Pico 4 and Pico 4 Pro could hit the market soon
FCC filings indicate that Pico plans to launch two new VR headsets at once: Pico 4 and Pico 4 Pro. The launch could be imminent.
Tech magazine Protocol has discovered FCC documents that point to an imminent market launch of the devices. The documents were filed with the U.S. agency this week.
The FCC tests electronic devices for compliance with radiation protection standards. Since approvals are usually sought at the very end of product development, FCC filings usually point to a market launch in the near future.
New headsets, new controllers
According to the documents, Pico is planning to launch two new models at once: Pico 4 and Pico 4 Pro. Both are standalone devices and therefore do not require an external source like a console or a PC. The Pico 4 Pro will be codenamed Phoenix and will feature eye and face recognition.
The attached photos show that the devices will feature redesigned controllers. The exterior of the headsets is said to be white, similar to that of the Pico Neo 3.
A Chinese supply chain analyst saw hints back in April that Pico was preparing to launch a new Pro device, which is expected to hit the market in the middle of the year. The FFC entries fit with those rumors.
There are no details on the Pico 4 and Pico 4 Pro yet, but the devices are likely a direct response to Meta's offering.
First TikTok, now VR: Bytedance wants to compete further with Meta
Meta has the affordable Meta Quest 2 on offer and is expected to launch a new VR headset codenamed Cambria in the fall. The new device could be called Quest Pro and is also expected to offer face and eye tracking.
TikTok's parent company, Bytedance, bought Pico a little over a year ago and has since been trying to compete with Meta in the virtual reality space as well. In May, Pico launched the first VR headset aimed at Western consumers: the Pico Neo 3 Link (review), but it is only available in Europe and in limited quantities.
With the Pico 4 and Pico 4 Pro, Bytedance is likely to go all out and attack Meta in its biggest market: the US. This is indicated by a massive expansion of the website and investments in the app portfolio.
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