The Pimax Dream Air headset marks an intriguing new direction for the company. Known for crafting headsets with a substantial presence to support their large field-of-view, Pimax is now venturing into creating a sleek, compact device that doesn’t skimp on features. One of its standout innovations—the ability to automatically tighten the headstrap—is something we haven’t seen in the industry before.
Set at a price point of $1,900 and slated for release in May 2025, the Dream Air positions itself as a competitor in the evolving landscape of compact, high-end PC VR headsets. It’s looking to carve a niche alongside contenders like Bigscreen Beyond and the Shiftall MaganeX Superlight.
Yet, true to Pimax’s ambitious spirit, they’ve made bold commitments which could potentially divert their focus from timely deliveries. With Dream Air, one such promise is an optional ‘compute puck’ that allows the headset to function as a standalone VR device. This puck, which they’ve dubbed ‘Cobb,’ is expected to come with a Snapdragon XR2 chip and a battery. And, let’s not overlook the optional SteamVR Tracking faceplate.
It’s also worth noting that this announcement fits into a pattern of revealing new ventures before fulfilling earlier ones. For instance, Pimax unveiled their Crystal Super headset in April 2024, originally slated for Q4 2024 release, but now it’s reportedly coming in Q1 2025.
When it comes to the Dream Air, it promises to be a compact powerhouse with a laundry list of highly anticipated features:
– Weighing 200g
– Resolution: 13MP (3,840 × 3,552) micro-OLED per-eye at 90Hz with HDR
– 102° field-of-view
– Inside-out tracking
– Motion controllers and hand-tracking
– Built-in audio
– Optional prescription lenses
– Eye-tracking
– Automatic IPD (inter-pupillary distance) and strap-tightening
Now, the automatic strap-tightening feature could revolutionize comfort, considering how finicky fitting a headset can be. Users often crank their gear tight for stability, yet the trick is finding a sweet spot where comfort and stability meet.
The design for this auto-tightening strap looks thoughtfully executed. Initial renders suggest that the mechanism is subtly concealed under fabric, appearing as if the strap shortens seamlessly.
Should the headset efficiently manage this tailored fit, it would be a game-changer for many users. Additionally, the automatic IPD adjustment is a boon, as it aligns the lens distance to fit the user’s eye width—a task that’s often tricky to do manually.
Whether Pimax can manifest the sleek, sophisticated product they’re envisioning remains to be seen, but their recent designs hint at untapped potential, diverging from their historically boxy aesthetics.
While the company isn’t abandoning their traditional larger headset designs, they see the compact Dream Air as a fresh area of growth. Pimax is currently accepting pre-orders for the Dream Air, with plans to deliver by May 2025 and holding a price tag of $1,900.
