The Pimax Dream Air headset marks a significant pivot for the company. Traditionally, Pimax has produced headsets with a bulky design to deliver their renowned wide field-of-view. However, the Dream Air is breaking new ground by offering a compact headset that doesn’t skimp on features. One standout feature is its innovative headstrap that automatically adjusts to the user’s head, a first in the VR industry.
With a hefty price tag of $1,900 and anticipated to hit the market in May 2025, the Dream Air is stepping up to compete in the niche of high-end, compact PC VR headsets like the Bigscreen Beyond and the Shiftall MaganeX Superlight.
True to Pimax’s ambitious nature, they’ve promised more than just a sleek headset. The Dream Air is set to include an optional computing puck, dubbed ‘Cobb,’ which transforms it into a standalone VR headset with a Snapdragon XR2 chip and its own battery. And let’s not overlook the optional SteamVR Tracking faceplate.
Yet again, Pimax’s penchant for announcing new beauties before fulfilling earlier promises is evident. Take the Crystal Super headset, announced in April 2024 with a projected Q4 2024 release. That’s now been pushed to Q1 2025.
In terms of specs, the Dream Air is looking to pack a punch:
– Weighing in at just 200g
– 13MP (3,840 × 3,552) micro-OLED displays per eye at 90Hz with HDR
– 102° field-of-view
– Inside-out tracking system
– Motion controllers and hand-tracking capabilities
– Integrated audio
– Option for prescription lenses
– Eye-tracking
– Automatic IPD adjustment and automatic strap tightening
The auto-tightening strap is particularly intriguing. A smart solution to the universal challenge of achieving that perfect headset fit—snug yet comfortable—it promises to spare users the need to constantly adjust for stability without sacrificing comfort.
Though currently only renders are available, the auto-tightening mechanism seems cleverly concealed beneath fabric, giving it a seamless appearance as it snugly fits around the head.
If Pimax can perfect the balance of tightness automatically, it might just be a game-changer for many users. Plus, with automatic IPD adjustment, aligning the lenses with your eyes becomes as effortless as ever, taking out the guesswork for users who struggle with manual settings.
While skeptical eyes will naturally be on Pimax to see if they can deliver such an elegantly compact product, the company’s effort in venturing away from their historically bulky designs is noteworthy.
Interestingly, Pimax isn’t abandoning its traditional boxy designs altogether. They’ve clarified that while they are exploring more compact formats, the development of their larger, wide field-of-view headsets will continue.
For those eager to get their hands on this new device, pre-orders for the Dream Air are already underway with a $1,900 price point, targeting a release in May 2025.
