The Pimax Dream Air headset signals a shift in direction for the company, traditionally known for headsets that boast a hefty size to accommodate their expansive field-of-view. However, with the Dream Air, Pimax is venturing into the territory of sleek and compact headsets that don’t skimp on features. A standout characteristic is its auto-tightening headstrap, a pioneering addition to the industry.
Set at a price of $1,900, with a target shipping date of May 2025, Pimax is gearing the Dream Air to compete with a new wave of high-end, compact PC VR headsets such as the Bigscreen Beyond and the Shiftall MaganeX Superlight.
True to Pimax’s ambitious nature, the Dream Air comes with promises that could potentially divert focus from timely delivery. An intriguing feature is the optional compute puck, which allows the headset to function as a standalone unit. Known as ‘Cobb’, this puck is said to incorporate a Snapdragon XR2 chip and a battery. Additionally, the headset is expected to support an optional SteamVR Tracking faceplate.
It wouldn’t be Pimax without stirring the pot a little further. The unveiling of the Dream Air continues Pimax’s pattern of introducing new products before rolling out previously announced ones. For instance, their Crystal Super headset was revealed in April 2024, with a projected release in Q4 2024. However, it’s now anticipated to launch sometime in Q1 2025.
The Dream Air is promising to deliver an array of impressive specs and features within its compact design:
– A lightweight build at just 200 grams
– 13MP (3,840 × 3,552) micro-OLED display per eye functioning at 90Hz with HDR support
– 102-degree field-of-view
– Inside-out tracking capabilities
– Motion controllers and hand-tracking support
– Built-in audio system
– Option for prescription lenses
– Eye-tracking technology
– Automatic Interpupillary Distance (IPD) adjustment and the standout automatic strap tightening
This novel auto-tightening strap is a significant innovation, offering a solution for those who struggle between the need for a snug fit and the desire for comfort. While images thus far are only renders, the apparent design shows a cleverly concealed mechanism under fabric, simulating a seamless tightening process.
If successful, this auto-adjustment feature could revolutionize user comfort by precisely dialing in the perfect fit for each user. The Dream Air’s automatic IPD adjustment also ensures the lenses align with the user’s eye width, a task often done poorly when left to users.
Whether Pimax can deliver a headset as elegant as it claims remains to be seen. For now, the company appears to be tapping into a design prowess previously overshadowed by the utilitarian look of its earlier models.
Despite the introduction of this streamlined design approach, Pimax reassures that it hasn’t abandoned its lineup of larger, wide field-of-view headsets. The Dream Air is now available for pre-order, sticking to the proposed price of $1,900, with the expected availability in May 2025.
