Pico 4: VR headset design leaked ahead of unveiling
Update September 20, 2022:
Pico apparently accidentally posted a new promo image of the Pico 4 on social media too early. It shows a render of the headset and the controllers. Accidentally, since the post was subsequently deleted again.
When asked about this mistake, the official Pico account states that it was "a test". The image is therefore likely to be genuine.
This is the new Pico 4. The official unveiling will take place on Thursday. | Bild: Pico via Twitter
As expected, the VR headset in the picture is quite slim - similar to Quest Pro - and also looks very compact. This new form factor is made possible by particularly flat lenses, so-called pancake lenses.
Update:
Pico releases the first trailer, which presents well-known VR games and fitness apps. The device itself is not shown.
Are you looking forward to an enhanced #VR experience with #PICOXR? pic.twitter.com/xpeqgYbNL3
— PICO XR (@PICOXR) September 16, 2022
Update:
The global unveiling will be a bit earlier and is targeted at the Western market. Pico will introduce its new headset on September 22 at 8am EST (14:00 GMT+2). You can watch the presentation via Youtube or TikTok.
The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! We can’t wait to show you what we have in store for you. Stay tuned on 22nd September 2022, 14:00 GMT+2 #PICO pic.twitter.com/KYD03VTeTE
— PICO XR (@PICOXR) September 15, 2022
Original article from September 14
Pico's latest VR headset will be launched in two weeks. You can already reserve the device in China. The price is still a secret.
The Pico 4 has surfaced in the Chinese online store Taobao. The device can be reserved there for the equivalent of $15.
The price is stated as 9999 yuan, which is about 1500 dollars. However, the stated price is a placeholder and will be announced on September 27, which is in just under two weeks. On that day, the new headset will most likely be unveiled.
It is unclear when the VR headset will be launched in the West. According to a Chinese analyst, the headset will launch worldwide in September and will be priced aggressively to compete with Meta.
Pico 4 is available in two memory variants and with accessories
The entry in the online store reveals more about Pico's latest device: It will be launched in two variants with 128 and 256 gigabytes of storage. Meta also offers the Meta Quest 2 in these two configurations. There is also a preview of accessories, a Facepad, and a carrying case.
A couple of teasing picture reveals of the PICO 4 on their official taobao store. pic.twitter.com/utZvSniKoN
AdAd- Whovian in Beijing (@Lew_Line) September 13, 2022
Most interesting are the images showing parts of the headset design. The VR headset features built-in pancake lenses, according to the FCC, which should result in a narrower form factor than is common with most virtual reality devices. Leaked design concepts confirm this. Pico has also completely redesigned the controllers.
What about Pico 4 Pro?
Pico touts the headset as a "new flagship," "all-in-one machine," and consumer product. The company, owned by TikTok parent Bytedance, will launch two new VR headsets at once, according to FCC filings: Pico 4 and Pico 4 Pro, the latter of which is said to offer additional face and eye tracking. There is no mention of the Pico 4 Pro in the online store.
It is quite possible that Pico will wait until the unveiling of the Meta Quest Pro (info) on October 11 and only then introduce the Pico 4 Pro along with its price. The next four weeks will be very exciting for VR and AR enthusiasts.
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