We’ve seen a number of VR headsets pop up on the market over the last couple of years, most of which attempt to rival the likes of the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift but come up short. And while most of them try to make their stake with various gimmicks or low prices, it’s rare that we see a headset that can actually compete with the top dogs in terms of quality.
That’s until Pimax broke onto the scene. The company created what it calls an “8K VR Headset” with one 4K panel in each eye. It runs at 90 Hz like the other major options on the market, but gives the user a field of view of 200 degrees, larger than any other option currently available.
The headset works with Steam VR, so you’re able to play any game that you can play on the HTC Vive. Because the field of view is greater than on other headsets though, the image mirrored to your computer won’t even show all of what you’re seeing in your headset. We’ll have to see if Valve updates Steam VR to correct for this issue, but until then this isn’t going to be much of a group VR experience.
The Pimax 8K VR headset also works as a modular developer platform, giving other manufacturers and developers the opportunity to create attachments that plug directly into the headset’s USB Type-C port.
Leap Motion is currently working with Pimax to get its attachment out to consumers, which uses specialized cameras to track your hands in a virtual space. I got to test this attachment during my time with the product, and I have to say it tracked my hands incredibly well, and I’m excited to see more modules developed for the platform.
The company is launching on Kickstarter today, and is aiming to hit its goal of $200,000 by the end of its run. You can pick up a 5k headset for $399 after the Kickstarter ends, while it’ll cost you $599 to get the 8k version.
Check out the video above to see our first hands on with the product, and make sure to stay tuned to VR Source for more information as it becomes available.
