When Pimax announced their upcoming Dream Air headset, the VR community was abuzz with curiosity. To satisfy that curiosity, we reached out to Pimax for answers and got an exclusive peek at prototypes, detailed specs, and updates on other undelivered products.
Pimax has been around for a while now, crafting VR headsets, but they’ve consistently faced criticism about lack of polish, shifting strategies, delays, and announcing new gear before previous commitments are met.
Their latest announcement of the sleek Dream Air headset brought these issues back into focus, prompting many to question how Pimax plans to overcome past hurdles. We gathered these questions and went straight to the source. Below, you’ll find what we discovered, along with images of Dream Air prototypes, a comprehensive spec list, and news on earlier announcements still in limbo.
Q1: Can Pimax deliver the Dream Air in significant numbers by May 2025?
A1: We’ve been hard at work on the Crystal Super and Dream Air, practically identical headsets internally, for over a year now. Our optical engine is fully functional, and we’re optimistic that we can meet the May deadline, mirroring the Crystal Super’s development timeline.
Both the Dream Air and Crystal Super use the same optical engine, implemented differently. You’ll find more details on this shared technology online. Our main challenges are sourcing micro-OLED panels and, possibly, ringless controllers. Initially, we might ship with ringed controllers (like those on the Crystal/Light/Super) which we can swap out later.
We’re aiming to ship 200 to 300 units in May, and announcing now helps ensure this. We’re eager to clear the air on several fronts.
Q2: Why announce so soon after the Super? Why the rush for pre-orders?
A2: We have our reasons. Announcing Dream Air now prevents overlap with the Super’s shipment, which could lead to buyer’s remorse. Customers can still switch their pre-orders from Super to Dream Air in response to this announcement, which we’re already managing in our Discord.
Another factor is the supply-demand imbalance for micro-OLED panels. They’re scarce, and lead times are lengthy. Pre-orders help gauge demand and allow us to order panels for May delivery before the holiday slowdowns during the Chinese New Year.
This scarcity isn’t unique to us. Competitors face similar challenges and don’t offer refundable pre-orders. On the flip side, our pre-orders are refundable before shipping, and there’s a $1 reservation option.
Q3: What about concerns that Pimax should streamline its product lineup?
A3: We’re aiming to be a multi-SKU company, given the fast diversification of VR headsets. Our goal remains to propel the ultimate experience for varied users through the Crystal and Dream lines.
Shared technology across our headsets—both in software and hardware—focuses on PCVR. We’ve learned from previous missteps, like the non-PCVR Portal.
Pimax has been crafting VR headsets for nine years and owns two R&D offices. We’re also setting up a second assembly line to support this multi-SKU model. Using shared tech enables us to direct more resources into developments that enhance all our products. It also allows for a consistent production flow throughout the year, preventing efficiency pitfalls from sales spikes. With our own factory and workforce, this model also aids in resource management.
Q4: Are more headsets in the pipeline?
A4: We’ll revisit some older models, but there won’t be any headsets more advanced than Dream Air and Crystal Super, except for the 12K.
Q5: How developed is the Dream Air’s design? Are the announcement renders final or concept-based? Is a working prototype available?
A5: The headset’s internals are fully fleshed out. We’re actively testing with a functional optical engine and software, which shares everything with the Crystal Super— SLAM tracking, eye and hand-tracking, and altogether settings in Pimax Play.
Externally, we’re using the Crystal Super’s housing while developing Dream Air’s unique exterior. Here are two development-stage prototypes:
Image courtesy Pimax
Image courtesy Pimax
Update: An earlier version mislabeled prototype images, which we’ve corrected.
Q6: Will the Cobb standalone module launch in 2025?
A6: There’s no set ETA for Cobb yet. It’s an addition to Dream Air with features we haven’t fully disclosed since our Frontier announcement.
Q7: Are there safety features to prevent the auto-tightening headstrap from being dangerous if it malfunctions?
A7: Safety-wise, it’s robust enough to secure the headset without causing harm. Elastic rubber components are used for internal straps—similar to technology found in self-lacing shoes like Nike’s Auto Adapt.
Q8: Can users swap head straps?
A8: Yes, they are detachable at the stems.
Q9: Any plans for future compatibility with HorizonOS or AndroidXR?
A9: No such plans exist. The Dream Air uses the same micro-OLED optical engine as the Crystal Super and operates as a PC VR headset with Pimax Play alongside OpenXR/OpenVR and SteamVR support.
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 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), Hand-tracking
- Audio: In-headstrap speakers
- Microphone: Dual-microphone
- Weight: 200g
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Sensing
- Headset-tracking: Inside-out (no external beacons), Optional SteamVR Tracking
- Controller-tracking: Headset-tracked
- Eye-tracking: Yes
- Expression-tracking: No
- On-board cameras: 4× tracking, 2× passthrough
- Depth-sensor: No
- Price
- MSRP: $1,900
Pimax Shipping Update
Q: What’s the latest on shipping times for unreleased Pimax products?
A: Crystal Super is primed for a CES 2025 demo, especially with the QLED 57 PPD optical engine, shipping by the end of January. The 50 PPD and micro-OLED engines are almost ready, with releases slated for March and April.
The dimming-less Crystal Light drops around June 2025, potentially reducing costs. The 60G Airlink for the original Crystal will also feature at CES 2025, and beta testing is imminent, aiming for an April shipment.
As for the 12K, we can’t provide a specific ETA yet. Despite initial solutions for key challenges, some fell short of our standards—like the dual DP 1.4 option and an undisclosed panel solution.
Got more questions for Pimax? Toss them in the comments below.
