PICO 4 Ultra VR Headset: Next-Level Immersion

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. 

Update: Some users have reported compatibility issues with the PICO 4 Ultra and the DeoVR app. The DeoVR devs are working hard on this - a fix is expected very soon. 

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 works seamlessly with the PICO 4 Ultra, taking full advantage of its upgraded specs. The enhanced display and powerful GPU ensure an immersive experience with smoother playback and enhanced visual detail with sharper details and more vibrant colors. 

One of the standout features is its improved ergonomics. The device has been rebalanced for better comfort, with a more evenly distributed weight between the front and rear. This means longer sessions in VR are now more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy DeoVR's content without intense neck aches. 

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. 

Get started with DeoVR on the PICO 4 Ultra

Getting DeoVR up and running on your PICO 4 Ultra is simple:

1. Via DeoVR from the Pico 4 Store:
• Head to the Pico 4 store, search for DeoVR and install the app. Once installed, you’ll have full access to everything DeoVR offers.
2. Sideload the DeoVR App Using SideQuest:
• If you prefer to sideload, you can use SideQuest to install DeoVR. Find DeoVR on SideQuest and follow the tutorial on enabling developer mode on your PICO 4 Ultra. This method allows you to customize your experience further.
3. Optimizing Playback for 8K Scenes:
• Some users may experience lag when playing back 8K videos. To fix this, simply switch the codec from H264 to H265 in the playback settings. It will ensure smooth playback of high-resolution content without any issues

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. 

For DeoVR users, the PICO 4 Ultra offers a seamless and enhanced viewing experience, making it a worthy addition to any VR setup.

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