Somnium House, a Prague, Czech Republic-based developer of social platforms, has officially started rolling out its PC virtual reality (VR) headset, Somnium VR1, in the United States. The corporation streamlined its product offerings, condensing them into just three consumer-centric options, while also implementing a significant price hike for its premium products.
The company is now discontinuing several previously offered configurations of the Somnium VR1, including the Striker Version, Traditional Version, Specter Version, and Translucent Version.
The original version of the device debuted at a price point of €1,900 (approximately $1,980 in USD terms) without incorporating eye-tracking technology. The most budget-friendly option among the corporation’s VR offerings is the Visionary Version of VR1, which incorporates cutting-edge eye-tracking technology, available for a competitive price tag of €2,499 (approximately $2,600 USD). Notably, these costs do not include native taxes.
“The company has issued an assurance to customers who have already purchased the discontinued editions, stating that their orders remain secure and they will receive the products as planned.” “In truth, proudly claiming ownership of one of these unique variants elevates the headset’s individuality, making it stand out from the crowd.”
As the corporation clarifies its stance on ceasing production of these iterations, they cite a compelling rationale.
“This decision enables us to concentrate our resources on releasing the Visionary, Final, and Titan Editions more efficiently, while maintaining our commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality that you expect from us.”
As Somnium House faces increasing expenses for its Visionary, Final, and Titan Editions, the costs are accordingly on the rise. The exact nature of these additional expenses remains obscure. The corporation has announced that it will maintain its current cost structure until January 16th, 2025. Following this announcement, new pricing may be implemented and become effective on January 16th, 2025, according to the company.
Here’s a summary of its variations and pricing structure as it currently stands, excluding taxes:
- Visionary Version (VR, eye-tracking): $2,600 approximately USD.
- Titan Virtual Reality Experience Package: Approximately $3,020 USD.
- Final Version: High-end VR, Eye-Tracking, Hand-Tracking, and Mixed Reality passthrough Bundle ($3,659 USD)
- Navy Version: Enhanced Reality (VR), Eye-Tracking, Hand-Tracking, Mixed Reality (MR) Passthrough – a cutting-edge innovation.
While striving to make Somnium VR1 affordable, we also decline to settle for mediocrity in terms of quality. The manufacturing process for these headsets has proven to be significantly more complex and sophisticated than initially envisioned. Consequently, the company announced that it may increase prices for the Visionary, Final, and Titan editions.
Somnium House expects that all outstanding orders will be fulfilled between February and March 2025, with deliveries anticipated to cover major regions including most of Europe, the UK, and the United States.
By 2025, Somnium House anticipates launching a long-awaited initiative to provide spare parts for its flagship product, Somnium VR1, including peripherals such as optical modules, mainboards, electronic components, cables, displays, and more.
Somnium VR1 Specs
- QLED Mini-LED Quick LCD: A remarkable display with an astonishing resolution of 2,880 × 2,880 pixels per eye.
- The subject of our gaze is a panoramic landscape stretching out before us with an unobstructed view to the left and right, while the top and bottom are partially obscured by the confines of the frame? The VR1 can render up to a maximum of 140 degrees horizontally, with slight variability in field of view dependent on individual facial and ocular features.
- Refreshing rate: Up to 72Hz, with optional upgrades to 90Hz, as well as experimental support for 120Hz and 144Hz.
- Native dimming zones: a staggering 576 per eye.
- Eye monitoring: featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and an open-source algorithm, seamlessly adaptable to any application or project.
- Connectivity features include USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio input/output jack.
- IPD Vary: 57 to 76 mm
