Pimax Unveils Dream Air Prototypes and Addresses Essential Inquiries

After the announcement of Pimax’s new Dream Air headset, the virtual reality community was buzzing with curiosity and plenty of questions. We took the opportunity to connect with the company to get some clarity. Not only did we gather information about their latest project, but we also got a sneak peek at early prototypes, a complete rundown of specifications, and updates on some products that have yet to see the light of day.

Pimax, a veteran in the VR headset industry, has unfortunately been the subject of persistent criticism. Issues like lacking refinement, unclear strategic direction, missed timelines, and prematurely announcing new gadgets have plagued their reputation over the years.

The introduction of the Dream Air has predictably brought these concerns back into the spotlight. Many are curious to know how Pimax plans to address these issues moving forward. To get answers, we sent a list of frequently asked questions to the company and now share the insights we’ve gathered. This includes images of Dream Air prototypes, its full specifications, and news on other products that are in the pipeline.

A Look at Pimax’s Confidence in Meeting Deadlines

When asked if Pimax felt assured that the Dream Air would be ready and distributed in significant numbers by May 2025, they responded by highlighting their extensive year-long development work on the Crystal Super micro-OLED and the Dream Air, which are essentially two versions of the same hardware. With a fully operational optical engine already in place, they believe there’s enough time to achieve their goals before May, mirroring the timeline of the Crystal Super’s past development.

The Dream Air shares the same optical technology as the Crystal Super but features a new design aesthetic. The primary hurdle, they admit, is securing a steady supply of micro-OLED panels and possibly the ringless controllers. Initial shipments might include ringed controllers as seen on older models but can be swapped out for the newer design later. They expect to ship between 200 to 300 units by May, which fueled their decision to announce the device at this point.

Timing and the Opening of Pre-Orders

On why the headset was announced so soon after the Super and the move to open pre-orders, Pimax explained that it was a strategic decision. They didn’t want to introduce the Dream Air post-Super shipments, potentially leading customers to regret purchases if they preferred the newer model. Interestingly, users are being given the option to switch their pre-order from the Super to the Dream Air, if desired.

Another driving force behind the early announcement is the tight market for micro-OLED panels, where demand significantly outweighs supply. By gauging pre-order interest, Pimax can better anticipate customer needs and place their component orders accordingly, especially with upcoming holidays affecting supplier availability.

Unlike some competitors who offer non-refundable pre-orders due to similar supply issues, Pimax provides refundable options before shipping and even a trade-in period once users receive their headset. There’s also a minimal $1 reservation fee.

On the Company’s Product Focus

Responding to calls for a narrower product range, Pimax remains committed to being a multi-product company, seeing an opportunity in the diversifying world of VR headsets. They prioritize delivering exceptional experiences tailored to varied usage needs—be it through the Crystal or Dream lines.

All their headsets leverage a shared foundation in terms of software and hardware, ensuring a focus on PC VR systems. Drawing from past lessons, such as detours with non-PCVR-focused projects, they are utilizing their extensive nine-year history to inform their approach. With two R&D offices and an expanding assembly line, the company is structured to support this diversified strategy efficiently, reducing peaks in demand and balancing production throughout the year.

Future Product Plans

While Pimax plans to refresh some of their older models, they don’t intend to release any headsets more advanced than the Dream Air and Crystal Super, except for the announced 12K model.

Development Insights for Dream Air

Addressing questions about the Dream Air’s design and whether visuals from the announcement were mere mockups or actual prototypes, Pimax clarified that internally, the headset is fully conceptualized. Testing is underway, utilizing the Crystal Super’s housing for now, and the Dream Air’s own design is still under development. They even shared images of two prototype stages.

Other Features and Safety Considerations

Safety features around the auto-tightening headstrap have been incorporated to prevent any harm from malfunctions. The strap, made from resilient yet flexible rubber, is sturdy enough for the headset but not strong enough to cause injury—similar tech is seen in products like Nike’s self-lacing shoes.

As for modular additions, there’s no fixed schedule for the release of Cobb, a standalone expansion for the Dream Air, as they are still refining its features. There are no plans to run the headset on HorizonOS or AndroidXR since its core technology aligns with the Crystal Super’s PC-focused design, using platforms like OpenXR/OpenVR and SteamVR.

Comprehensive Specs of the Dream Air

• Display: Two micro-OLEDs with 100% DCI-P3 color
• Resolution per eye: 13MP (3,840 x 3,552)
• Refresh Rate: 90Hz Max
• Optics: Pancake lenses
• Field-of-view: 102° Horizontal
• Connections: Supports DP 1.4 to USB-C and USB-C accessories
• Input Features: Rechargeable Dream Air controllers, hand-tracking
• Audio and Weight: Integrated speakers and weighs 200g
• Tracking capabilities: Includes inside-out, optional SteamVR tracking, and eye-tracking
• MSRP: $1,900

Shipping Updates for Unreleased Products

Looking ahead, Pimax is preparing for several product milestones. The Crystal Super will be showcased at CES 2025, with its QLED engine shipping by the end of January. Additional optical engines will follow in March and April. In June, the more affordable Crystal Light without local dimming is expected. Meanwhile, the 60G Airlink, designed for the original Crystal, is set for an imminent external testing phase and will ship in April. Unfortunately, deadlines for the 12K model remain elusive as some technical solutions have not met expected standards, postponing its release.

If you have further burning questions for Pimax, feel free to put them in the comments below.