Virtual reality (VR) startup Bigscreen unveiled its first major hardware offering: the world’s smallest headset, the Bigscreen Beyond.
The new headset has an unprecedented form factor, weighing 127 grams and measuring less than 1 inch. Bigscreen’s inaugural offering weighs six times lighter than competing headsets, despite packing many competitive specs.
According to the data sheets, the new device contains:
Ultra high-resolution OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays PC tethering for full gaming experiences 5120 × 2560 resolution Up to 90 Hertz refresh rate 28 pixels per degree (PPD) 90° × 93° field of view (FoV) Pancake optic lenses
Custom-made face shields and molds for buyers are also used to greatly improve comfort over long periods of use.
Founded in 2014, Bigscreen launched its social VR platform that allows users to stream movies, play video games and collaborate with friends and colleagues via PCs.
It works on major platforms like Meta Quest 2 and Pro, SteamVR headsets like Valve Index, HTC VIVE, and Windows Mixed Reality (MR) Head-Mounted Displays.
Custom Comfort, Bigscreen Beyond
Customers who pre-order the headset will receive a Bigscreen App invitation to 3D scan their faces via an Apple iPhone Xr or later. With the help of 3D Mesh Building, the smartphone’s TrueDepth sensor, shoppers can map their faces with sub-millimetre accuracy.
After five minutes, the app’s computer vision tools can also measure interpupillary distance (IPD) and facial contours. Bigscreen then develops the face pillow and front interface, which can take from a few weeks to a few months depending on your needs.
Darshan Shankar, Founder and CEO of Bigscreen, said in a statement:
“As passionate VR enthusiasts, we built the VR headset we wanted. Today’s leading VR headsets have doubled their weight compared to the headsets of 2016. We created Beyond because we felt VR was too heavy, bulky and uncomfortable.”
He added that his company also aims to build the best hardware to deliver the “best software experience” for Bigscreen Beyond.
Philip Krejov, Bigscreen’s head of hardware, added:
“Rather than a one-size-fits-all consumer electronics product, we believe VR headsets should be a customized wearable device, more like prescription glasses.”
Customers who receive their custom-made headsets can access full comfort and clarity with their form-fitting devices. This offers massive improvements like even weight distribution, no light leakage, and precise IPD alignment. Users can also hand wash the cushions to keep the headset clean.
Bigscreen Beyond with PCVR tethering cable Top profile Side profile pancake look
The headset also allows magnetically connected prescription lenses to be fitted to the optics of the headset.
Beyond also includes soft headbands for using the headset with audio speakers or audio bands with improved ergonomics and on-ear headphones.
Receipt from SteamVR, shipping
Bigscreen Beyond also comes fully featured with integrated SteamVR tracking for body positioning and spatial orientation. With a SteamVR v1.0 or v.2.0 base station, it also offers a full six degrees of flight (6DoF) body tracking.
This also integrates the SteamVR game streaming platform, where players can choose from a huge catalog of hit titles. Users must first download the Steam client and SteamVR apps for Windows PC.
Beyond the VR headset. Photo: large picture
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. Interested parties can pre-order the kit for $999 and receive a full refund before the device ships if they wish.
It is available to buyers in the United States and Canada. European markets include UK, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and others.
Further overseas, buyers in Japan, Australia and New Zealand can purchase the device, which the company plans to expand over the next year.
