Published: December 22, 2022
A successful virtual reality Metaverse platform, Somnium Space, known for its open and decentralized market principles based on blockchain, will reveal its latest functional DevKit and final design of VR1 headset at CES. Visitors can have a look into the headset to test high resolution VR picture clarity and its state-of-the-art mixed reality camera modules quality.
Somnium VR1 PC VR headset visualization
Somnium VR1 is an open-source high-end PCVR headset with high-resolution displays, special custom non-fresnel, crystal clear lenses, eye tracking, hand tracking, and a modular design allowing users to change, add or modify many parts of the headset. Additionally, Somnium Space will give access to the majority of sensors allowing advanced users to create custom mixed-reality experiences. Full specifications are the following:
- Display: 2× 3.2″ 2880 × 2880 Fast LCD. Horizontal FOV 120°, Vertical FOV 100°
- Pass-through cameras: 2× 3864 × 2192, 90 FPS (foveated transport), FOV 120° × 100°
- Ultraleap hand tracking
- Custom made eye tracking
- WiFi 6e
- Wireless PC VR Streaming
- Native wired PC Mode (lossless)
- Native SteamVR & OpenXR support
- 3x USB-C 10 Gbps for external accessories (USB 3.2 Gen2)
- Integrated high-quality stereo microphones
- Headphone jack
- Custom-made head strap with included in-ear headphones
- 3 modular customizable and 3D printable anchor points
“We are dedicated to bringing the most versatile and robust headset on the market. This headset is aimed at enthusiasts, who want to fully own their VR hardware and those, who like to tinker with their hardware and software to get the most out of their experience. I am sure, that with such amazing visuals and industrial design, those who are true fans of VR will gladly join the community of Somnium VR1 headset owners” – says Artur Sychov, Somnium Space CEO.
“Due to supply chain constraints and more complex than expected negotiations with key suppliers, Somnium Space has decided to focus its efforts fully on a PCVR headset for its first release and postpone the release of a standalone version. Somnium continues R&D for a standalone version of VR1 headset and will bring more information after the official release of PCVR version in 2023″ Artur Sychov adds.
The Somnium Space partnered with the leader in delivering next-generation virtual and mixed reality pilot training systems Vrgineers, Inc. and 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research to enhance the development of a new cutting-edge open-source VR headset. This new VR headset aims to change the restrictive politics in the virtual reality market in general, which was established by big corporate and centralized entities. As a reaction to these restrictions, the Somnium VR1 headset will be built on as open and modular platform as possible. All the three companies will jointly exhibit at the booth nr. 15167, Central Hall, Tech East.
“The goal of this collaboration is to provide VR enthusiasts and the whole community the ability to make their own headset without big corporation restrictions.” explains Marek Polcak, Vrgineers CEO.
The concept of this revolutionary Somnium VR1 headset is based on the availability of the 3D headset data. The VR enthusiasts will be able to easily download the 3D parts from Prusa website and purchase electronical components, sensors, and lenses directly from Somnium not just for building their own headset but also for its future maintenance and upgrades.
The whole project is solely funded by Somnium Space and is positioned as an alternative to centralized VR hardware manufacturers with closed platforms, which are trying to limit applications and slowdown innovation.
Somnium VR1 PCV headset visualization with Destek headstrap.
Somnium VR1 will be able to upgrade with Mixed Reality Module, hand tracking or even a wireless connection using WiFi6, which will be presented at the CES show using the XTAL headset.
About Somnium Space:
Somnium Space is the world’s first open, social and persistent Virtual Reality platform built on blockchain. Its unique decentralized NFT-based economy allows users to own, trade, and exchange digital items in a permissionless way. It is a Virtual Reality universe shaped & built entirely by its players!
About Prusa Research:
Prusa Research is a 3D printing company based in Prague, Czech Republic. It was founded in 2012 as a one-man startup by Josef Prusa, one of the core developers of the open-source project RepRap, and has grown to a team of over 700 now. His open-sourced Prusa i3 design is the most used 3D printer in the world. The company ships more than 10,000 Original Prusa printers per month to over 160 countries directly from Prague.
About Vrgineers:
Vrgineers, Inc. is a leader in delivering next-generation virtual and mixed-reality pilot training systems (Synthetic Training Environment, STE) to professional and military clients. Vrgineers’ pilot training solution includes portable trainers ready to be packed and taken on missions; reconfigurable classroom simulators that support almost all platforms, from the T-6 Texan to the F-35; and custom 1:1 simulators that are built specifically for any type of helicopter, jet-fighter, or airliner, and include a fully-functional cockpit replica.