When Pimax recently unveiled their upcoming Dream Air headset, the virtual reality fanbase was buzzing with questions. We took those questions directly to the source and managed to get a first look at some early prototypes, a complete list of specs, and updates on other products they’ve teased but not yet launched.
For those unfamiliar, Pimax has been around the block with VR headset production. However, they’ve often faced criticism for not perfecting their products, losing focus, missing release timelines, and announcing new tech before delivering on existing promises.
Their latest announcement of the compact Dream Air headset brought these complaints to the forefront again. Many were wondering how Pimax plans to address these issues this time. We put forward some of the most common inquiries directly to Pimax, and here’s what we found out. Along with their responses, we were given images of the Dream Air prototypes, detailed specs, and updates on previously announced products that are still on the horizon.
Q: How confident is Pimax that Dream Air will be completed and shipped in significant numbers by May 2025?
A: We’ve been working on the Crystal Super micro-OLED and Dream Air for over a year now. Internally, these headsets share a lot of components. We’ve fully developed the optical engine and believe we can complete the rest by May, which aligns with the timeline we followed for the past year with Crystal Super’s development.
The Dream Air shares its optical engine solution with the Crystal Super but is designed quite differently in terms of form. You can find more details on the shared technical components of the Dream Air and Crystal Super micro-OLED here.
The primary hurdle involves sourcing micro-OLED panels and possibly the ringless controllers. Our initial shipments might include ringed controllers, like those used with the Crystal/Light/Super, which we’ll later swap for ringless types.
We’re aiming to dispatch about 200 to 300 units in May. This urgency is precisely why we made the announcement when we did. More on that below.
Q: Why was the Dream Air announced so soon after the Super? And why start taking pre-orders already?
A: There are several reasons. We announced the Dream Air early because we didn’t want to introduce it post-Super shipping, which might cause users to feel regret about their previous choices. We’re already witnessing comments like these on Discord. Importantly, customers can switch their pre-order from the Super to the Dream Air.
Another factor is the limited availability of micro-OLED panels. The demand far outstrips the supply right now, leading to extended delivery times when we place an order, sometimes spanning several months. We opened pre-orders to gauge interest and to ensure we can order the necessary panels for Dream Air’s release in May. These orders need to be finalized by early January due to suppliers’ schedules coinciding with Chinese New Year holidays.
This panel shortage isn’t exclusive to Pimax; even our competitors face it. Consequently, they avoid offering refundable pre-orders.
But, with us, pre-orders are refundable before dispatch, and users get a trade-in option once the headset arrives. There’s also a $1 reservation option available.
Q: What’s your response to those who feel Pimax should focus on a smaller range of products?
A: We aspire to be a company with multiple SKUs because VR headsets are rapidly diversifying. Our focus remains on offering a top-notch experience, and we provide distinct products for different needs, such as the Crystal range and the new Dream line.
All our headsets are built on shared technology, covering both software and hardware aspects, and are optimized for PCVR. We’ve learned from past experiences, like with Portal, which wasn’t targeted at PCVR.
With nearly a decade of experience producing VR headsets, we’re expanding with two R&D offices and will soon open a second assembly line to support our multi-SKU approach.
Using shared technology across SKUs means we can allocate more resources towards enhancing technology that benefits all our products. This strategy prevents a single peak in sales each year, smoother order distribution throughout the year helps us better manage supply and production resources, as we have our own factory and staff. Single peaks in demand often reduce efficiency.
Q: Any new headsets on the way from Pimax?
A: We’ll refresh some older models but have no plans to release anything more advanced than the Dream Air and Crystal Super at this time, except for the anticipated 12K.
Q: Where does Dream Air’s design stand? Were the announcement renders just concept art, and is there a working prototype yet?
A: The internals are completely designed, and we’re working with a viable optical engine. The software components, including SLAM tracking, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and all settings in Pimax Play, are shared with the Crystal Super.
Regarding the exterior, we’re still working on this, using the Crystal Super’s housing for the time being (with the micro-OLED optical engine) while developing the Dream Air’s casing.
Check out two prototypes developed during this process:
Newer Model:
Image courtesy of Pimax
Older Model:
Image courtesy of Pimax
Update (December 31st, 2024): We corrected an error in the previous version of this article where prototype images were mislabeled.
Q: Will Cobb, the standalone module for Dream Air, be available in 2025?
A: We don’t have a set release date for Cobb yet. It’s an add-on designed for Dream Air, and we’re still integrating features we didn’t initially communicate when announcing it.
Q: What safety measures does Pimax have for the automatic tightening head strap in case of malfunction?
A: The system is robust enough to secure the lightweight headset but not strong enough to cause harm. It’s made from elastic rubber straps. Similar technology is used in Nike Auto Adapt, for instance.
Q: Are the head straps replaceable, and if so, how?
A: Yes, the head strap can be removed from the stems.
Q: Any chance we might see this operating on HorizonOS or AndroidXR in the future?
A: There are no such plans. Technically, it’s the same as the Crystal Super’s micro-OLED optical engine and operates with Pimax Play as a PC VR headset, compatible with OpenXR/OpenVR and SteamVR.
Pimax also shared a comprehensive list of specifications for the Dream Air headset:
Pimax Dream Air Specs
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Visuals
- Display: 2 × micro-OLED, 100% DCI-P3 colors
- Resolution per-eye: 13MP (3,840 × 3,552)
- Max refresh rate: 90Hz
- Optics: Pancake
- Field-of-view: 102° horizontal
- Pass-through view: Black & white
- Optical adjustments: Continuous IPD (automatic), Prescription lenses (optional)
- IPD adjustment range: 58–72mm
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Input & Output
- Connectors: DP 1.4 (PC) to USB-C (headset), 1 × USB-C accessory port
- Input: Dream Air controllers (rechargeable battery), Hand-tracking
- Audio: In-head strap speakers, Dual-microphone
- Weight: 200g
-
Sensing
- Headset-tracking: Inside-out (no external beacons), SteamVR Tracking (optional)
- Controller-tracking: Headset-tracked (line-of-sight needed)
- Eye-tracking: Yes
- Expression-tracking: No
- On-board cameras: 4 × tracking, 2 × passthrough
- Depth-sensor: No
-
Price
- MSRP: $1,900
Pimax Product Shipping Update
Q: Can you give us the latest estimated shipping times for all pending Pimax products?
A: The Crystal Super is set to be demonstrated at CES 2025, notably the QLED 57 PPD optical engine, which will be available by the end of January. The 50 PPD optical engine and micro-OLED optical engine should be ready for shipping in March and April, respectively.
The non-local dimming version of the Crystal Light is scheduled for June 2025, which will further drive down its price.
The 60G Airlink for the original Crystal will also be showcased at CES2025, with external beta testing moments away. It’s expected to begin shipping in April 2025.
As for the highly anticipated 12K, we can’t provide a precise ETA at the moment. Despite solving some key technical challenges at the time of announcement, not all solutions met our quality standards. Some failed to deliver, such as the dual DP 1.4 solution, alongside a panel solution we’re withholding more details on.
Got more questions for Pimax? Feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
