Pimax Unveils Dream Air Prototypes and Addresses Essential Inquiries

When Pimax took the lid off their upcoming Dream Air headset, it sparked a flurry of curiosity across the VR community. Eager to get some insights, we reached out to Pimax for answers. They provided a sneak peek at early prototypes, a complete spec list, and updates on a few products that are still in the pipeline.

Pimax, known for its track record in crafting VR headsets, hasn’t escaped criticism. The company has often been in the crosshairs for lacking product refinement, wavering strategic goals, missing launch dates, and hyping new products before delivering on previous promises.

Their latest announcement about the compact Dream Air headset has brought these issues back into the spotlight, with people questioning how Pimax plans to improve this time. We gathered the most frequently asked questions and went straight to the source. Here’s what Pimax shared with us, complete with prototype photos, detailed specs, and progress updates on previously disclosed but unreleased products.

Q: How confident is Pimax about launching the Dream Air in significant quantities by May 2025?

A: We’ve been working internally on the Crystal Super micro-OLED and Dream Air for over a year (they’re essentially twins under the hood). With a fully functional optical engine already in place, we’re optimistic that the timeline to May is sufficient to complete the project, much like our progress with the Crystal Super over this past year.

The Dream Air employs the same optical engine used in the Crystal Super, coupled with fundamental technologies but reimagined in a new design. For more details on their similar components, check here. The primary hurdle is obtaining micro-OLED panels and possibly the ringless controllers. Initial headset shipments may include ringed controllers like those used with the Crystal/Light/Super, with ringless versions to follow. We aim to ship 200 to 300 units in May, which is why the announcement had to happen now, as a few factors demanded it.

Q: Why was the Dream Air unveiled so soon after the Super? What’s the reasoning behind opening pre-orders already?

A: Several factors influenced our decision. Announcing the Dream Air now prevents post-Super-launch announcements, which might leave users thinking they’d have opted for the new model had they known. We’re hearing this on Discord already, but customers still have the option to switch their pre-orders from the Super to the Dream Air if they prefer.

Another reason is the limited availability of micro-OLED panels. With demand far outstripping supply, lead times are long, lasting several months. We opened pre-orders to gauge demand and to ensure we can order enough panels for a May release. This order needs to happen by January, as suppliers also take time off for Chinese New Year.

The scarcity of micro-OLED panels affects more than just us, with competitors also experiencing similar delays, hence non-refundable pre-orders are standard. Our pre-orders, however, are refundable before shipping, and we offer a $1 reservation option with a trade-in window once the headset arrives.

Q: Some suggest Pimax should streamline its product line-up. What’s your response?

A: We aspire to be a multi-SKU company as VR headsets diversify quickly. Our commitment is to deliver the ultimate experience, catered to various use cases with our Crystal line and the newly introduced Dream line.

All our headsets are built with shared core technologies, from software to hardware, with a keen focus on PC VR. Lessons learned, like from the non-PCVR Portal, have shaped our approach.

With nine years in the VR headset business and two R&D offices, along with a second assembly line, we’re prepared for a multi-SKU strategy. Sharing technology across products maximizes resource allocation to develop features benefiting all our headsets, which helps spread out orders and manage production efficiently throughout the year.

Q: Are there more Pimax headsets waiting in the wings?

A: We plan to update older models, but no new headsets beyond the Dream Air and Crystal Super, except for the 12K, will surpass them in specs.

Q: What is the current stage of the Dream Air’s design? Were the announcement renders mere mockups or final designs? Are there functional prototypes yet?

A: The headset’s internal design is complete, and we’re testing with a fully operational optical engine. Software-wise, everything is compatible with the Crystal Super, including SLAM tracking, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and Pimax Play settings.

Externally, we’re testing the Dream Air within the Crystal Super’s housing (micro-OLED optical engine) while developing its unique exterior. Check out the prototypes we’ve developed.

• Newer:

  Image courtesy Pimax

• Older:

  

  Image courtesy Pimax

Update (December 31st, 2024): An earlier version mislabelled ‘older’ and ‘newer’ prototype images, now corrected.

Q: Can we expect the Cobb standalone module for Dream Air to ship in 2025?

A: We don’t have an exact ETA for Cobb just yet. It’s an add-on for the Dream Air, and we’re still considering some features not disclosed in the Frontier announcement.

Q: How does Pimax ensure the auto-tightening headstrap is safe if it malfunctions?

A: The strap is sturdy enough to support the lightweight-headset without posing any risk. Made from elastic rubber, this technology isn’t new; for instance, Nike’s Auto Adapt shoes use similar mechanisms.

Q: Are the head straps replaceable? If so, how?

A: Yes, the head strap can be detached at the stems.

Q: Is it foreseeable for the headset to run HorizonOS or AndroidXR in the future?

A: There are no plans for such developments. It’s essentially the same micro-OLED optical engine as the Crystal Super, and it operates with Pimax Play as a PC VR headset, including OpenXR/OpenVR runtime and SteamVR.

Pimax has also revealed a detailed specification list for the Dream Air headset:

Pimax Dream Air Specs

Visuals

• Display: 2 × micro-OLED, 100% DCI-P3 colors
• Resolution per-eye: 13MP (3,840 × 3,552)
• Max refresh rate: 90Hz
• Optics: Pancake
• Field-of-view: 102°H
• Optical adjustments: Continuous IPD (automatic), Prescription lenses (optional)

Input & Output

• Connectors: DP 1.4 (PC) to USB-C (headset), 1 × USB-C accessory port
• Input: Dream Air controllers (rechargeable battery), Hand-tracking
• Audio: In-headstrap speakers
• Weight: 200g

Sensing

• Headset-tracking: Inside-out (no external beacons), SteamVR Tracking (external beacons) [optional]
• Controller-tracking: Headset-tracked (line-of-sight required)
• Eye-tracking: Yes

Price

• MSRP: $1,900

Pimax Product Shipping Update

Q: Can you offer the latest estimated shipping times for all unreleased Pimax products?

A: The Crystal Super, particularly its QLED 57 PPD optical engine, is on track for demos at CES 2025, with shipping by the end of January. The 50 PPD and micro-OLED optical engines are nearing readiness, anticipated for March and April shipments, respectively.

The Crystal Light without local dimming is planned for around June 2025, and the 60G Airlink for the original Crystal is also planned for showcases at CES 2025 with an imminent external beta test. It should ship by April 2025.

For the 12K, specific ETAs aren’t available yet. Initial solutions for key challenges didn’t meet our quality standards, and some technical approaches, like a dual DP 1.4 strategy, weren’t viable.

Got more questions for Pimax? Feel free to drop them in the comments below.