The Pimax Dream Air headset marks an exciting new direction for Pimax. Traditionally known for its bulky headsets that deliver a massive field of view, the company is now focusing on creating a more compact device that doesn’t skimp on features. One standout innovation is a self-adjusting headstrap—a first in the VR industry.
With a price tag of $1,900 and a projected shipping date in May 2025, the Dream Air is stepping into the competitive market of sleek, high-end PC VR headsets. It aims to rival the likes of Bigscreen Beyond and Shiftall MaganeX Superlight.
As is often the case with Pimax, there’s no shortage of lofty promises which sometimes lead the company to spread itself too thin. A prime example for the Dream Air is the optional ‘Cobb’ computing puck. This feature would allow the headset to function independently as a standalone VR device, incorporating a Snapdragon XR2 chip and battery. Plus, there’s an optional SteamVR Tracking faceplate.
Keeping true to its pattern, Pimax’s Dream Air announcement follows a familiar trend of introducing new products while still working on delivering past promises. For instance, the Crystal Super headset was revealed in April 2024, intended for a late 2024 release, but is now anticipated to launch in early 2025.
The Dream Air promises to be not just compact, but packed with a host of enticing specifications:
– Weighing at 200g
– 13MP micro-OLED per eye resolution (3,840 × 3,552) running 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) adjustment
– Automatic headstrap tightening
The automatic strap tightening feature is particularly intriguing. It’s a novel solution to the common challenge of securing a VR headset comfortably against one’s face. By achieving the right balance of fit and stability, this could greatly enhance user experience.
Rendered images suggest the strap’s design is both thoughtful and discreet. The mechanism seems to be covered by fabric, creating the illusion of the strap simply contracting.
If executed well, the headset’s ability to self-adjust could be a significant advantage for users who prefer comfort along with a snug fit. Combined with automatic IPD adjustment, this headset could cater perfectly to the internals of a wide array of users—a task many find cumbersome to manage manually.
Time will tell if Pimax can deliver on these promises with a headset as sleek as they suggest. For now, however, they appear to be showcasing a sense of design elegance that contrasts with the utilitarian lines of their past products.
Still, Pimax isn’t abandoning its hallmark wider field-of-view headsets. While the compact form is a newfound focus, larger designs remain in their development pipeline.
Pre-orders for the Pimax Dream Air are already open, priced at $1,900, with shipping anticipated to kick off by May 2025.
