PICO 4 Ultra VR Headset: Next-Level Immersion

6 days ago

Important: The PICO 4 Ultra is not currently compatible with DeoVR. A fix is being worked on, but we cannot give a firm expected date at the moment.

The PICO 4 Ultra VR headset builds on the success of the PICO 4 and offers significant upgrades to deliver a more immersive and powerful experience.

What's new with the PICO 4 Ultra VS the PICO 4?

In brief: the chip has been upgraded from Qualcomm XR2 to XR2 gen2. The internal memory has been enlarged to 12GB, so the render performance is better. Enhanced AR features have been added, such as passthrough mode and floating screens.

Key Features and Upgrades

Qualcomm XR2 Gen 2 Chipset:

Significant upgrade from the previous XR2: faster rendering and smoother gameplay
Enhanced with 12GB internal memory for handling complex VR environments effortlessly

Visuals:

Same optical module as the PICO 4, with a 105° field of view (FOV)
Improved display with brighter, sharper visuals and more vibrant colors

Enhanced Ergonomics:

Rebalanced front and rear weights for more comfortable wear
Stability and comfort make it ideal for extended VR sessions

AR and Passthrough Capabilities:

Video see-through (VST) offers 80-85% of the performance of Meta Quest 3
The built-in camera app allows for spatial video recording directly from the headset

DeoVR and the PICO 4 Ultra

DeoVR does not currently work with the PICO 4 Ultra. A fix is being worked on and will be implemented soon. Unfortunately we cannot give an estimated date at this time.

Can users record footage on the Pico 4 Ultra?

A particularly exciting feature of the PICO 4 Ultra is its built-in camera app, which allows users to shoot spatial videos directly from the headset. It’s a game-changer for content creators, making it easy to shoot spatial video, similar to what you might expect from more expensive devices like Apple's Vision Pro.

However, it's worth noting that the device’s hand-tracking capabilities still leave room for improvement. While the hardware is an excellent upgrade in many areas, hand tracking remains a work in progress. Users who prioritize this feature may find it lacking compared to other headsets.

Passthrough and AR Capabilities

Known as Video See-Through (VST), this feature offers an experience of around 80-85% of the Quest 3’s performance. While not quite on the same level, it’s highly usable and allows for a good blend of VR and AR experiences. This makes it a solid choice for users exploring AR content or recording spatial videos directly from the headset.

The ergonomics of the PICO 4 Ultra have been noticeably improved. The front and rear weights have been rebalanced. Users have reported that the PICO 4 Ultra feels more stable and less fatiguing, making it ideal for long VR sessions.

User insights and feedback

Early users of the PICO 4 Ultra have noted several improvements over the PICO 4. The overall picture quality is sharper, with a more precise and "accurate" feel to the visuals. Users have also appreciated the ergonomics, with many noting that the headset feels more comfortable during extended use. However, some have pointed out that with the overall experience and price, it stays behind competitors like the Meta Quest 3.

The overall conclusion seems to be that Pico 4 Ultra is a loser in the Pico vs. Quest battle unless you’re a content creator who cares most about shooting videos directly with your headset.

Final Thoughts

The PICO 4 Ultra VR has upgraded visuals, improved comfort, plus unique features like spatial video recording. While it might not beat every competitor, especially in hand tracking, it stands out as a strong choice for those who prioritize content creation and long VR sessions.

When it is compatible with DeoVR, we expect it to be a solid competitor to the Meta Quest 3 and 3S. Until then, we recommend sticking with the Quest 3 or 3S.

Join the discussion at the DeoVR forum, Facebook and Reddit.