The Pimax Dream Air headset marks a new venture for the brand, steering away from their traditionally bulky designs that are synonymous with expansive fields of view. Instead, with the Dream Air, Pimax aims to create a more streamlined device that doesn’t skimp on features. One standout addition? A headstrap that auto-adjusts, potentially setting a new trend in the industry.
Priced at $1,900, the Dream Air is slated for a release in May 2025. It’s poised to go head-to-head with other sleek, high-end PC VR headsets like the Bigscreen Beyond and Shiftall’s MaganeX Superlight.
Pimax, true to its form, hasn’t shied away from making bold promises with the Dream Air. This includes an optional compute puck that turns the headset into a standalone VR powerhouse. Dubbed ‘Cobb’, this puck houses a Snapdragon XR2 chip and battery. There’s also talk of an optional SteamVR Tracking faceplate.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Pimax’s track record for announcing new gadgets before fulfilling previous promises continues. The Crystal Super headset, introduced in April 2024 and initially expected for a late 2024 launch, now has a revised release date in early 2025.
Let’s break down what Dream Air is reportedly bringing to the table:
– Weight: 200g
– Resolution: 13MP (3,840 × 3,552) micro-OLED per-eye @ 90Hz with “HDR”
– Field-of-view: 102°
– Inside-out tracking
– Features: Motion controllers, hand-tracking, on-board audio
– Optional additions: Prescription lenses, eye-tracking
– Automatic IPD adjustment and the novel auto-tightening headstrap
That auto-tightening feature, a first in major headsets, addresses the age-old dilemma of achieving the perfect fit. Users often tighten headsets excessively for stability, but comfortable wear comes from balancing fit and firmness.
Though we’ve only glimpsed designs through renders, the auto-tightening mechanism seems cleverly integrated beneath a fabric layer, giving the illusion of a shrinking strap.
Should this headset manage to nail the ideal snugness, users will find it a significant upgrade. Additionally, the auto-adjusting IPD ensures lenses are perfectly aligned with the user’s eyes—a detail often overlooked by users manually.
While only time will tell if Pimax can deliver a headset as refined as they promise, initial designs suggest a move towards more sophisticated styling, a departure from their previous utilitarian look.
Yet, faithful fans of Pimax’s classic designs need not worry. The company reassures that while exploring this new compact headset focus, they will continue to develop their signature large field-of-view headsets.
With pre-orders for the Dream Air now open at $1,900, keen VR enthusiasts eagerly await its anticipated release in May 2025.
