Want to boost your gaming setup? Do you believe in a future of mixed reality integrating into the workplace? Or you're just a casual user looking for a reality headset? Consider the PICO 4 Ultra MR Headset.
In our PICO 4 Ultra review, although we find it neither the best for gaming or productivity, it's one of the best for users who wants something in between, especially for the tech enthusiasts that wants to try a reality headset. If you put in the effort, you can still make it work and integrate it into your everyday gaming or work life.
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
What is Mixed Reality?
If the term mixed reality (MR) doesn't sound familiar to you, that's because it's a rather newer concept than virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
To simply put, VR is when you, usually as an avatar of the game, are in an entirely different world that does not resemble reality. Some examples of this would be the movie Ready Player One and games like Octodad and Beatsaber.
Meanwhile, AR is when 3D or 4D features are fixed into reality. Games like Pokemon Go are in this category.
In the case of MR, it's a mix of both. MR headsets are great for lifestyle integration. Say you are gaming and you need to get a drink quickly. You can interact with your actual personal space using an MR headset, but not with a VR headset.
Interested in an MR headset? Here are reasons we vouch for the PICO 4 Ultra, after passing it around the office for a couple of weeks.
Reason 1: Best of both worlds
If you will be sharing your headset with a lot of people, or you just want to dabble into many apps at once, the PICO 4 Ultra is great for that.
As we've said earlier, PICO 4 Ultra is not amazing for games or for productivity, but it's great if you're a casual gamer who won't need high graphics, or someone who wants to produce and work with an AR headset. The key here is balance, and balance is great because you get to eat your cake and have it too.
PICO 4 Ultra's Enhanced MR Perception technology makes this possible by employing 7 sensors, including an internet of things (iToF) depth-sensing camera that measures distances accurately, essentially improving spatial perception.
With the PICO 4 Ultra as an MR headset, you can also toggle between VR and MR Modes with just a single button, minus any headache.
Reason 2: Comfortable accessories for long use
Speaking of which, the PICO 4 Ultra is notable for its lightweight feel among many other VR and MR headsets.
Not only does the headwear weighs 580g, its accessories including headband and other motion tracks (for controllers and legs) are also adjustable. This allows you to adjust the comfort and snug level when you wear the headset.
The front is about 304 grams and the rear 276 grams. This weight distribution factor helps to make the headset feel lighter than it is. Compared to the PICO 4, the PICO 4 Ultra headset uses a single-lens pancake optical design, which contributes to it being lighter than the PICO 4 model.
Our team have so far recorded 45 minutes worth of wear in one sitting, and without any head tension or discomfort. Dizziness from motion sickness was also something absent, largely thanks to the PICO 4 Ultra's motorized interpupillary distance adjustment.
Reason 3: Exercising becomes more fun
Even if you aren't a hardcore gamer or tech enthusiast who wants to use the PICO 4 Ultra as a work desktop, having the MR headset is useful as a leisure equipment tool for your fitness journey.
Many online (/r) have shared their success stories of being more active via playing with VR games. And it's all thanks to the fun of games that distracts the presence of pain when your body enters into a full blaze movement session.
For the best gaming experience, PICO 4 Ultra promises clear and immersive visuals, as well as optimized color accuracy and reduced edge distortion. When it comes to navigating games, you get a pair of lightweight ringless controllers which feels tactile to use, making the overall experience pleasant for casual gaming and productivity use. You can also wear the leg and waist track for a full body immersion into your game.
Want some nice recommendations? Beat Saber (rhythm), Pistol Whip (shooter) and FixXR (rhythm fitness) games come to mind.
Buy the PICO 4 Ultra
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