New Ultrawide optics push VR field of view to 140 degrees

Image: Pimax

Pimax is rolling out a new optical engine for its Crystal Super VR headset, expanding the horizontal field of view to 140 degrees — without sacrificing image sharpness, according to the company.

FACTS

Pimax has officially announced a new “Ultrawide” optical engine for its Crystal Super VR headset. The new module bumps the horizontal field of view from 127 to 140 degrees, while holding steady at 50 PPD (pixels per degree) for sharpness — at least if you take the manufacturer at its word. This wider FOV is achieved by tweaking the position of the QLED panels and lenses and reducing the stereo overlap from 105 to 90 degrees.

The ultrawide engine sticks with the familiar QLED panels and aspherical glass lenses used in the standard 50 PPD version of the Crystal Super. Pimax says clarity remains edge-to-edge, so if you care about maximizing peripheral vision, the new option should feel right at home.

CONTEXT

Modular Design and Test Program

The ultrawide engine is part of Pimax’s modular approach with Crystal Super — swap out optical engines to fit your needs. Alongside the new ultrawide variant and the current 50 PPD QLED engine, Pimax is lining up additional modules: a 57 PPD QLED version for even sharper visuals (at the expense of a smaller 120-degree FOV), and a micro OLED engine with a 105-degree FOV and a lighter weight at around 700 grams.

Pimax is also launching a test program for pre-orders: put down a small deposit and pay shipping, and you can demo the different optical engines before locking in your purchase. The ultrawide engine ships starting July 2025, the 57 PPD QLED engine lands in June, and the micro OLED module is expected later in the summer.

Software and Hardware Updates

Alongside the new optics, Pimax has rolled out a round of software and hardware improvements for Crystal Super, following a wave of reported bugs a few weeks back. On the software side, expect updates to color profiles, speaker output, microphone performance, and controller tracking and stability. The Pimax Play app now features a live customer support chat as well.

Hardware-wise, the DMAS audio solution is back in all pre-orders, and the Crystal Super face inserts have been updated with stronger magnets and new foam. These upgrades will be included in all upcoming Crystal Super shipments, and if you already have an older face insert, you’ll automatically receive the new version later.

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