared a detailed list of the headset’s specifications:
Pimax Dream Air Specs
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Visuals:
- Display: 2 × micro-OLED, 100% DCI-P3 colors
- Resolution per-eye: 13MP (3,840 × 3,552)
- Max refresh rate: 90Hz
- Optics: Pancake
- Field-of-view: 102°H
- Pass-through view: Black & white
- Optical adjustments: Continuous IPD, optional prescription lenses
- IPD adjustment range: 58–72mm
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Input & Output:
- Connectors: DP 1.4 (PC) to USB-C (headset), 1 × USB-C accessory port
- Input: Dream Air controllers, hand-tracking
- Audio: In-headstrap speakers
- Microphone: Dual-microphone
- Weight: 200g
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Sensing:
- Tracking: Inside-out with optional external beacons
- Controller-tracking: Headset-tracked
- Eye-tracking: Yes
- Price:
- MSRP: $1,900
Pimax Product Shipping Update
- Q: Can you provide an update on unreleased Pimax products’ shipping timelines?
A: The Crystal Super is ready for CES 2025, with QLED and other components shipping from January to April. The Crystal Light follows in June 2025. The 60G Airlink for the original Crystal is on track for April 2025 after unveiling at CES and a pending beta test. The 12K remains without a precise release date due to unforeseen challenges meet our standards.
Got more inquiries for Pimax? Feel free to leave your questions in the comments below!
