PICO released the VR all-in-one PICO Neo3 in May last year. With its excellent hardware configuration and rich content ecosystem, the headset has won the love of many consumers as soon as it was released, and has become the hottest VR product in China since last year. In August of the same year, the news that PICO was incorporated into ByteDance also caused a sensation in the entire VR industry. But after this, PICO did not eagerly launch new products, which also filled everyone's expectations for its next product.
With everyone's anticipation, PICO finally released the new generation of VR all-in-one PICO 4 on September 27. As the first product after PICO was incorporated into ByteDance, PICO 4 has not only greatly improved its appearance and configuration, but also enriches the content ecosystem and usage scenarios. It can be seen from this that PICO attaches great importance to and confidence in this product. So, what are the improvements in PICO 4? Is it worth buying? Hope this review will give you an answer.
The hardware has been fully upgraded, bringing a comfortable wearing experience
With the dual support of ByteDance's capital and resources, PICO 4 not only integrates new technologies, but also comprehensively upgrades its appearance design.
PICO 4 adopts cutting-edge Pancake optical solution, the body size has been reduced a lot, the net weight of not including the battery and headband is 295g. In actual tests, the weight of the whole machine is 585g, which is smaller and more exquisite than the previous generation of products.
In addition, Pancake optical solution also effectively alleviates the problems of picture distortion, edge glare and other problems that occur in the Fresnel lens solution commonly used in the industry.
Pancake optical scheme is flatter than the spiral convex lens of the Fresnel lens scheme, and the area of the lens is visually larger.
PICO 4 has a very unique shape. The contrasting color combination of the black mirror and the gray body is particularly sci-fi, and it also has a sense of fashion. The RGB lens on the front of the body is cleverly integrated into the black mirror. This camera has color perspective function and can provide color HD pictures.
PICO 4 is equipped with a 4K+ super visual sensor screen, with a single-eye resolution of 2160*2160, which is 55.6% higher than the previous generation of product PPI, and the field of view angle also reaches 105°. The field of view of
PICO 4 also supports a new optical module for remote control dimming. After wearing the headset, you can control the pupil distance with the handle, making focusing easier. At the same time, the stepless electric pupil distance adjustment range supports 62mm-72mm distance. In addition, PICO 4 comes with eye protection mode. The lenses have passed TÜV low blue light certification, which can effectively reduce the irritation of the screen to the eyes and support customized lenses. Users with myopia degree within 100°-600° can purchase them together.
Near ear part is a dual stereo speaker. This generation of speakers has added a SAMI sound effect enhancement algorithm to provide spatial audio effects and more shocking low-frequency effects, making the auditory experience more immersive.
In terms of wearing and using, the PICO 4 front lining face-fitting part uses a SuperSkin foam with good breathability. The adjusting part of the hind head occipital part is an embedded pulsator design, which not only reduces the thickness of the hind head occipital part, but also effectively avoids the problem of accidentally touching when using PICO 4 in lying down or leaning back. The handle of
PICO 4 uses a new star ring arc column design. Compared with the previous generation handle, when interacting with both hands at close range, the probability of the handles bumping each other can be greatly reduced, and the finger movement recognition is more accurate.
In addition to the appearance changes, the infrared tracking sensor of the PICO 4 controller has increased by 4 more than the PICO Neo3 and uses a higher specification IMU sensor. This not only makes the controller more stable, but also allows the tracking to reach millimeter-level positioning and millisecond-level response, allowing a faster, more accurate and more stable experience when playing games.The palm area of the handle
uses high-precision laser engraving technology, which can bring better anti-slip and sweat-proof effects. There are not many changes in the key section, but the screenshot key and menu key are added. The PICO 4 handle supports HyperSense vibration, making the vibration feedback of the handle more delicate.
PICO 4 has also made some progress in positioning. This PICO 4 mainly promotes multi-scene experiences, and you can directly play outdoors or at night and other scenes. We tested the basic light and dark scenes, where in outdoor scenes, the handle positioning is relatively stable as long as it does not face direct sunlight. In the dark indoor environment, the headset can also better identify the position of the handle, and there is no positioning displacement, etc., and the positioning stability is still very good.
In addition, PICO 4 also officially applies the gesture recognition system to the device as a supplementary solution when there is no handle. You can choose by entering the settings. Currently, it is divided into four functions: click, drag, refresh position, and home page.
In the test, gesture recognition is very accurate. The four functions can basically be fully identified. As an interactive solution for temporary replacement handles, the task can be successfully completed at present.
How to play sports, fitness, film and television, entertainment, and four major scenarios.
PICO 4 upgrade is not only hardware configuration and excellent industrial design, but also more organized in terms of content ecology, and it is combined just right. The main content promoted by PICO 4 is divided into four major scenarios, including VR sports, VR video, VR entertainment and VR creation. Let’s introduce and test them separately below.
· VR exercise: Fun fat burning anytime, anywhere
VR exercise is divided into two parts. The first is to exercise anytime, anywhere, and the second is the organic combination of PICO 4 in terms of content.
Whether it is the host or the handle, PICO 4 has been reduced a lot. It can be put directly into the backpack and taken out to use at any time. Thanks to its positioning, movement can also be carried out without interference in the environment of complex light sources. It is worth mentioning that PICO 4 foam is removable and washable, and you can buy a special "sports foam". Friends who are afraid of sweating will no longer have to worry.
In terms of content, PICO has completely integrated the movement into the system. Entering "My Sports" you will see options that contain today's data and historical data records. After filling in your own status and customized exercise plan, whether you are watching movies, playing games, or performing various other operations, PICO 4 will record it into visual sports data based on PICO's self-developed CalSense physical fitness algorithm, and you can enjoy multi-terminal data viewing and sports ranking functions.
"Creed: Glory Arena"
"All-in-one Summer Sports VR"
Of course, the above functions are not enough to arouse players' sports interest, so PICO has introduced a number of sports applications on this basis, such as "Super Moment", "All-in-one Summer Sports VR" and "Creed: Glory Arena".
Among them, "Super Burning Moment" is a fat-burning application jointly created with Super Orangutan . It combines boxing , sticks, yoga and other sports. It is very suitable for the awakening plan of the public users and does not require additional equipment. More importantly, there are professional coaches who provide one-on-one guidance and take some time to exercise with the coach. It is currently a sports application specially designed for the theme of VR sports, which is very interesting.
These professional sports applications can be directly opened in "My Sports", and can intuitively see how long you have exercised and how much calories you consume. Finally, you can view it in the "My Sports" icon or PICO mobile APP. Combine exercise systems, games with goal setting, etc. to make your fitness exercise fun and effective.
· VR Video: You can have a private giant screen theater at home
Pancake optical solution excellent features plus the 4K+ resolution high-definition screen brings better screen display effect to PICO 4. After being incorporated into ByteDance, PICO has also greatly improved the content of video and film and television. Together, the two sides have made PICO 4 an excellent movie viewing device.
Under the Pancake optical solution, the edge glare in Fresnel lens , distortion , etc. will change, and the picture will be more delicate, accurate and clear, making the viewing experience better and more comfortable. Through shooting, you can also see that the picture has a high definition and no obvious deformation. The screen display effect of
PICO 4 is very amazing whether it is a 3D picture, VR picture or a normal picture. In addition, the 105° super large field of viewing angle is outstanding in movie viewing. In addition, the space sound effects also bring an immersive feeling of cinemas.
PICO now integrates VR video, film and television content and short videos into PICO videos. You can see these three categories by entering PICO videos, and they can be seamlessly switched in the video space. At present, PICO has introduced more than 100 Hollywood 3D blockbusters/6DoF blockbusters, as well as 8K-level VR concerts with stars such as Wang Xi , Zheng Jun , Wang Feng , and Wang Feng , with rich resources. The 3D effect in
The most important functions in VR video are the size of the near and far and the fixed picture. In the actual experience, whether it is switching videos or this UI tailor-made for VR, it is very smooth to operate.
The functions in local videos are also very rich. In addition to changing the screen ratio and viewing environment, they also have lying on the back mode, following mode, etc. The lying on the back mode can temporarily close the safe area, allowing you to unlock various viewing postures.
· VR Entertainment: A more immersive gaming experience
VR Entertainment is mainly manifested in the game experience in the four major scenarios of PICO, and VR games are part that PICO has always attached great importance to. The huge game library is also the basis for attracting many VR players. After years of accumulation, PICO has already owned hundreds of high-quality VR games and still maintains the update frequency in weekly units.
In the actual experience, while wearing comfort, handle vibration and feel, and picture expression are improved, the immersion of VR games is obviously stronger and more comfortable to play. The positioning system of millimeter-level positioning and millisecond-level tracking also makes the game more stable.
We tested several different types of games, including the action game " Sword and Magic ", the shooting game "Alvo", the plot game "New Year's Eve: Pisces Jade Pendant" and the simulation game "Real VR Fishing". No matter which type, the immersion is strong, the movement is smooth, there is no delay, and there is no dizziness. As a VR game, it is also very good.
, especially the game "Real VR Fishing", which better demonstrates the advantages of the motor. The vibration-simulated fishing rod is very real when the fish is hooked, and the weight of the fish can be felt from the vibration.
· VR creation: Make 3D creation simpler
The last scene is the creation of 3D content. You can create your own exclusive personal identity through customization in a virtual space, and then create your own 3D space.
Lightweight and efficient PICO OS 5.0
With the release of PICO 4, the PICO system has also been upgraded to OS 5.0 version, and the overall look is more concise, efficient and "down-to-earth". The newly added bottom navigation bar does not obstruct the user's field of view, and includes most functions, making the interaction integration very high. On the left side of the navigation are the movement center and the user part, the middle is the navigation bar, and on the right is the shortcut, which can be operated by calling out directly from the handle.
User Center has various common quick operations such as device status, time, WiFi, Bluetooth , security zone, screen projection, screen recording, screen capture, Bluetooth, pupil distance, brightness, sound, etc. The logic in stores, events, friend file management and resource libraries is also very clear, allowing players to find the functions they need very conveniently, and the interface switches are smooth without any signs of lag. The biggest problem with
VR devices is actually the interaction with other screens. PICO OS 5.0 has made many attempts in this regard, including supporting screen projection to mainstream Android TV and video APPs, sharing screenshots in Douyin and Moments with one click. At present, PICO is still continuing to explore this field and will continue to optimize existing functions.
User experience and product features summary
Through evaluation, my experience of using PICO 4 is mainly divided into two parts, one is the experience of using hardware upgrades, and the other is the view on the system and content ecology.
· Hardware
PICO 4 is an all-round upgrade in the hardware part. Thanks to the maturity of Pancake optical solution, the volume of PICO 4 has been reduced by a full circle and the weight has also been reduced accordingly. With the front and back balanced design, it is fixed very stable when worn, without pressing the face in front, and the back of the head is more comfortable, and you won’t feel tired even if you play for a long time.
At the display level, the adjusted Pancake optical solution plus a 4K+ resolution display screen, 105° field of view, reduced distortion and afterglow effect make the display effect the first echelon in the current VR all-in-one category. The upgraded handle of
PICO 4 is also a highlight, with more stable and accurate positioning, and maintaining good results in many scenarios. The redesigned handle is more comfortable to hold, and the star ring arc column design on the top also reduces the problem of mistouching the handle, and the matte material and HyperSense vibration also bring great surprises.
· Content Ecology
Content can be divided into sports, movie viewing, and entertainment.
In terms of exercise, PICO 4 uses my exercise and self-developed CalSense physical fitness algorithm to calculate every part of your force into consumption. Visual sports data plus multi-end viewing and multiple sports APPs and fitness applications, a set of combined punches can be said to be the best exercise in VR at present.
ByteDance behind PICO has huge film and television resources. This time, this unique resource has been integrated into PICO's content. The large number of excellent film and television resources combined with excellent display effects make PICO 4 a true personal home theater.
game can be said to be the traditional strength of PICO. After years of development, it is currently the platform with the most high-quality VR games in China, and it is still being updated at any time. If you want to play VR games, PICO is definitely one of the best choices.
· A little bit of emotion
At present, the actual application of VR devices has not yet reached the level of mainstream 3C consumer electronic products, but there is no doubt that VR is indeed the next trend. In the future, even if it cannot completely replace mobile phones and become the new generation of mobile terminals, it can enter people's lives and become the latest screen. Of course, it will take some time before this stage, which requires continuous iteration of VR equipment, continuous update of VR content, and continuous efforts of everyone in the VR industry.
Global shipments of VR equipment in 2021 exceeded 10 million units, but domestic VR equipment accounts for only a small part, and there is still a big gap with the overseas market. These gaps are mainly reflected in hardware performance and software ecology. Now, relying on ByteDance's multi-dimensional technology empowerment, PICO has become the leading VR brand in China. After the release of PICO 4, the next-generation appearance design and top-level hardware performance have vaguely won the championship.
was written at the end
took just one year, and PICO 4 could make such a big improvement. It can be said that it is one of the products equipped with the highest configuration of Pancake optical solutions. The combination of software and hardware also makes it more competitive in the domestic VR market. On this basis, it can also maintain the popularity of prices, giving more people the opportunity to experience VR, and at the same time promotes the "transformation of VR all-in-one machine from niche to mass consumption". If you have not experienced VR, PICO 4 can definitely be your first device to enter the VR world.
If PICO Neo3 sounded the clarion call in the VR market that has been silent for several years, then PICO 4 began to officially charge towards the consumer electronics market.
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