Pico Neo VR headset doesn't require a smartphone or PC, you only need to connect the controller


Pico Neo VR headset

Virtual reality trend indeed is very popular in this year. No wonder if there are so many parties offering interesting ideas to the VR fans, one of them is a startup from China named Pico.

Pico introduces a unique virtual reality headset called Pico Neo. The headset is not equipped with a slot to insert a smartphone, and it is also not equipped with other components in addition to the display.

So how does Pico Neon present the VR experience to users? The secret lies in the controller unit which looks like the Super Nintendo controller. The controller has been equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset.

Yup, this controller packs 2.2 GHz quad-core processor, Adreno 530 GPU, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage - plus a microSD slot for expansion - and the Android 6.0 operating system. It is equipped with a battery capacity of 5000mAh, which is claimed can be used to play for three hours nonstop.

Pico Neo VR headset

To use it, user can simply connect the controller to the headset via a connection cable. The headset is equipped with its own display panel with a resolution of 1200 x 1080 pixels for each eye, with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and 102-degree viewing angle. Because it only brings a display panel, users won't feel heavy when using it.

Pico also provides optional accessories such as Tracking Camera and Tracking Beacon, which are inspired by PlayStation Camera and Move Controller.

Although it sounds promising, the problem that may be encountered by Pico Neo is about content, considering it is based on Android. Even so, Pico explains that its headset is also compatible with PC, although there is no information whether it supports SteamVR platform or the other.

Pico Neo will be released in the summer, at a price of 3,399 Yuan, includes a controller and headset. The headset itself will be sold separately for 1,899 Yuan.