Virtual reality (VR) startup Bigscreen revealed its first major hardware offering: the world’s smallest headset, the Bigscreen Beyond.
The novel headset features an unprecedented form factor, weighing 127 grammes and under 1 inch. Bigscreen’s inaugural offering weighs six times lighter than rival headsets, despite packing a lot of competitive specifications.
Today, we’re excited to announce Bigscreen Beyond, the world’s smallest VR headset
Pre-order now: https://t.co/WcUy2nAuSw
Watch the trailer: https://t.co/2yfMLXygE9 pic.twitter.com/6OdPyXuUcw— Bigscreen (@BigscreenVR) February 13, 2023
According to its spec sheets, the new device includes:
- Ultra-high-resolution organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays
- PC tethering for full gaming experiences
- 5120 × 2560 resolution
- Up to 90 hertz refresh rates
- 28 pixels per degree (PPD)
- 90° × 93° field of view (FoV)
- Pancake optic lenses
It also uses bespoke face guards and shapes for buyers to improve comfort over long periods of use significantly.
Founded in 2014, Bigscreen launched its social VR platform allowing users to stream movies, play video games, and collaborate across PCs with friends and colleagues.
It operates across major platforms such as Meta Quest 2 and Pro, SteamVR headsets such as the Valve Index, HTC VIVE, and Windows Mixed Reality (MR) head-mounted displays.
Custom Comfort, Bigscreen Beyond
Customers pre-ordering the headset will receive a Bigscreen app invitation to 3D scan their faces via an Apple iPhone Xr or later. Using 3D mesh building, the smartphone’s TrueDepth sensor, buyers can map their faces with sub-millimetre precision.
After five minutes, the app’s computer vision tools can also measure interpupillary distance (IPD) and facial contours. Bigscreen will then develop the face cushion and front interface, which takes from a few weeks to a few months, depending on demand.
Darshan Shankar, Bigscreen Founder and Chief Executive, said in a statement,
“As passionate VR enthusiasts, we built the VR headset we wanted for ourselves. Today’s leading VR headsets have doubled in weight compared to headsets from 2016. We built Beyond because we felt VR was too heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable”
He added that his company aimed also to create the best hardware to deliver the “best software experience” for the Bigscreen Beyond.
Philip Krejov, Bigscreen’s Hardware Chief, added,
“Instead of one-size-fits-all consumer electronics, we believe VR headsets should be a custom-fit wearable device more like prescription eyewear”
Customers receiving their bespoke headsets can access full comfort and clarity with their form-fitting devices. This provides massive improvements such as even weight distribution, zero light leakage, and precise IPD alignment. Users can also hand wash the cushions to keep the headset clean.
The headset also allows magnetically-connected prescription lenses to fit the headset’s optics.
Beyond also includes soft head straps for using the headset with audio speakers, or audio straps complete with improved ergonomics and on-ear headphones.
Gaining SteamVR, Shipping
Bigscreen Beyond also comes fully equipped with built-in SteamVR tracking for body positioning and spatial orientation. Using a SteamVR v1.0 or v.2.0 base station, it also offers full six degrees of flight (6DoF) body tracking.
This also integrates the SteamVR game streaming platform, where gamers can choose from a huge catalogue of hit titles. Users must first download the Steam client and SteamVR apps for Windows PCs.
Gamers can also use Valve Index and HTC VIVE controllers along with full-body tracking wearables.
Bigscreen plans to ship the device in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023. Those interested can preorder the kit for $999 and receive a full refund when needed before the device ships.
It is available to buyers across the United States and Canada. European markets include the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and others.
Further abroad, shoppers in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand can buy the device, which the company plans to expand next year.
