Pimax has launched and started taking pre-orders for the Dream Air, a novel tethered PC virtual reality (VR) headset boasting cutting-edge features such as 4K micro-OLED displays, real-time eye tracking, self-contained inside-out monitoring capabilities, and an unprecedented weight of under 200 grams.
The Pimax Dream Air is expected to employ the same BOE 3840×3552 micro-OLED displays used in the Play For Dream MR, Immersed’s Visor, and Shiftall’s MeganeX due to their superlight 8K capabilities. Boeing panels are poised to revolutionize the market with their compact 4K per-eye headsets, though this innovation comes at a significant premium.
Pimax employs an unconventional revenue strategy for its virtual reality headsets.
“Dream Air will offer you a 14-day trial period for a preliminary fee of $1199. If you choose to continue using it beyond that time frame, you’ll be charged a monthly rate of $33 for two years, totaling $1991.” Alternatively, Pimax offers a buyback option for the headset’s remaining value of $697, resulting in a total cost of $1896.
DreamAir is a PC-exclusive headset that comes equipped with a slender, lightweight, and 5-meter long DisplayPort cable for seamless connectivity to a powerful gaming PC. Pimax claims that its Dream Air headset features four integrated cameras, enabling inside-out simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) tracking without the need for base stations or additional controllers, similar to those found in Valve Index devices. However, the company also intends to offer a Lighthouse-based tracking option as an add-on. Pimax asserts that Dream Air’s cameras also facilitate hand tracking.
The Pimax Dream Air boasts an innovative feature unmatched in other headsets: a motorized self-tightening headstrap, reminiscent of the iconic self-lacing technology found in Nike’s Flyknit sneakers. By integrating automated IPD adjustment with built-in eye monitoring, Pimax allows consumers to effortlessly slip into the headset without manual adjustments required.
3552×3840 | 3552×3840 | 2560×2560 | |
~200 grams | 185 grams | 127 grams | |
Computerized | Manually Adjustable |
Customized Match | |
❌ | ✅ | ❌ | |
✅ | ❌ | ❌ | |
Self-Tightening Smooth Strap |
Brow Pad + Smooth Strap |
Smooth Strap | |
✅ | ❌ | $130 addon | |
$1896 (full package deal) |
$1899 (headset-only) |
$999 (headset-only) |
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“Might 2025” | “March 2025” | September 2023 |
Dream Air’s features include a built-in audio system with integrated microphones, setting it apart from the Shiftall MeganeX, Immersed Visor, and Bigscreen Pad, which do not come equipped with this technology by default.
Pimax asserts that Dream Air pre-orders are slated to commence shipping in May. Despite a checkered history of missed targets, Pimax has consistently fallen short of expectations by pushing back release dates, reiterating unfulfilled promises, and ultimately delivering products lacking touted features. Crystal’s eye monitoring technology didn’t function properly until four months after its launch, and the company still hasn’t shipped the “Actuality 12K QLED” headset it showcased in 2021 with seemingly impossible specifications such as a 6K-per-eye resolution and a 200-degree field of view. Before placing a preorder for the Pimax Dream Air, we recommend exercising caution and preparing yourself for differing opinions on its hardware capabilities.
Without a PC, users can now seamlessly utilize DreamAir with a familiar experience akin to that of an aircraft or practice setting, thanks to Pimax’s innovative development of the Cobb, a portable compute puck featuring an integrated Snapdragon XR2 chipset and rechargeable battery. Despite initial anticipation building around its release in 2021, Pimax still needs to deliver its much-anticipated “VR Station” PC VR console to eager customers.