Difference between revisions of "Pico 4"

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== Pico 4 VR Headset ==
  
= Pico 4 VR Headset =
+
The Pico 4 VR headset, developed by ByteDance, is a virtual reality (VR) device designed to compete with other leading headsets in the market, notably the Meta Quest 2. Launched with the intention of delivering a high-quality VR experience, the Pico 4 has garnered attention for its distinctive features, performance characteristics, and design considerations.
  
The Pico 4 VR headset is a virtual reality device developed by Pico Interactive, a company under the parentage of ByteDance. It positions itself as a direct competitor to the Meta Quest 2, offering a range of features and specifications aimed at enhancing the virtual reality experience. The headset has garnered attention for its innovative design, visual capabilities, and unique features, as well as for certain limitations and concerns.
+
=== Design and Comfort ===
 +
[[Design and Comfort|Pico 4]] features a slimmer and lighter visor compared to its contemporaries, weighing approximately 295 grams without straps, almost 40% lighter than the Quest 2's visor. This reduction in weight is partly attributed to the integration of the battery into the rear of the rigid strap, a design choice that also aids in balancing the weight distribution. The headset’s facial interface utilizes a breathable fabric, enhancing user comfort. However, a notable design flaw arises for users with an interpupillary distance (IPD) below 62mm, where the lenses may cause discomfort by pressing against the nose.
  
== Overview ==
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=== Visual Performance ===
The Pico 4 VR headset distinguishes itself with a slimmer and lighter visor compared to many of its contemporaries. This design choice not only impacts the aesthetic appeal of the device but also contributes significantly to user comfort during extended use. The device features a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset, which, while common in similar devices, presents certain performance limitations.  
+
The [[Visual Performance|Pico 4]]'s visual experience is shaped by its use of pancake lenses, which offer a wider and taller field of view compared to many of its rivals, such as the Quest 2. The headset provides a horizontal and vertical field of view of 105°, which significantly enhances the immersive quality of the VR experience. However, despite its higher resolution of 2,160 x 2,160 pixels per eye, the increase in clarity is not always perceptible in practical use. Users have reported issues such as a smeared appearance in high-contrast scenes, lens glare, and a noticeable screen-door effect due to irregularities in the pixel grid.
  
== Design and Comfort ==
+
=== Performance and Tracking ===
=== Physical Build ===
+
Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset, the same processor used in the Quest 2, [[Pico 4]] faces challenges in maintaining performance levels, especially in games demanding higher resolutions and complex geometries. This has led to occasional frame drops and a default refresh rate of 72Hz, with an experimental 90Hz option. Despite these limitations, the tracking of both the VR headset and controllers is largely effective, though some users have noted a slight jitter and positional shifts.
The Pico 4's design is notable for its lightweight and compact form. The visor, weighing approximately 295 grams without straps, offers a significant reduction in weight compared to similar models. The device's rigid strap, which is non-removable, integrates the battery into the rear, aiding in weight balance and overall comfort. However, this design choice limits customization options for users who might prefer third-party alternatives.
 
  
=== Facial Interface ===
+
=== Setup and User Interface ===
Pico 4's facial interface utilizes a breathable fabric, akin to the material used in the Oculus Go, providing a gentler and more comfortable experience compared to the foam interfaces commonly found in other VR headsets.  
+
The setup process for the Pico 4, while straightforward, requires users to input details using tracked controllers, which some may find cumbersome. The system software bears a close resemblance to that of the Quest, offering a snappy and smooth interface. However, it lacks some of the refined touches found in its competitors, such as haptic feedback on the virtual keyboard.
  
== Visual and Display Capabilities ==
+
=== Color Passthrough and Controllers ===
=== Field of View and Lenses ===
+
One of the more notable features of the Pico 4 is its full-color passthrough, which offers a higher resolution than the black and white passthrough of the Quest 2. However, this feature currently lacks depth correction, resulting in a distorted image that can cause discomfort during extended use. The controllers of the Pico 4, featuring an arc of infrared LEDs over the hands, allow for closer hand movements without obstruction, but their handle shape might not be as ergonomic for all users.
One of the Pico 4's standout features is its field of view, which is both wider and taller than many of its competitors, including the Quest 2. This expanded field of view, attributed to the device's larger lens size, significantly enhances the immersive experience in VR. The headset utilizes pancake lenses, which are noted for their sharpness in both the center and periphery. However, these lenses have been reported to cause discomfort for users with narrower interpupillary distances (IPDs), potentially crushing against the nose when adjusted below 62mm.
 
  
=== Resolution and Color Representation ===
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=== Content and Software ===
While the Pico 4 boasts a higher resolution than some of its competitors, this increase is not always noticeably perceptible in practice. The device's color representation has drawn criticism for appearing washed out and darker, a possible side effect of the pancake lenses.
+
The [[Content and Software|Pico 4]]'s app store is progressively accumulating popular VR titles, with many top Quest games already available and more expected to be added post-launch. The platform also promises its own exclusives in the future. While the Pico Store's offerings are growing, they still lag behind the more extensive catalog of the Quest Store. The device supports both wired and wireless PC VR streaming, although with occasional stutters and performance issues compared to similar offerings on other platforms.
  
== Performance and Tracking ==
+
=== Data Privacy Considerations ===
The use of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset in the Pico 4, while common, has led to performance issues, particularly when rendering more complex visuals. This has resulted in frame drops in some VR applications, which can be discomforting to users. The device's tracking capabilities, however, have been generally well-received, with precise controller tracking noted in fast-paced VR games.
+
Data privacy is a significant concern with the Pico 4, as the privacy agreements indicate that user data is shared with partners. Given ByteDance's ownership of the headset and its track record with data handling in other applications like TikTok, potential users may have reservations about the privacy of their data while using the Pico 4.
 
 
== User Interface and Setup ==
 
The Pico 4's system software bears a resemblance to that of the Quest's interface, with a familiar layout for users who have experience with Meta's VR systems. The UI is described as snappy and responsive, although it lacks some of the polished touches, such as haptic feedback on the virtual keyboard, found in other systems. Setting up the device requires inputting details via tracked controllers, a process that some users might find cumbersome.
 
 
 
== Passthrough and Mixed Reality Features ==
 
The Pico 4 offers a full-color passthrough, a step up from the black and white passthrough seen in some other VR headsets. However, the lack of depth correctness in the passthrough view can lead to distortion and discomfort during movement, limiting its effectiveness for mixed reality applications.
 
 
 
== Software and Content ==
 
The Pico Store, while growing, currently offers a smaller selection of native VR applications compared to stores like the Quest Store. However, the Pico 4 supports wireless and wired SteamVR streaming, allowing access to a broader range of PC VR content. The device's content library is expanding, with several popular titles already available and more expected to be added post-launch.
 
 
 
== Privacy and Data Concerns ==
 
A point of contention with the Pico 4 is its data privacy policy. As a ByteDance product, the headset's privacy agreements state that collected data may be shared with partners, raising concerns about user data being sent to ByteDance and potentially to China. This aspect is particularly relevant for users who are cautious about their digital privacy.
 

Revision as of 10:19, 2 December 2023

Pico 4
Pico 41.jpg
Basic Info
VR/AR VR
Type head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone VR
Platform Pico Store
Manufacturer Pico
Announcement Date September 22, 2022
Release Date October 18, 2022
Price $430
Website picoxr.com
System
Operating System Pico OS 5.0 (Android)
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
CPU Octa-core Kryo 585 (1 x 2.84 GHz, 3 x 2.42 GHz, 4 x 1.8 GHz)
GPU Adreno 650
Storage
Storage 128 GB
Memory 8 GB LPDDR4
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display 2 x LCD
Subpixel Layout RGB stripe
Resolution 2160x2160 per-eye
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Image
Horizontal FoV 104°
Visible FoV 104° (horizontal), 103° (vertical)
Rendered FoV 104° (horizontal), 104° (vertical), 122.16° (diagonal)
Binocular Overlap 104°
Average Pixel Density 20.76 PPD (horizontal), 20.76 PPD (vertical)
Peak Pixel Density 20.76 PPD
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Pancake lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 62-72 mm
Adjustable Diopter No
Passthrough 16MP RGB camera
Tracking
Tracking 6 DoF Inside-out
Base Stations No
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking Yes
Body Tracking No
Audio
Audio Integrated stereo speakers
Microphone Yes
3.5mm Audio Jack No
Connectivity
Ports USB Type-C
Wired Video USB Type-C
Wireless Video WiFi streaming
WiFi WiFi 6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.1
Battery Capacity 5300 mAh
Battery Life 3 hours
Device
Material Plastic, foam facial interface
Headstrap Hard padded retractable strap
Color White / grey
Input 2 x Pico 4 Controller

Pico 4 VR Headset

The Pico 4 VR headset, developed by ByteDance, is a virtual reality (VR) device designed to compete with other leading headsets in the market, notably the Meta Quest 2. Launched with the intention of delivering a high-quality VR experience, the Pico 4 has garnered attention for its distinctive features, performance characteristics, and design considerations.

Design and Comfort

Pico 4 features a slimmer and lighter visor compared to its contemporaries, weighing approximately 295 grams without straps, almost 40% lighter than the Quest 2's visor. This reduction in weight is partly attributed to the integration of the battery into the rear of the rigid strap, a design choice that also aids in balancing the weight distribution. The headset’s facial interface utilizes a breathable fabric, enhancing user comfort. However, a notable design flaw arises for users with an interpupillary distance (IPD) below 62mm, where the lenses may cause discomfort by pressing against the nose.

Visual Performance

The Pico 4's visual experience is shaped by its use of pancake lenses, which offer a wider and taller field of view compared to many of its rivals, such as the Quest 2. The headset provides a horizontal and vertical field of view of 105°, which significantly enhances the immersive quality of the VR experience. However, despite its higher resolution of 2,160 x 2,160 pixels per eye, the increase in clarity is not always perceptible in practical use. Users have reported issues such as a smeared appearance in high-contrast scenes, lens glare, and a noticeable screen-door effect due to irregularities in the pixel grid.

Performance and Tracking

Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset, the same processor used in the Quest 2, Pico 4 faces challenges in maintaining performance levels, especially in games demanding higher resolutions and complex geometries. This has led to occasional frame drops and a default refresh rate of 72Hz, with an experimental 90Hz option. Despite these limitations, the tracking of both the VR headset and controllers is largely effective, though some users have noted a slight jitter and positional shifts.

Setup and User Interface

The setup process for the Pico 4, while straightforward, requires users to input details using tracked controllers, which some may find cumbersome. The system software bears a close resemblance to that of the Quest, offering a snappy and smooth interface. However, it lacks some of the refined touches found in its competitors, such as haptic feedback on the virtual keyboard.

Color Passthrough and Controllers

One of the more notable features of the Pico 4 is its full-color passthrough, which offers a higher resolution than the black and white passthrough of the Quest 2. However, this feature currently lacks depth correction, resulting in a distorted image that can cause discomfort during extended use. The controllers of the Pico 4, featuring an arc of infrared LEDs over the hands, allow for closer hand movements without obstruction, but their handle shape might not be as ergonomic for all users.

Content and Software

The Pico 4's app store is progressively accumulating popular VR titles, with many top Quest games already available and more expected to be added post-launch. The platform also promises its own exclusives in the future. While the Pico Store's offerings are growing, they still lag behind the more extensive catalog of the Quest Store. The device supports both wired and wireless PC VR streaming, although with occasional stutters and performance issues compared to similar offerings on other platforms.

Data Privacy Considerations

Data privacy is a significant concern with the Pico 4, as the privacy agreements indicate that user data is shared with partners. Given ByteDance's ownership of the headset and its track record with data handling in other applications like TikTok, potential users may have reservations about the privacy of their data while using the Pico 4.