The Pimax Dream Air headset is steering the company into a fresh direction. Previously known for their hefty designs aimed at delivering a wide field of view, Pimax is now channeling efforts into creating a more compact headset that doesn’t skimp on features. Among these features is an industry-first—a headstrap that adjusts automatically for a custom fit.
Set at a price point of $1,900, with shipping expected by May 2025, the Dream Air is Pimax’s answer to the growing market for high-end, yet compact, PC VR headsets, vying for attention alongside models like the Bigscreen Beyond and the Shiftall MaganeX Superlight.
But it wouldn’t be typical Pimax without some ambitious promises. Their newest pledge? An optional compute puck turning the Dream Air into a standalone VR headset. Dubbed the ‘Cobb,’ this puck is said to include a Snapdragon XR2 chip and a battery. Oh, and there’s also talk about an optional SteamVR Tracking faceplate.
However, Pimax seems to have a habit of announcing new gadgets even before fulfilling their previous promises. Take the Crystal Super headset, for instance. Revealed in April 2024 and initially slated for a Q4 2024 launch, it’s now being pushed to sometime in Q1 2025.
The Dream Air, meanwhile, is set to be both sleek and packed with an array of enticing specs:
– Weighs only 200g
– Delivers a 13MP (3,840 × 3,552) micro-OLED resolution per eye at 90Hz, with “HDR”
– Offers a 102° field-of-view
– Features inside-out tracking
– Supports motion controllers and hand-tracking
– Comes with on-board audio
– Includes optional prescription lenses
– Sports eye-tracking
– Boasts automatic IPD and headstrap adjustments
The automatic tightening strap is particularly intriguing, considering how crucial a snug yet comfortable fit is for headset users. Typically, many like their headsets tight to avoid movement, but the perfect fit balances snugness with comfort.
Just from preliminary images, the design of this smart strap looks remarkably thoughtful. The tightening system is concealed within the fabric, lending an impression that the strap simply contracts snugly into place.
If it works as intended, finding that sweet spot of tightness could be a game-changer for many. Additionally, the automatic Interpupillary Distance (IPD) adjustment tailors the lens spacing to individual users’ eyes, a task not everyone does well manually.
Whether Pimax can deliver such a polished product remains to be seen, but they’re certainly showing off an evolved design flair—moving away from the functional, boxy look of their earlier headsets.
Yet, Pimax isn’t entirely abandoning their legacy. While these new compact designs are a fresh avenue, they’ll continue to work on larger headsets with expansive fields-of-view.
The Dream Air is up for pre-order for $1,900, with a release scheduled for May 2025.
