Somnium VR1 Headset Sept. Update

[dburne]

https://somniumspace.medium.com/somniumvr1-headset-september-update-67767f424b2e

[ZiggyZiggyStar]

I’m looking at my next upgrade after the HP Reverb G2 and this is looking like a definite possibility. Roll on MRTV Somnium VR1 presentation in 2 days, I can’t wait. 

[chiliwili69]

Despite I would love to see competitors to Meta and ... uhm.. Meta, these are just words and pictures in a webpage.

I still can not understand how they are talking about the 4th prototype last week and commiting to deliver the headset in this 2023.

The prototypes of Quest3 were done in Sept-2022, 1 year ago when they were leaked and still not on market today.

Perhaps these guys want to do many things at once in one single device but this will delay the release date more a more.

As usual the MRTV will hype the VR1 (as he does for everysingle headset released), and the very end, the only way to know if the VR device is fine for you is just try it.(not for 1 hour for but 50 hours)

[Varibraun]

17 minutes ago, chiliwili69 said:

Despite I would love to see competitors to Meta and ... uhm.. Meta, these are just words and pictures in a webpage.

 

I am still happy with my Crystal, but it isn't perfect.  So, like Obi-Wan, I continue to have hope for every one of these:

 

[dburne]

49 minutes ago, chiliwili69 said:

Despite I would love to see competitors to Meta and ... uhm.. Meta, these are just words and pictures in a webpage.

I still can not understand how they are talking about the 4th prototype last week and commiting to deliver the headset in this 2023.

The prototypes of Quest3 were done in Sept-2022, 1 year ago when they were leaked and still not on market today.

Perhaps these guys want to do many things at once in one single device but this will delay the release date more a more.

As usual the MRTV will hype the VR1 (as he does for everysingle headset released), and the very end, the only way to know if the VR device is fine for you is just try it.(not for 1 hour for but 50 hours)

 

 

Well they say they are on track for it, no real  reason to doubt them really. We shall see. Based on what I read from the source their press release sounds like they may well be. I do not listen to MRTV.

 

I do not really consider these higher end headsets to be competitors to the grand Meta. Different ballpark. Meta is still somewhat on a race to the bottom, I understand they will be releasing a 200 dollar Quest Lite in 2024. They want to get these devices to get more into the Facebook/Meta ecosystem. 

I am lucky that I am still loving my Aero and still set with it for what I can tell is the foreseeable future.

 

 

 

11 hours ago, ZiggyZiggyStar said:

I’m looking at my next upgrade after the HP Reverb G2 and this is looking like a definite possibility. Roll on MRTV Somnium VR1 presentation in 2 days, I can’t wait. 

 

Yeah that would be significant upgrade for you.

Edited September 6, 2023 by dburne

[chiliwili69]

3 minutes ago, dburne said:

Well they say they are on track for it, no real  reason to doubt them really. We shall see.

 

Hey, there are big reasoons to doubt from them, the below was never released in 2022 and most likely not in 2023:

 

 

 

[dburne]

5 minutes ago, chiliwili69 said:

 

Hey, there are big reasoons to doubt from them, the below was never released in 2022 and most likely not in 2023:

 

 

 

LOL.  I really don't care about an old article from 2021.  Was Oculus still looking at Half Dome then? Maybe not, that was probably earlier.

Where's Index 2?? Now there is a big reason to doubt.

Edited September 6, 2023 by dburne

[chiliwili69]

2 minutes ago, dburne said:

Where's Index 2??

Should we call it Galileo?

[dburne]

5 minutes ago, chiliwili69 said:

Should we call it Galileo?

 

Sorry I do not get your meaning.

[dburne]

1 hour ago, chiliwili69 said:

Despite I would love to see competitors to Meta and ... uhm.. Meta, these are just words and pictures in a webpage.

I still can not understand how they are talking about the 4th prototype last week and commiting to deliver the headset in this 2023.

The prototypes of Quest3 were done in Sept-2022, 1 year ago when they were leaked and still not on market today.

Perhaps these guys want to do many things at once in one single device but this will delay the release date more a more.

As usual the MRTV will hype the VR1 (as he does for everysingle headset released), and the very end, the only way to know if the VR device is fine for you is just try it.(not for 1 hour for but 50 hours)

 

I pay no attention to them, so called professional reviewers like MRTV, VR Flight Sim Guy, and some others. 

I do review and trust information shared by actual every day users that get posted on these forums.  Most anyway 

Edited September 6, 2023 by dburne

[chiliwili69]

8 hours ago, dburne said:

 

Sorry I do not get your meaning.

 

Just search "Galileo Valve VR":

 

 

[dburne]

6 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

 

Just search "Galileo Valve VR":

 

 

 

 

Thanks but watching an hour and a half video on something like this is just not my thing - not even popcorn can help that. Not gonna happen. Perhaps it would be good for us to get back to the topic of this thread...

Edited September 7, 2023 by dburne

[Dagwoodyt]

6 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

 

Just search "Galileo Valve VR":

 

 

nothing-burger

[chiliwili69]

17 hours ago, dburne said:

Perhaps it would be good for us to get back to the topic of this thread...

 Hey, you were the one who brought the Index 2 topic...

 

About that long video, yes, it is too long and dense, all speculations but nothing official. Bottom line is something is being cooking in Valve and it could be the new VR headset or just something new of the Steam Deck. If they are right we should see something "soon". 2-3 months?

[ZiggyZiggyStar]

33 minutes ago, chiliwili69 said:

 Hey, you were the one who brought the Index 2 topic...

 

About that long video, yes, it is too long and dense, all speculations but nothing official. Bottom line is something is being cooking in Valve and it could be the new VR headset or just something new of the Steam Deck. If they are right we should see something "soon". 2-3 months?

Yes, I hope we hear some kind of announcement from Valve soon, at least before the year ends. All the endless rumblings from Bradley (I am sure he is doing a good job) with regards to the goings on behind Valves closed door has dragged on long enough for my (possibly limited) attention. 

[dburne]

Somnium VR1 supposed to be out before end of year.

 

Quote

The anticipation surrounding the Somnium VR1 has been palpable, and the question on everyone’s lips has been, “When?” While we’re keeping the exact release date under wraps for now (rest assured, it’s slated for this year), we’re thrilled to unveil our upcoming milestones. As September draws to a close, we will be launching a revamped Somnium Space website, which among many other things will prominently feature a dedicated section for the Somnium VR1 headset.

Upon the website’s launch, you will have the unique opportunity to “Reserve Your Spot” for Somnium VR1 for FREE.

 

 

I think the livestream with MRTV is going on now, at least I am watching something lol.

Edited September 8, 2023 by dburne

[dburne]

Dynamic Foveated Rendering /eye tracking integrated through Open XR. This is a very good thing for flight sims which I can attest.

[dburne]

I kind of watched the livestream off and on during the presentation. They are obviously playing in the high end (Aero type) market. Maybe I do agree based on what I saw I would be surprised if they are selling and delivering devices before the end of this year. I do hope that whenever they do release product it is finished product and not Pimax style of releasing totally unfinished product. Imho they should take all the time they need and do it right.

 

Will be interesting to keep an eye on, they are on Discord so I have joined their channel to keep up with them. It is very good at least to see there are still companies that will take a risk and pursue good quality PC-VR headsets and not follow the race to the bottom lead by the mammoth Meta. Also of note their software will be open source.

 

 

Edited September 8, 2023 by dburne

[Dagwoodyt]

As MRTV videos go I think this one is the best live stream I have seen. I watched the entire episode. Two things I don't remenber them mentioning though are graphics card requirements and built in mics or lack thereof.

[chiliwili69]

The MRTV interview looked quite honest.

The nice things of this device will be:

- Focus for PCVR

- 125º Horizontal FOV

- No interest personal data collected, just selling device.

- Nice top strap regulation (we will see)

- Four options: VR1 Base, VR1Base+EyeTracking, VR1Base+ET+HandTracking, VR1Base+ET+HT+MixedReality

 

 

Edited September 8, 2023 by chiliwili69

[chiliwili69]

a new update from VR1 this time with Tyriel Wood invited.

They didn´t pick pancake lenses, so the lenses to panel distance has to be large and then the device looks a bit bulky.

But this modular approach is really novel. It has the same resolution than Crystal & Aero(almost). So price should be below, otherwise there will not be market for it.

 

 

[DBCOOPER011]

7 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

But this modular approach is really novel. It has the same resolution than Crystal & Aero(almost). So price should be below, otherwise there will not be market for it.

 

 

 

People saying in the Pimax discord the price is $1899 for the base model. Cant verify the sources, but if true, I wouldn't speculate a lot of interest...

 

Edit: Watching the video it states $1799 or $1899 for the base model..

Edited December 23, 2023 by DBCOOPER011

[chiliwili69]

5 hours ago, DBCOOPER011 said:

People saying in the Pimax discord the price is $1899 for the base model. Cant verify the sources, but if true, I wouldn't speculate a lot of interest...

 

Edit: Watching the video it states $1799 or $1899 for the base model..

 

Yes, This is what they say. I think they have not yet a clear idea of the price, at the end they want to put a margin to have profits.

 

But given that it has no battery, it has no XR2 chip, no inside-out tracking, just LCD displays, etc.

So, just plastic, panels and lenses, I really don´t know why they put that price. People will go to cheaper (perhaps better) options like Aero&Crystal, and Quest3&Pico4 in a lower level.

Even the BigScreenBeyond just device is 1000$ or 1369€. It offers at least micro-OLED and very light & compact design.

I am not excited about the VR1. I don´t know how they don´t realize that. Someone needs to tell them there is no market for them at that price.

[DBCOOPER011]

55 minutes ago, chiliwili69 said:

 

Yes, This is what they say. I think they have not yet a clear idea of the price, at the end they want to put a margin to have profits.

 

But given that it has no battery, it has no XR2 chip, no inside-out tracking, just LCD displays, etc.

So, just plastic, panels and lenses, I really don´t know why they put that price. People will go to cheaper (perhaps better) options like Aero&Crystal, and Quest3&Pico4 in a lower level.

Even the BigScreenBeyond just device is 1000$ or 1369€. It offers at least micro-OLED and very light & compact design.

I am not excited about the VR1. I don´t know how they don´t realize that. Someone needs to tell them there is no market for them at that price.

 

Initially, I'm sure there are quite a few people that will buy it at MSRP once released. But, there is Pimax and Varjo to compete with at that price level, which is good for us consumers. The Crystal is currently $1350 and I've seen it on sale down to $1200. The Varjo Aero is currently at $990. I'm sure within a couple months this HMD will be much lower. But, like the guy said in the video you posted. These advanced headsets are expensive to make and wont be getting much cheaper in the future...

 

 

[chiliwili69]

Now the Brad impressions

 

 

[chiliwili69]

The price in Europe is 1899€ for the base device.

People can book a spot for first batch delivery

https://somniumspace.com/

 

I will wait for the users review:

 

[102nd-YU-cmirko]

I'm eager to see reports from youtubers and comparison with crystal. it's very expensive but it could be really good for sim players 

Edited February 22, 2024 by 102nd-YU-cmirko

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

Holy expensive.

[Aapje]

Yes, producing in the EU really drives up the price. I think that it is a mistake, because production China is the kind of thing that people complain about, but generally are not actually willing to pay extra for, to have production in the West.

 

I also find the 'good enough' mindset that Bradley detected from the developers a bit worrying. If you ask an ultra-premium price for the features, you better make it really good.

 

But perhaps their real intended market is Western militaries, who are probably willing to pay a premium for EU production.

[simfan2015]

AFAIK this can't be used as a standalone.

This is for seated VR gaming only ?

VR controller support ?

I don't see the weight of it mentioned either.

Looks truly incredible for games like IL-2 and DCS ... no doubt !

IMHO the price is not too high ... at least not after ... Apple joined in ?

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

22 hours ago, simfan2015 said:

AFAIK this can't be used as a standalone.

This is for seated VR gaming only ?

VR controller support ?

I don't see the weight of it mentioned either.

Looks truly incredible for games like IL-2 and DCS ... no doubt !

IMHO the price is not too high ... at least not after ... Apple joined in ?

The price is too high for a VR headset that will be obsolete next year or the year after. There's really no sense in buying anything but a mid-range HMD.

[kissTheSky]

6 hours ago, =DW=_Drewm3i-VR said:

The price is too high for a VR headset that will be obsolete next year or the year after. There's really no sense in buying anything but a mid-range HMD.

How come? I mean, this could be the only PCVR head set for quite some time, no? 
 

For clarification, I don’t dispute the price portion of your post, I don’t think we can say it will be obsolete in a year or so. If they produce a good product, we can have Varjo XR4 level of product for consumers. Plus, hand tracking may actually come in handy if there are more of clickable cockpit sims in the future. 
 

im quite firmly in the “wait and see” camp. Unless my G2 dies before this product comes in the market. Then, I’m getting an Aero even if it will be EOL in two-ish years. 

[Aapje]

6 hours ago, =DW=_Drewm3i-VR said:

The price is too high for a VR headset that will be obsolete next year or the year after. There's really no sense in buying anything but a mid-range HMD.

And yet there are people with the G2 who kept it for 3-4 years.

 

Also, there are people for whom these prices are nothing.

 

[Varibraun]

20 hours ago, kissTheSky said:

Unless my G2 dies before this product comes in the market. Then, I’m getting an Aero even if it will be EOL in two-ish years. 

 

If you don't already have base stations and that happens, you might also want to consider trying out an easy return (i.e. Amazon) Crystal to see what you think.  9 months later, and I am still very happy with the Crystal (coming from a G2).  The Aeros that are still available through the resellers appear to be in that same price range once you add base stations and audio - and Varjo has told us that they are now dinosaurs in a couple of years regarding support. 

 

I think this is going to be the difficulty for the VR1 too, since it will be more expensive than a Crystal, especially if base stations are added.  The market will eventually tell us if the desire for western manufacturing or the lack of the battery (the Achilles heel of the Crystal) will carry the day over price for the VR1, since I don't think the features are better from what I can see on paper and have heard so far from the YT reviewers.

 

I think if I needed to buy a "just carry me through the death of a G2 to wait and see what's next" headset right now, it would probably be the Quest 3 for the price.  Anyway, here is hoping it is a decision you don't have to make until you are ready and Microsoft also makes it possible for you to wait.

[kissTheSky]

5 hours ago, Varibraun said:

 

If you don't already have base stations and that happens, you might also want to consider trying out an easy return (i.e. Amazon) Crystal to see what you think.  9 months later, and I am still very happy with the Crystal (coming from a G2).  The Aeros that are still available through the resellers appear to be in that same price range once you add base stations and audio - and Varjo has told us that they are now dinosaurs in a couple of years regarding support. 

 

I think this is going to be the difficulty for the VR1 too, since it will be more expensive than a Crystal, especially if base stations are added.  The market will eventually tell us if the desire for western manufacturing or the lack of the battery (the Achilles heel of the Crystal) will carry the day over price for the VR1, since I don't think the features are better from what I can see on paper and have heard so far from the YT reviewers.

 

I think if I needed to buy a "just carry me through the death of a G2 to wait and see what's next" headset right now, it would probably be the Quest 3 for the price.  Anyway, here is hoping it is a decision you don't have to make until you are ready and Microsoft also makes it possible for you to wait.

Thanks for that, hearing from a happy user is good. I would look into PiMax if the day comes. Though I am still not certain of the battery complication. 

[chiliwili69]

Finally the VR1 is ready to be ordered tomorrow (20th-June)

 

https://www.roadtovr.com/somnium-vr1-pc-vr-headset-slated-to-go-on-sale-june-20th-with-broader-launch-in-july/

 

Taking the price apart, I would be tempted to try this device because it uses DP cable, native OpenVR and OpenXR, 72 Hz mode, 2880x2880 panels, Eye-Tracking option, 130HFOV, 105VFOV, etc.

 

But two things are refraining me:

- Front Heavy: Looking at pictures it looks like it is separated a lot from the face-->higher rotational inertia and front heavy

- Eye Tracking: I suposse this should work through OpenXR, but I don´t know if this will work with IL-2

 

It is like a Crystal Light but with the option of Eye tracking and better FOV, but without inside-out tracking and a much higher price.

 

Anyone want to try it?

 

[SCG_motoadve]

5 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

Finally the VR1 is ready to be ordered tomorrow (20th-June)

 

https://www.roadtovr.com/somnium-vr1-pc-vr-headset-slated-to-go-on-sale-june-20th-with-broader-launch-in-july/

 

Taking the price apart, I would be tempted to try this device because it uses DP cable, native OpenVR and OpenXR, 72 Hz mode, 2880x2880 panels, Eye-Tracking option, 130HFOV, 105VFOV, etc.

 

But two things are refraining me:

- Front Heavy: Looking at pictures it looks like it is separated a lot from the face-->higher rotational inertia and front heavy

- Eye Tracking: I suposse this should work through OpenXR, but I don´t know if this will work with IL-2

 

It is like a Crystal Light but with the option of Eye tracking and better FOV, but without inside-out tracking and a much higher price.

 

Anyone want to try it?

 

No eye tracking in IL2, when DCS allowed eye tracking, we got a third party creating foveated rendering mod so it would be possible to use eye tracking, gained at least 15 FPS, many people asked this guy to create the same mod for IL2 and he said its not possible because how the game is made.

[Aapje]

Perhaps 1CGS will switch to OpenXR for the new game engine. I think that is the way of the future, and allows relatively easy compatibility with newer features such as DFR.

 

And I would just wait for the reviews for the Somnium for now, especially since there are so many models. Hard to tell what makes most sense for flight simmers.

[SCG_motoadve]

8 minutes ago, Aapje said:

Perhaps 1CGS will switch to OpenXR for the new game engine. I think that is the way of the future, and allows relatively easy compatibility with newer features such as DFR.

 

And I would just wait for the reviews for the Somnium for now, especially since there are so many models. Hard to tell what makes most sense for flight simmers.

Maybe their next product will allow eye tracking, I doubt they will bother fixing IL2.

[DBCOOPER011]

3 hours ago, SCG_motoadve said:

No eye tracking in IL2, when DCS allowed eye tracking, we got a third party creating foveated rendering mod so it would be possible to use eye tracking, gained at least 15 FPS, many people asked this guy to create the same mod for IL2 and he said its not possible because how the game is made.

 

You gain a much higher increase in FPS, and visuals, using quadviews eye tracking in DCS. You get a lower increase using the openxr toolkit version of it. Hopefully IL2 will implement this..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBjJN5Uu12g