🥽 Pico 4 Lauched: Better Than Quest 3

Good morning, folks!

The Pico 4 Ultra just launched in China and it’s much better than I expected. So, why did I have lower expectations? Well, Pico has been the third-biggest VR device manufacturer in the world after Meta and Sony (figures not counting the Vision Pro released this year). Yet, we received reports earlier this year that they’re scraping their Quest 3 competitor and were going to focus on a Vision Pro competitor instead. Maybe the lower sales of the Vision Pro might’ve forced them to reconsider.

 — Joel Johnson, Founder & Chief Editor

Headlines for people in a hurry:

• 🥽 Pico 4 Ultra Launches in China: Better Hardware Than Quest 3

• 📸 Quest 3 Can Now Be Used As A Boundaryless 3D Camera

• 🪑 Roto VR Explorer: First 'Made for Meta' VR Gaming Chair

Read time: 3 minutes

TOP STORIES

PICO

Pico 4 Ultra Launched In China With Better Specs Than Quest 3

ByteDance just raised the stakes with its Pico 4 Ultra launch in China. Here's how this new contender stacks up:

• Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip (same as Quest 3), but with a beefier 12GB of RAM compared to Quest 3's 8GB.

• Boasts superior color passthrough at 20.6 pixels per degree, edging out Quest 3's 18 PPD.

• First headset to support Wi-Fi 7, promising improved PC VR streaming (if you've got a Wi-Fi 7 router).

• New ringless controllers that weigh half as much as their predecessors.

• Software upgrades include freely positionable windows in space and a dedicated Android app store.

• Priced at ¥4300 (about $600) in China, with shipping starting September 2.

Why It Matters: The Pico 4 Ultra isn't just matching the Quest 3 – in several areas, it's surpassing it. With more RAM, better passthrough, and innovative features like spatial video capture and native decoding of Apple spatial videos, ByteDance is making a serious play for the high-end VR market. Pico hasn’t mentioned anything about the international release, however, it was recently certified by a South Korean regulator.

META

Your Quest 3 Can Now Be A Boundaryless 3D Camera

When I heard that Quest 3 breaks boundaries, this wasn’t what I had in mind. Thanks to a new update in the immerGallery app, your VR headset can now moonlight as a wandering 3D camera. Here's the scoop:

• The immerGallery app's latest update lets you take stereoscopic photos without being confined by the Quest's Boundary system.

• Quest’s boundary was the biggest hurdle for shooting outdoor 3D photos even though Quest 3 had the technical capabilities.

• There's even a digital level indicator to help you keep those 3D shots aligned. No more tilted virtual horizons!

• Fair warning: This isn't exactly plug-and-play. You'll need to be comfortable with SideQuest and ADB commands to get it working.

Why It Matters: It's a step towards making VR headsets more multi-functional devices. However, the setup complexity and the Quest 3's relatively low-res passthrough cameras (compared to dedicated 3D cameras or even the iPhone 15 Pro) mean this is more of a cool party trick than a photographer's dream tool... for now. Still, it's exciting to see developers pushing the boundaries of what these headsets can do. Who knows? Maybe your next family photo will be in full 3D!

ROTO

Roto VR Explorer: The First “Made For Meta” VR Gaming Chair To Spice Up Gameplay

Want an extra level of immersion in your VR games? Meet the Roto VR Explorer, the first VR chair to earn Meta's official seal of approval. Here's what this spinning sensation brings to the table (or rather, to your living room):

• It's got "Look & Turn" technology that swivels you in the direction you're gazing, enabling more immersive movement while seated and preventing motion sickness.

• Built-in rumble pack that provides haptic feedback and extra immersion. Who doesn't want their chair to vibrate during intense gaming sessions?

• USB charging port in the base, so your Quest can keep going as long as you can.

• Supports other standalone headsets too, with PC VR support coming soon. It's an equal opportunity spinner.

• Price tag: $799. Pre-orders are open now, with first deliveries starting October 1, 2024.

Why It Matters: The Roto VR Explorer represents a step towards more immersive, comfortable VR experiences, especially for seated gameplay. With Meta's official backing, it could become a popular accessory for serious VR enthusiasts. However, at $799, it's a pricey addition to your VR setup. The chair's success could indicate whether there's a market for high-end VR peripherals beyond headsets and controllers.

COOL APPS

GAMING

Shoot Em Up

• 💥 The Burst: Experience fast-paced action with parkour elements in this new VR shooter for Meta Quest.

• 🎮 SnapStick: A unique mixed reality experience combining physical gameplay with VR.

• 🕹️ Spatial Ops: Engage in intense FPS battles in mixed reality environments.

• 🔫 Zero Caliber 2: The popular VR military shooter returns with new features on Meta Quest 3.

UNREAL MONEY

FUNDING REPORT

Rokid AR Lite Glasses Raise Over $1M on Kickstarter

Rokid, a Chinese AR technology company, has surpassed the $1 million mark in its Kickstarter campaign for the Rokid AR Lite smart glasses. The campaign, which launched in May 2024 and closed on July 11, 2024.

The Rokid AR Lite glasses feature high-definition displays, a 300-inch virtual screen, and a 50° optical display field of view. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Platform and Rokid's proprietary YodaOS-Master operating system, the glasses weigh just 75 grams and offer up to 4 hours of usage.

Priced at $499 for early bird backers, the Rokid AR Lite is positioned as an accessible entry point into augmented reality for both consumers and professionals. The campaign's success suggests growing market interest in lightweight, versatile AR devices.

Rokid plans to use the funds to finalize production and begin shipping to backers in September 2024. This crowdfunding triumph indicates that despite economic uncertainties, there's still significant appetite for innovative AR products in the consumer market.

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