Recently, Pimax unveiled their upcoming Dream Air headset, leaving many in the VR community eager for details. We took the initiative to address some burning questions directly with Pimax, gain insights into early prototypes, learn about the complete list of specs, and hear about progress on other yet-to-be-released products.
Pimax, a seasoned player in the VR hardware market, often encounters critiques about the refinement of their products, their strategic direction, unmet launch dates, and announcing new models before delivering on previous promises. The introduction of the Dream Air headset prompted these concerns once again, motivating us to send a barrage of frequently questioned inquiries to Pimax. We’ve received their responses alongside images of Dream Air models, a detailed spec list, and the latest updates on their pending products.
Q: Pimax, how sure are you that the Dream Air will be completed and shipped in significant numbers by May 2025?
A: We’ve dedicated over a year internally to developing both the Crystal Super micro-OLED and the Dream Air, which, to us, are quite similar. Our optical engine is functioning well, and we believe the time until May is sufficient to finalize it, just as we did with the Crystal Super in the past year. The Dream Air shares the same optical engine set-up as the Crystal Super, incorporates its core technologies, but comes in a brand-new design. Here’s more on how the Dream Air mirrors the Crystal Super’s tech.
Our primary challenge is sourcing micro-OLED panels and possibly sorting out controllers without rings. We anticipate the first batches may dispatch with the standard ringed controllers like in previous models, offering upgrades to ringless ones later. We’re aiming to ship between 200 to 300 units come May. Announcing now helps address a few of our reasons below.
Q: Why announce the headset so soon after the Super? Why start pre-orders now?
A: We announced the Dream Air at this moment to avoid a subsequent post-Super release scenario, where users might regret not having the Dream Air option. Some are already considering swapping pre-orders from the Super to the Dream Air, which they can do. Another reason is demand exceeding supply in the micro-OLED panel market, making the timeline for receiving our orders lengthy. Pre-orders help gauge demand and ensure timely panel orders, needing to be placed by early January, mindful of the Chinese New Year breaks affecting suppliers.
The extended lead times aren’t unique to us; our competitors face similar constraints, which is why they typically do not offer refundable pre-orders. However, our pre-orders remain refundable before shipping, with a $1 reservation option available.
Q: What’s your stance on focusing on fewer products?
A: Our vision is to thrive as a multi-SKU company, aligning with the rapid diversification of VR headsets. Our aim is the ultimate user experience tailored for various uses, from the Crystal line to the Dream line. Despite diversifying, the technology foundation across our products remains consistent, emphasizing PCVR integration. Learning from our past efforts, like the non-PCVR Portal, keeps us future-focused.
With nine years of VR headset expertise, we’ve doubled down on R&D centers and are launching a second assembly line to bolster our multi-SKU strategy. This approach, leveraging shared technology, enhances tech development across all products. It also mitigates seasonal sales peaks, easing supply and production management through consistent yearly orders, thanks to our in-house factory and personnel. Peaks often hinder efficiency.
Q: Are there more headsets on the horizon from Pimax?
A: We’ll update some older models, but nothing surpassing the specs of the Dream Air and Crystal Super, apart from the 12K, is in the pipeline.
Q: How advanced is the Dream Air design? Were the renders realistic, and is there a functional prototype?
A: Internally, the headset’s design is complete. We’re testing it using a fully operational optical engine, and software-wise, it shares everything with the Crystal Super—SLAM tracking, eye and hand tracking, and all settings accessible in Pimax Play.
Externally, we’re still refining, testing the mechanics within the Crystal Super casing, while working on the Dream Air’s own chassis. Here are images of two prototypes from different development stages:
Q: Is there an expected release for Cobb, the standalone Dream Air module, in 2025?
A: Currently, we don’t have an exact timeline for Cobb. It’s an add-on for Dream Air, and we’re planning to incorporate additional unannounced features.
Q: What safeguards are there for the auto-tightening headstrap to prevent potential dangers?
A: The key is in its balance: sturdy enough to support the headset’s weight, but not strong enough to cause harm. They’re made from elastic rubber, akin to tech found in self-lacing sneakers like the Nike Auto Adapt.
Q: Are the head straps replaceable, and how?
A: Yes, you can detach them easily at the stems.
Q: Will we see HorizonOS or AndroidXR support in the future?
We currently have no plans for that. Internally, it’s the same as the Crystal Super’s micro-OLED engine, running smoothly with Pimax Play for PC VR, including support for OpenXR/OpenVR and SteamVR.
Pimax Dream Air Specifications
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Visuals:
- Display: 2 × micro-OLED, 100% DCI-P3 colors
- Resolution per eye: 13MP (3,840 × 3,552)
- Pixels per degree: TBD
- Max refresh rate: 90Hz
- Optics: Pancake
- Field of view: 102° horizontal
- Pass-through view: Black & white
- Optical adjustments: Continuous IPD (automatic), Prescription lenses (optional)
- 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: Rechargeable Dream Air controllers, Hand-tracking
- Audio: In-headstrap speakers
- Microphone: Dual-microphone
- Weight: 200g
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Sensing:
- Headset-tracking: Inside-out (no external beacons), Optional SteamVR tracking (external beacons)
- Controller-tracking: Needs headset line-of-sight
- Eye-tracking: Yes
- Expression-tracking: No
- On-board cameras: 4 tracking, 2 passthrough
- Depth-sensor: No
- Price:
- MSRP: $1,900
Pimax Product Shipping Update
Q: Could you provide updated timelines for unreleased Pimax products?
A: The Crystal Super is prepped for showcasing at CES 2025, especially with its QLED 57 PPD optical engine set to ship by end of January. The 50 PPD and micro-OLED engines are nearing completion, expected for delivery in March and April respectively.
The Crystal Light, a non-local dimming version, is slated for a June 2025 release, offering another value option. The 60G Airlink for the original Crystal will debut at CES 2025, with beta testing edging closer. It’s planned for an April 2025 shipment.
As for the 12K, we’re not setting a definitive date yet. While our announcement covered solutions to key challenges, not all have met our standards. Certain elements, like dual DP 1.4 and panel solutions, didn’t pan out as anticipated.
Got more to ask Pimax? Feel free to drop your questions in the comments!
