Microsoft’s New VR Partner for MSFS 2024 Revealed - What It Means for VR Sim Pilots!

[@theVRpilot]

This video is NOT sponsored! Affiliate links do help and save you some money at no extra cost. If you want to support the channel and are considering the Pimax Crystal light check out the affiliate links below. I’ll have a full review soon. ⚠️Pimax Discount and help support my channel! ⚠️ Use my Pimax Discount Code :VRpilot pimax.com/pages/crystal-light?ref=theVRpilot

[@FAA-DPE]

Love my Crystal. It's the first time I can fly in VR and ACTUALLY read every single gauge, instrument, and word in the cockpit, like I was sitting there in real life. Letters and numbers on everything are clear as day. UNREAL!!! BUY IT!

[@theVRpilot]

Right! You just described the clarity so well. Reading gauges without squinting or leaning in!

[@blackhero911]

How about this problem with the head tracking. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqm0p5t5o9N8o80si=CTrNs3fOOFxsN1jn

[@FordSierraIS]

but what about the fps?

[@garywehe792]

After hearing that the G2 wouldn't be supported any longer, I upgraded to the Crystal Light in July and couldn't be more satisfied! Ran into a problem recently when I upgraded my RAM to 64GB, but Pimax support fixed my problem within an hour!! When I was able to run the MSFS 2024 Alpha, I was so bummed that VR wasn't included, but I know it will be in the final version coming soon!

[@dtrjones]

Love my Quest 3, it does everything to a reasonable level. Clarity though is much better in the PCL, however there's pleanty of luke warm articles about the Crystal and Crystal Light headset on the MSFS forums, seems to be a thing where the lenses are just of poor quality and you can get quite a bit of distortion around the edges, but this is variable and it seems content creators are getting the pick of the crop. It just represents a risk and I'm happy to wait for something better to come along.

[@theVRpilot]

@@dtrjones I’d hate to think that creators are getting the cream of the crop and I disagree with that as know several who have received Pimax headsets that don’t have issues. Also there many comments here sharing their love for the headset and how crystal clear it is. Whatever the issue is they need to bring their best foot forward at all times for all customers. It makes no sense for them to deliver premium products to “creators” and then half baked products to everyone else only to have to fix it. I think a few things could be at play, 1. Expectations of what and how this should look. 2. Fitment and the fact that VR is still very much a FITS most scenario. 3. Folks with issues go online looking for support and are the first ones to get attention and complain while folks happily enjoying the product are quietly doing so. With that being said, that’s my opinion lol and could be wrong but Pimax needs to build trust and ship finished quality products.

[@danmoretti8898]

​@@theVRpilot I will say there is a definite quality control issue with Pimax CL, having received a defective unit. There was serious warping of the image across the right lens. If you look at Pimax's subreddit it's getitng several posts a day with this exact issue, so it is a small, but still significant portion of Pimax's customers getting these issues. In my case, Pimax really owned it and did a good job owning and correcting the matter for me, and now I've got the best headset I've ever owned about 7 weeks after initially ordering it. It has been totally worthwhile despite the sloooooow timeline. edit: Also it is definitely trivial to remove/replace the Crystal Light lenses. That was the fix/correction for me - new lenses were shipped to me; swapped em out, worked like a charm.

[@dtrjones]

@@theVRpilot well that's a relief to hear, thanks theVRPilot!

[@theVRpilot]

You know, imagine if someone who tested them in the QC line wasn’t a serious simmer and the test wasn’t great to call out that issue, maybe this slipped by? I’m speculating but hopefully they have it solved by now.

[@nummer8282]

As a varjo aero user, I'm at least happy they chose a headset which has quadviews as well. Hopefully we will be able to get that native without openxr toolkit, like in dcs where it's a huge fps boost for me

[@theVRpilot]

That’s the hope, that even if you don’t have Pimax you also benefit and I think this will be the case.

[@brianfinch2154]

@nummer8282 I have a Varjo Aero, what are quad views?

[@AuthentiKit]

Dynamic foveated/Quad Views - definitely. What i’d also love to see is better hand tracking, so you could use controller-free Apple style hand gestures to interact with the cockpit. I’m not convinced by mixed reality. Good hand tracking would allow hands, arms and a pilots rendered upper body to be rendered.

[@theVRpilot]

Improved hand tracking would be so welcomed! PS keep up the great work! Love seeing all the excellent hardware your bringing to the market helping increase immersion for simmers!

[@AuthentiKit]

@@theVRpilot OK , I just saw exactly what we need on this YT video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGbUgXarhMh8rdUsi=Nh2LPuoaFZtmpYC4

[@rocketfueller]

Since August, I have subscribed to a couple of VR channels, bought a Pimax Crystal light to replace my ancient, but 8 years ago amazing, HTC Vive. Upgraded my 3060 to a 4090 PC. Resurrected my DCS account. Great times ahead, and love the videos.

[@theVRpilot]

Heck’s yeah man! I love the Viper, Apache, Kiowa and CH47 in DCS. I’m really only good at the Viper though lol

[@xxxxjet1982xxxx]

I can 100% guarantee that the Pimax crystal light lenses are easily removable and replacable by design. I have no idea where this rumour started, but I have changed mine multiple times. It’s literally a 1 minute job. Also even though Pimax are having some issues with lense quality control, they are second to none when it comes to customer service, to right any issue you have. I was so surprised to receive the support I had and I think they are absolutely doing their best to keep their customers happy, which is rare these days. They shipped me new lenses, no questions and did it quickly.

[@theVRpilot]

True yes. I saw a post online saying they weren’t removable and they had to send it in. I had not seen information until the comments here stating otherwise. I understand that yes they are removable. Thanks for sharing your experience and information!

[@Maty743A]

Hardest part was removing them from the plastic wrap haha. Just got my replacements and very happy with new ones. Whole process was very easy, but maybe not the fastest.

[@jerryrivera4298]

Yet another great video, Jose! T-4 days for my Pimax to hit my mail room. So excited! 🔥

[@theVRpilot]

Im stoked! Cant wait for you! - VR flight Sim Guy has a great video graphics guide. I haven’t made one yet.

[@jerryrivera4298]

@theVRpilot Thank you, sir! I did check that out. I think based on that, I'll just keep my FE 3080 Ti until the 5090 comes along.

[@HighDefBNG]

I just started learning Helis in FS20 using VR (Quest 3). I agree, it's next level. More fun than airplanes. I just spent a bunch on a joystick extension and new MFG rudder pedals. Really looking forward to add these upgrades and start having proper adventures in FS24 career mode.

[@theVRpilot]

Hopefully we start seeing increased push for VR support!

[@phillea708]

Hi, I do not understand, why is the crystal lite wider than the quest 3 and the fov simular,, regards

[@theVRpilot]

While I am not sure if this is correct I will speculate and say that the pimax has the aspheric lenses (slightly larger) and the Quest has pancake lenses (slightly smaller). I think with one tech will continue to improve and get smaller on both ends.

[@cyrilgpilot]

Can't wait, I hope "classic" pimax crystal will have quadview soon 😁

[@NorbertLing]

Can't agree more !

[@theVRpilot]

Yes! I made that a point in this video and I plan to push that with Pimax and MS/Asobo as much as I can.

[@StekuVideo]

bucchia, the developer of PimaxXR Runtime, OpenXR Toolkit and the tools allowing QuadViews in DCS commented on MSFS forums, that according to his knowledge (supported by some checks on the topic) there are no plans at Asobo/Microsoft for implementing QuadViews for MSFS2024, as userbase for this feature is niche. VR is a niche already, headsets with eye tracking which is required for Quad Views to perform best, are niche within a niche (Crystal supports ET, while Crystal Light does not).

[@hanswurst3811]

how many FPS do you get with the Chrystal ...and if they partner with pimax how do they optimize it for the 8kX for example ?

[@theVRpilot]

I never saw the actual FPS, so I couldn’t say. I do not know.

[@mombasa22]

I upgraded from a G2 recently and couldn’t be happier. The only must - get the DMAS audio option. The stock audio is downright awful:

[@theVRpilot]

I think I’ve gotten used the stock audio, but it feels lacking for sure. I’m going to upgrade DMAS asap.

[@sparkerinvr526]

Thanks for the video. Certainly will be checking out the VR controller support on release and comparing it to XP12. As a Beyond user have Valve Index controllers so not a mouse user in VR.

[@hotcols1171]

Thanks for the helicopter shout out - I am a helicopter pilot and starting into sims, specifically with VR - starting out with simple in-cockpit processes for new students (pre-start, start, shutdown) and looking into Aerofly FS4 for the start due to its (apparently great) flight dynamics, but MSFS 2024 world looks so much better! I have one big question which is hand-tracking - as my research shows the Quest has hand tracking and gesture recognition built in for its own menu system - can we not have this in flight sim VR for internal controls? Just air flicking switches and turning knobs without a controller should be possible with hand & gesture tracking, no?I've also been following all your videos since starting to spec out the private test sim before we roll out to the schools, so thank you very much for the content.

[@theVRpilot]

Hey! Thanks for watching. So hand tracking is not really implemented as it is in AEROFLY. But quest 3 does have pass through unlike Pimax.

[@adriankoch964]

Virtual Desktop + physical switches + passthrough. Then make a virtual cutout that matches the shape of your switchboard like shown here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amfSpKxpa9KIj5o

[@mikeschurmann5866]

Hi love your video just pointing out the the crystal lights lenses are removable I just replaced them . The one's on mine were not great! But at least Pimax sent 2 new ones that are very easy to change 2 screws only. Keep up the good work 👏

[@theVRpilot]

You know, I think I saw that last night on Reddit! Thank you for that clarification! Did the new lenses solve the issue?

[@ht6501]

Thanks for the update. I'll look forward to following you into msfs 2024. Be sure to do a settings video for all us pimax crystal light users. 😊 can't wait for the crystal super to come out. Subscribed 👍🏻

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks! Absolutely I’ll have a video asap! Appreciate the support!

[@ht6501]

@@theVRpilot thanks

[@quantumjim45]

FliteSim VR in general: couldn't agree with you more. Game changer / no going back once we have a clear image. Quest 3 did it for me. Old Rift got almost no use because of poor cockpit clarity. BUT as you say - nearly impossible for me to use cockpit knobs. Without VR, approach / landing experience 1.5 out of 5; with VR 4.5 out of 5. Would love to get a Pimax Light but too much $$ in Quest3 at this point and visual quality is very good.

[@theVRpilot]

Q3 delivers great visuals, agreed!

[@xraycharli]

I using the Crystal Light and I really love it so much. Not that heavy and crystal clear view. GREAT

[@theVRpilot]

Awesome! What hardware do you have it paired to?

[@xraycharli]

​@@theVRpilotGeforce RTX 4090 and AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

[@phillea708]

Hi is the fov better than the quest 3, regards

[@xraycharli]

@@phillea708 I didnt try the Quest 3 at all. I just touched one at the electronic hardware store and didnt like it. The pimax crystal light is really spot on. It really impresses me always I using it. Almost no flight without it. If you would be in Hamburg Germany, just pass by my home and I let you try out.

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

Perfectly happy with my Quest 2. I'll upgrade when this thing dies.

[@theVRpilot]

Good call! Don’t upgrade if you don’t need it!

[@ST-101]

its only because you didn't try others...... don't try....

[@theVRpilot]

This is so true! Lol if he has a powerful gpu, there is clarity left on the table

[@phillea708]

I really want a headset with wide fov, this is the same as my quest 3, best regards

[@theVRpilot]

You know, it’s very similar, yeah. It isn’t night and day different but it’s good FOV. Much better than my G2!

[@Terry-cw9ty]

I really like this VR stuff & I hope to get the experience some day of flying that way, I only wish that VR was available on Xbox so I can try it out. The gear required for me is so out of my range, lol I can't even get the new 2024 MSFS until after Christmas this year. Keep up the awesome videos they are inspiring.

[@theVRpilot]

Oh man! I understand. Well enjoy flight sim now on Xbox, it truly is an amazing sim for what it provides and the ability you can explore anywhere in the world. Join discord because we can still fly together, I’ll post reminders in there.

[@Terry-cw9ty]

@@theVRpilot TY I will bookmark your KZbin for now, it would be cool flying with someone who really knows tower lingo. It's a skill I'd like to know for sure.

[@marionetteworks]

It’s ironic that WMR just got removed from Windows as Microsoft’s flagship game and VR killer app gets an official VR partner. Maybe if they held out a little longer.

[@theVRpilot]

Yeah. Maybe this is a good example of a company so big the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing or needs.

[@nope-z5y]

My Quest 3 is all I need for now. I would consider a Pimax for my next headset if they have fixed their quality control issues by then. Right now it sounds like a crapshoot.

[@theVRpilot]

@@nope-z5y Unfortunately I think we also fall into a place of people who are happy and have no issues don’t complain, and those with issues are pretty vocal. But yes, they need to do better if they want to gain the trust of the community.

[@DoogieFresh]

I received a faulty unit. It took several weeks for me to get a replacement.

[@imacmill]

This is a good time to issue a PSA for people thinking of getting into VR... A cautionary tale for current and prospective Meta Quest VR headset owners: I'm on day 24 of Meta holding my Quest headsets hostage. I've been using Oculus/Quest devices from the day they started making them (10 years ago?), and I have not been required to give my date of birth to Meta in all this time. But they recently demanded my DOB under threat of disabling my Quests, and they made good on that threat 24 days ago. Meta can metaphorically brick your headsets, any time they want, and for any reason they want, and you will have no defense against it. Conclusion: Think carefully before you BUY anything from Meta; The thing you BUY will not be yours.

[@cammy9r]

Can you not close the account and open another? Years (10+) ago they closed my facebook account and demanded either a national ID card or driving license or passport copy to re activate it. Yeah right, swivel on this meta. I think this is something they do do get more personal info but who gives that much a f*&# about meta.

[@Dirigius]

Wow...this result was just a paranoia of mine that convinced me to give my Quest to a friend and go with a different headset. I still remember Palmer Luckey saying we'd never need to use a Facebook account. Heck, I remember when he said he'd sell the DK1 devkits at cost and hope for enough left over to buy pizza and beer. It's really weird, looking back. So much has changed.

[@imacmill]

@@Dirigius I actually have a connection to Luckey, and basically the creation of the first commercial VR headset. Myself and around 10 other people were interacting with Palmer on Meant To Be Seen 3D, when he first put two loupes in front of an LCD screen and realised its potential. He asked if anyone would like to send him money for a 'prototype kit', and myself and around 10 other people did send him money, without knowing thing-one about him (so we took a huge risk with our cash), and while we were all in waiting to receive our packages, John Carmack got wind of Palmer's 'prototype', and he basically took it from there. Oculus was born, and after FB bought it, Palmer became a VERY wealthy man. Because we'd sent him money, Palmer promised us all that we'd get first shipments of any new headsets, and our DK1s would be signed by him. We did receive the DK1s, for free, on their first batch of shipments, but they weren't signed. I sure would have like to have got some 'real' return on my initial investment with him, but alas, no joy. None of us did. And anyway, I'm offended by the path he's taken in life, as he's started a company with his riches that's in the Military Industrial Complex (so, the un-aliving industry...says something about his character).

[@Dirigius]

@@imacmill That's pretty cool! I was a lurker on MTBS3D and watched it unfold. I remember the HMZ-T1 being the best headset back then, with that jaw-dropping 51* FOV and a full 720p resolution. Seems laughable now. I was too poor at the time to join the initial batch of DK1 kits from the site, but made it to the kickstarter. It's neat how many of the forum regulars became VR developers.

[@imacmill]

@@Dirigius Cool. Do you still have your DK1 in that skookum, industrial case it shipped with? I've still got all the Oculus/Meta headsets, and I'm now on Day 25 of not being able to use any of them, because eff Facebook.

[@murfenator82]

Now that you've tried both pimax light and Quest 3, which one is better? I have a Quest 3 with a link cable currently.

[@a5cent]

@@murfenator82 If we're talking about flight simulators, I think for most people, most of the time, PCL is better. That being said, there is no "one size fits all" answer. If you care more about the wireless connection than image quality, the PCL is not an option.

[@theVRpilot]

Which one is better is tough? The PCL is objectively a better headset than the Quest 3 when it comes to specs. Higher resolution, has display port, no batteries. Downside? Needs beefy GPU (min 4070 and up) mic is not the best, finding sweet spot wearing it is important but not an impossible issue.

[@murfenator82]

@theVRpilot I'm using link cable for my Q3 anyway, I only do pc sim. Just not sure PCL seems more clarity but Q3 better lenses. Both take beefy gpu, which probably needs to be my first upgrade lol

[@grzegorztomasiak]

@@murfenator82 buy Q3, amount of problems with Crystal OG and Crystal light is beyond me. You will save yourself all the frustration. Q3 is just tiny bit worse than Crystal and don't be fooled by people who says they are miles ahead. They really aren't.

[@1wordtroll]

Lets hope MS doesn't dump on Pimax like they did on the G2 and MR. Lest we forget.

[@theVRpilot]

lol. Even if they do it doesn’t matter, go read my other responses below 👇

[@_PSantos]

VRP can you tell us what Graphic Card are you using??? Thank you

[@theVRpilot]

12900k RTX 4090 32GB DDR5 5200mhz

[@EmesiS]

Yeah, I'll wait and stick with my Q3 for now. The PCL doesn't have good passthrough, so MR is a no-go.

[@theVRpilot]

Great point!

[@chaadlosan]

I had a friend who ordered the crystal light, the lenses were VERY distorted around the nose to the point it made him motion sick. Especially in the F-16 with the IFC being so close. He had to return it. That and a dead black line of pixels showed up in the middle of the right eye horizontally within SECONDS of using it for the first time. Not a good first impression. They are sending him a replacement. We shall see if this is a one time thing, or just how it is.

[@theVRpilot]

Yeah not good! Hopefully he has a good result with the other one.

[@chaadlosan]

@@theVRpilot He got the replacement and fortunately it's a night and day difference. The distortion in the lenes are gone, they look great and the panels are perfect. He is keeping it.

[@theVRpilot]

@ Thanjs for the update. Good to hear Pimax came through. On their recent video, they said they have figured out the lens issue. Let’s hope for the future customers this is a thing of the past!

[@Bleizish]

I bought my Quest-3 just six months ago. How much better is the image quality with the Pimax Crystal Light, enough to justify replacing it?

[@Eskoxo]

@@Bleizish i got 5 headsets just keep quest3 its all marginal upgrades at best unless you have a bunch of disposable income… personally i i wont buy any more until index 2.

[@theVRpilot]

Good question. Quest 3 is great. If you have a powerful GPU it’s worth it, but maybe even then it just depends, might not be for some people. It is a better quality image overall yes, but is it a HUGE difference. Not huge, but better yes. I will likely mainly fly with the PCL over Q3 unless I want pass through.

[@Bleizish]

@@theVRpilot Thanks for the reply!

[@Bleizish]

@@Eskoxo Thanks!

[@CueDriver]

A local boy. One of my favorite airports.

[@theVRpilot]

Yooo! What’s up! Haha

[@Dirigius]

We need real details on VR support, not Pimax support. MSFS 2020 can't even pull the IPD setting of a headset and relies on a rubbish World Scale slider to make a vague approximation of scale. Matching the IPD is a very basic function for any VR game. It directly affects perception of scale and susceptibility to cybersickness. How is Asobo --not Pimax-- going to fix this in MSFS 2024?

[@theVRpilot]

Good news, Microsoft isn’t ignoring us, but yes we need specific work done. I’ll see what I find and report if anything.

[@dtrjones]

Why would Microsoft support an IPD feature - that's the domain of the headset provider and is different in every headset. Microsoft have stated that FFR will be supported but not dynamic yet, we don't know about improvements elsewhere, but hopefully there will be some.

[@Dirigius]

​@@dtrjones The developer is Asobo, Microsoft is publishing it and allowing use of their license. It is Asobo's responsibility to integrate the IPD setting the headset reports into their rendering engine. Since I do not know your level of knowledge on VR, I'll start with what IPD is. Interpupillary Distance (IPD) is not a performance option (i.e., Fixed Foveated Rendering). It is the distance between the pupils of your eyes. This measurement is usually between 54-70mm, with 64mm being the average. IPD is a foundational element of any VR headset. It directly affects how you perceive the scale of objects, and because we are so susceptible to poison, the human body thinks we are poisoned if the IPD is too different from our physical metric. The positive impact of a dead-on IPD is a true sense of scale, physical intuitive reactions to in-game elements (such a ducking under an object), and a sense of presence. Presence is a moment when your body feels like it is in the virtual world and your mind catches up to that sensation. Because the IPD is a primary function of VR, the headset manufacturers provide the IPD metric with the driver set that allows the operating system to recognize the hardware. It is up to the rendering engine to pull that metric and adjust the camera distance in the game. This all happens in the background for game engines such as UDK and Unity--because they anticipated supporting VR hardware. The only exception are headsets with fixed IPD. This is usually 64mm, and a freebee one-and-done adjustment for any developer to support it. It would have been easy to turn the World Scale slider into an IPD setting in MSFS 2020, IF you were the developer and knew the scale standard of the game. The scale standard is a unit of measurement that all models/meshes must conform to. The scale standard can be easily converted into an IPD setting, and in code, can be a single line that interacts with the IPD metric from the headset to automatically adjust the render distance between cameras. I can only hope Asobo entered development of the 2024 engine not just understanding the basics of VR, but taking the time to implement them from the start. That is when it is very easy to do.

[@simracingjunky9679]

MSFS 2024 and AC EVO (Jan 2025) for car simmers will make VR grow a lot by the end of next year. AC EVO has built a new engine from scratch to have better VR and triple support.

[@theVRpilot]

@@simracingjunky9679 Really? Say less! I am going to look that up now. So AC evo comes out next year? Bro that’s going to be Wild. I’m stoked. I have a bunch of unlisted racing videos lol. I love racing but suck at it, I do it to relax from flying haha, and Skyrim VR. Completely different.

[@simracingjunky9679]

@@theVRpilot 16 Jan, 2025 Check the gameplay online and all the stuff from the Latest sim racing expo in Germany. It's releasing in EA and small (5 tracks and about 20 cars) but they will have open world tracks later and modding once they are out of Early access. I cannot wait for that one. I'm hoping for some real next gen vr graphics.

[@theVRpilot]

Thanks! I will!

[@OzzySafa]

This can mean future dynamic foveated rendering in msfs

[@LukeAventino1975]

Great video thanks for all the info!

[@theVRpilot]

The thanks bro!

[@Onehighcat]

The Valve Deckard is on the market?

[@theVRpilot]

You know, I just check online and not yet.

[@Onehighcat]

@@theVRpilot You know something we dont?!

[@theVRpilot]

lol no, I was mentioned that it’s an option as a headset that’s coming out. I misspoke by making it seem like it was out.

[@Onehighcat]

@ let me inhale the cope sir! lol I need it to come out already!

[@theVRpilot]

lol! It looks awesome. I’m excited for you!

[@brucewayne4211]

MICROSOFT having announced the discontinuation of WMR VR in Windows 24H2 update what options VR units are available to continue VR gaming?

[@theVRpilot]

First, check with Alfred he has a serious stash of VR headsets. So WMR headsets don’t work… Some options are. Quest 2 Quest 3S Quest 3 Pimax Crystal Light Big Screen Beyond Somnium VR1 Valve Deckard (not yet released) Several more.

[@MrTeabag55]

damn, now I dont know if I should go projector + projector screen (~2800$ with taxe), or instead buy that thing, and a new computer screen? (for cheaper)

[@theVRpilot]

@@MrTeabag55 Ah man! Yeah bro do som research, projectors are amazing, but Vr is immersive! See if you can try a friends Vr headset first

[@MrTeabag55]

@@theVRpilot I first need to find out if I can play MSFS 2024 WITHOUT using steam. (dont want to ever using steam again, so if this is not doable, ill just give up computer gaming)

[@KevinPlays244]

Meta quest 3 ,and i'm sold

[@theVRpilot]

Can’t go write my with the Q3 if you can tweak it right and have WiFi 5 imo!

[@marathi22]

Last time it was the Reverb G2. See how well that went. Not hating on Pimax, I know the same isn't going to happen to SteamVR or OpenXR, but a Microsoft partnership feels almost like a kiss of death.

[@theVRpilot]

I just really think there’s a misunderstanding and I should have addressed it. So many people are repeating the same thing and not reading my replies before commenting. WMR was ran by Microsoft here, Xbox is running MSFS. Two different companies even though we think it’s the same thing. Also, pimax is its own software company and short of Microsoft buying it they have no control of it lol.

[@Eskoxo]

@@theVRpilotbro you know xbox is owned by Microsoft right lol

[@theVRpilot]

@@Eskoxo Lol. Of course. Ok my point is that this is probably the case that the company is so big that the left hand doesn’t know or care what the right hand is doing. So WMR shutting down from Microsoft they don’t care that a handful of Xbox people are like, please stop! lol. Also Microsoft or Xbox can “dump” Pimax and Pimax will continue to exist. They are partnering, not owners. If they buy it, we are in trouble lol

[@Eskoxo]

@ i think it’s disgrace what their doing with wmr tbh they should just make it available as a separate app it works fine even with no updates their just forcing people out for no reason.

[@theVRpilot]

@Eskoxo You know I think they have military contracts lol, so that’s probably why they can’t just open source it. Not that they would anyways but it’s even more of a reason. Someone found a job opening a day ago for WMR and they also speculated it’s for that, the military contracts that still need support.

[@tml7974]

Hopefully a Pimax 12k will come out soon

[@theVRpilot]

Maybe they are waiting for the 5090 drop? 😂

[@tml7974]

@@theVRpilot if that's the case then we will see it pretty soon

[@theVRpilot]

@@tml7974 I’m speculating but I doubt that. It wouldn’t make sense for folks to need that crazy of a GPU to run the headset.

[@x32i77]

After testing somnium vr1 i will never go back to Pimax 😅

[@theVRpilot]

Somnium VR1 is incredible. Idk how they do that!

[@dandiesis9525]

Can quest 3 work well?

[@theVRpilot]

Of course! All VR headsets should work that have working software. This is just to say that they are highlighting VR which is great news for VR simmers!

[@dandiesis9525]

@ oh yeah understand! This is a great news! Thanks man💪

[@daveyoung2056]

Pimax customer service is still shocking im afraid 😟

[@theVRpilot]

What challenge have you found?

[@MrMleewilson]

Partner with Microsoft at your own risk. Ask companies that wrote apps for Cortana, or companies who developed products for Windows Mixed Reality, like HP. Companies and their customers are the ones who lose when (not if) Microsoft changes direction.

[@theVRpilot]

Yes, sure. But this is no different than then them partnering with Thrustmaster and next level racing. Those companies are independent and not ran by Microsoft so if Microsoft moves on (which they likely won’t, because the market place is a cash machine for them) Pimax can easily continue doing what it’s doing. So it sort of doesn’t matter if Microsoft decides in 3 months the partnership is over. Pimax is independent but for now this is good for all VR users.

[@MrMleewilson]

@@theVRpilot How's your Windows phone?

[@theVRpilot]

Like my Microsoft Zune

[@MrMleewilson]

@@theVRpilot Yup.

[@zaelu]

Pimax the next HP :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[@theVRpilot]

Read my other replies if you want to understand how that’s hopppefuly not the case lol.

[@tobystent]

It’s great they are taking VR stuff even more seriously but after going through two Pimax with lens issues and the 3rd not working at all and thus giving up on even bothering with their products it’s a shame it’s with Pimax 😢

[@theVRpilot]

Everyone benefits from this, whether or not you go with pimax or not so it sort of doesn’t matter that it is them, but it’s great that they are recognizing VR. Also what other headset would you suggest be a better alternative?

[@tobystent]

@ well that’s the problem right! Nobody has really nailed the PCVR space with something in that price range. I have had a varjo aero but recently sold that and I use a Quest 3 at the moment, I just wish they would take those lens/display and make it PCVR 🤣 then the world would be a happy place. Very much waiting eagerly for the next headset that comes along. I was happy to try Pimax again after a bad experience with an 8k, and as I said after 3 Crystal lights I’m burnt for good by them (although very fair and honest customer service)

[@gizmo104drives7]

I tried a crystal for a while and i noticed in my peripheral vision 2 circular shapes in the "tunnel" that surrounds the picture. Hard to explain but once i noticed it it was all i could see. When looking to the extreme left of right i couldnt see them but once i looked ahead in the blackness that surrounds the image these 2 semi circules one on each side just jump right out No one else iv heard has mentioned this lol

[@dtz1000]

You expect these hype merchants on KZbin to mention that? I noticed the small distortion sweetspot when I briefly used the Crystal. It's hard to ignore it, especially coming from pancake lenses, but most KZbinrs don't even mention it in their reviews even though it is so obvious.

[@theVRpilot]

As a professional hype youtube merchant lol, I literally mentioned that and how it’s not as prevalent as it was on the reverb G2. I think what gizmo said is true, if you come over from 2D to any VR headset, there is a limited FOV! I even mentioned that it’s roughly 102* by 102*. And another thing in VR, you don’t sit here and keep your head looking forward and stretch your eyes to the left or right, the effect he is talking about is going to be present in all a headsets. In VR you turn your head where you look, kind of like in real life. But for some reason folks in VR stress keeping their head looking forward forward and trying to reach the edges of the display with there eyes. As someone who has been flying VR since 2014, what we have today is beyond awesome and improved so much, not perfect but way better.

[@gizmo104drives7]

@theVRpilot the effect I'm talking about that I noticed in the crystal was in your peripheral vision at all times.. Once I noticed it I couldn't see past it.. you get these wierd circles in your peripheral. If you move your eyes to try to see what it is they go. Was very annoying. I don't get this in the g2 I just do wonder what causes it.. could of been a defect in the lenses maybe??

[@gizmo104drives7]

@dtz1000 I also experienced some bizzare distortion. Don't know what caused that either. This was an early headset so could of been their warping profile not optimal

[@theVRpilot]

@@gizmo104drives7 interesting! I wish I could see that to Better help or understand what it is.

[@WillisKeeper]

So in 4 years Pimax will brick this thing like the last "official" VR partner did? Good to know.

[@theVRpilot]

😂😂😂 WMR was ran by Microsoft - separate from the Microsoft we refer to here as it’s technically Xbox who runs MSFS. Microsoft terminated Windows Mixed Related. Microsoft can’t “delete” Pimax, they don’t own it.

[@WillisKeeper]

@@theVRpilot HP announced that they discontinue the Reverb G2 way before Microsoft announced the end of WMR.

[@theVRpilot]

Right so Microsoft saw companies were not going be using the WMR program, they were abandoning the platform and they decided why keep this software up? While it was terrible that this software bricked the headset, Microsoft is a for profit company. My point here is that Pimax who is also a for profit company, isn’t affected by Microsoft decision to run “WMR” and they are benefiting from partnering with Microsoft aka Xbox in this parternship. Xbox is who runs the show for MSFS not the Microsoft we think and know of when it comes to WMR. I think it’s sort of confusing but consider this. Pimax could technically go out of business and there be no pimax play software. I hope that doesn’t happen but it’s the same thing. Think of how many companies have created hardware that is no longer supported, sometimes only after 1 year! Being on the leading edge of tech this is one of the price to pay. Apple literally doesn’t allow older iPads to update to the new software. This is why I said, a win for Pimax is a win for all in VR. A win for Meta / Facebook and Quest headset is a win for us all even if you dislike mark zuckerberg. The more popular VR and flight simming becomes, the better it is for our industry.

[@ottoottensen4836]

Has anyone ever told you that you look like REALLY HeavyDSparks? Just joking :)

[@theVRpilot]

Yes! Lol! Especially before when I hadn’t trimmed my beard. Someone tag him so I can go fly in his Blackhawk! Also he is in great. shape. I am a shape. A round shape. Lmao

[@jakeperl5857]

There's no flight simming like VR flight simming...and there's no VR flight simming like Crystal Light VR flight simming! (at least for under USD $1k, anyway)

[@jamesm568]

Does it work with AMD hardware? I know AMD hardware is not the best when it comes to VR quality.

[@theVRpilot]

Yeah! Absolutely. Not sure I’ve heard of any issues but I’ll further ask my community.

[@casstephens3124]

Exactly. Hype. Just like Microsoft partnership with vatsim. And nothing. Partner with hp. And nothing. It's all marketing. The official kool-aid of the Miami dolphins

[@theVRpilot]

Man, there is a complaint about everything Microsoft and asobo doesn’t get right. I can’t fix that. I see VR being highlighted and I am excited. VR is growing. Companies see it. This is good for the industry!

[@casstephens3124]

@theVRpilot not a complaint as much as an observation of not just Microsoft. Just corporate marketing.

[@theVRpilot]

@@casstephens3124I see. It is marketing of course for Pimax and Microsoft to partner. As they grow hopefully our VR industry sees more demand and gets more attention and care.

[@casstephens3124]

@theVRpilot interesting panel discussion on fselite. This topic came up. And Sergio feels exactly the same as I do. Not to burst bubbles, but I'll be cautiously optimistic.

[@theVRpilot]

@ yup! Sergio is wise lol, always good to be cautiously optimistic !

[@denault3985]

Not fair, Microsoft is selecting one of the most expensive VR headsets out there. Not everyone is rich, especially the retired.

[@theVRpilot]

Hey! Let me help with the misconception… it “technically” doesn’t matter that they are saying Pimax is our peripheral partner. It’s like they chose Thrustmaster over Winwing or over Virpil. They are highlighting them as they are partnering with them. Now why even though I said technically it doesn’t matter this is why it does! VR is a niche within a niche. We are growing. The fact that Microsoft is highlighting their partnership with a VR company is great! That means they are taking VR seriously and hopefully having one of the larger headset manufacturers in partnership with them might allow for better software and hardware support. So even though you have an Oculus or Vive this to me signifies that Microsoft is paying attention to VR and we aren’t completely on the back burner. What we really need is a 1-3 person team dedicated to VR. That would be awesome. Not a lot. But just a few people focused on making this the best experience possible for the community and VR support should be separate from 2D issues and request. My goal in this video is to highlight that this is a win for you even if you don’t use a Pimax product. I hope that makes sense!

[@StekuVideo]

​@@theVRpilotAsobo used to have a dedicated VR team, then it was disbanded and now VR is merely "a platform".

[@cammy9r]

Not everyone is rich that's for sure but at retirement age you have had longer to save up..well that's what governments assume. I use a pico 4 and it is fine and I don't think I will change it until it fails. Hopefully by then display port headsets will be more competitive.

[@theVRpilot]

True, because we were a small niche, and once it was implement it was “good enough”. I can imagine VR team didn’t have a huge ROI, and they figured they could use the resource elsewhere and share that workload. Again, they are running a business not a charity. Us VR users aren’t paying any extra for the feature but it does cost them to add / maintain / update it. So I m happy VR is here, and any time VR gets mentioned or highlighted this is good. It shows we are growing and who knows, what if this led to them adding one or two dedicated VR employees? Not saying this will happen, but That would be great wouldn’t it? I’m hoping for the best and Microsoft will make their official announcement today, and I think we should celebrate the W when we get it.

[@theVRpilot]

I think competition will lead to innovation which will lead to lower prices and higher quality for all VR users.

[@paulmann8675]

As Microsoft have proven before they will soon drop companies when they want just like that (mixed reality G2) Lucky pimax has its own software

[@theVRpilot]

Well, yes, I thought of that too. Now it’s funny, I say Microsoft but I’m fairly certain that Xbox is pulling the strings here. I’m sure MSFS falls under the gaming portion of the budget which is under Xbox. Now Xbox recently dropped a bunch of studios after purchasing them, could they do this with all of their flight sim partners? Yeah absolutely. But because this is creating a fresh stream of income they are motivated otherwise to make this a great product. Or I hope. lol. At the end this is all driven for them by profit, this isn’t a charity they are running.

[@paulmann8675]

@ well said

[@CrazyPilot_from_Belgium]

Don't cheer too loudly, I would say. HP reverb used to be the VR Partner for the Microsoft Flight Simmulator and now look, it's in the trash.

[@theVRpilot]

I will cheer loudly while we have support. I did the same with the Reverb G2 while it was an awesome headset. VR is a fast and evolving market and while I don’t agree with all the decision Microsoft makes, it’s key to know that Microsoft and likely Xbox (who is running MSFS) are two different departments and while Vr was huge WMR was announced to be removed as of December 2023 from Microsoft store except for professional partner support. Right now as much as everyone hates on Zuckerberg, Facebook/meta has been carrying the weight loosing billions of dollars per year keeping the meta quest headset prices down and bringing it to the masses helping normalize the product and lowered its price as technology becomes more abundant. 10 years ago I flew in the Oculus DK1 in DCS for the first time with only 3DOF tracking. And today we are in an amazing place. 10 years for now it’s going to be even better. I will continue to celebrate the small wins when we get them as a community to help show that they matter!

[@Despiser25]

So Pimax gave itself the curse of death, lol.

[@theVRpilot]

lol why?

[@Despiser25]

@@theVRpilot Look what they just did to the G2.

[@theVRpilot]

True, but ok… I’ve said it several times lol. G2 ran on WMR. Windows mixed reality was ran by Microsoft. Xbox is running MSFS. So yes I say Microsoft is partnering with, as in MSFS, as in XBOX. And Xbox/microsoft does not own or control the software that Pimax produces. This simply gives pimax direct access to provide feedback and request better and quicker support to make this a better experience for us in Vr and if one of benefits we all do!

[@tomc1380]

Def needs a smaller form factor and pancake lens imho.

[@theVRpilot]

Agreed. Lighter smaller is better!

[@RandomVideoEditors]

Hi hype

[@drumbri]

Pimax is an extremely flaky company. I am surprised Microsoft flight simulator chose them. I have the original crystal and have been waiting for two years for the wider field of view lenses that have been promising me and took my money for over a year and a half ago. still no delivery still no news when they come out. Very disappointed in Pimax.

[@theVRpilot]

Sorry to hear that man, thanks for sharing your XP. I assume you have emailed them, but try them on Reddit or other avenues to at least make sure you get what you paid for! They are quite active. Or their own discord.

[@jackr.749]

After Microsoft killing off WMR, sorry if I've lost faith in anything Microsoft. Pimax, beware, Microsoft might crap all over you also. I have both a G2 and Crystal Light, so believe me when I say I hope this collaboration is for the better, time will tell. Not trying to be negative here, I just don't trust Microsoft. 😱

[@MrChaser66]

Which Headset do you prefer ? the G2 or the Pimax i have a G2 and i am not sure what i should buy next

[@jackr.749]

@@MrChaser66 The Crystal Light is by far much better visually, higher resolution, no Fresnel optics so I get pretty close to edge to edge clarity. With it's local dimming, the colors are more vibrant an the blacks are almost OLED quality "Almost" LOL. The stock Crystal Light is not very comfortable for some people depending on your head shape, so I bought a kit from Studioform that make the facial interface much better, I also bought the Pimax top comfort strap which also adds to the comfort. Pimax has come a long way with their software, it's actually pretty good now and I've not had any problems with it. Out of the box, the G2 has much better audio, a option for the Pimax is their DMAS speakers but they are costly and I don't know how close to the G2 they sound, they too are off ear, I don't have these, I 3D printed a adaptor and use a set of HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap speakers with the Pimax, this sounds great.

[@theVRpilot]

I agree. Note that the Microsoft that ran WMR is not the same department that runs MSFS, which is likely under the Xbox gaming side of things. Microsoft invested in WMR and decided that it wasn’t worth it to continue its support. They should not have rendered all the headsets useless like they did. I agree that was a terrible move. Companies should not have kept selling them new for $600 knowing they had a short shelf life. In this case Microsoft partnering with Pimax is like saying Winwing or Thrustmaster. They are a separate company who hopefully can have a better line of communication and share what they need software wise and support wise to make this a great or better product. That in turn should affect all of the VR community as VR improves for one, it improves for all!

[@jackr.749]

@@theVRpilot LOL, you don't know how much I hope you are right! LOL

[@talking2388]

It's a partner but no support for XBOX? You have turned into more of a paid supporter now then someone who reviews.

[@theVRpilot]

Yo If someone paid you for my video please pass me the check!! lol Also, I would ask you look up Phil Spencer’s comments on VR. I mentioned him twice. He is adamant the game world (Xbox) is not ready for VR and that the demand is not where it needs to be and he has no intentions of integrating VR to Xbox anytime soon (paraphrasing Phil Spencer in 2023 interview) This still is great news because as you say there is no current support but guess what this shows? That the demand is there! We are on the same team lol

[@talking2388]

@@theVRpilot Yea how all that going?

[@theVRpilot]

@@talking2388 lol, ROUGH START! But VR is amazing! man o man!

[@walley2637]

lol, why would msfs pick those huge googles? they look ridiculous, like someone strapped a monitor to their face. i wouldn't buy a Pimax just because of how dumb they look. VR google are bad enough but that manufacturer appear to not care about size and weight...

[@theVRpilot]

Answer this. Why didn’t MS use Quest 3 it’s only $500 - it’s wireless connection compressed visuals and isnt ideal. Why didn’t they chose the Somnium VR1 it’s price tag of $2500 isn’t what everyone is using. why didn’t they chose the Big Screen Beyond? $1000 - requires a custom printed face mask that can’t be shared. There’s several more headsets on the market that are aging that also didn’t make sense. Pimax is NOT perfect, nor the best headset for everyone but it’s pretty damn good for most. Could it be lighter? Sure! Smaller? Yes! Is it good? Damn good! And an overall great choice. Now how and why they decided to buy several for the world preview event? I don’t know; but it was there and it was a great choice again, and based on what I just said, tell me who could have been selected and who else should have been considered to be a “VR parter” that’s putting in the work for dedicated PC VR with high specs and moderate price? Lmk please!

[@DBCooper-r3l]

@@theVRpilot Meta is a Microsoft competitor. I am sure the CL is a good head set but I got a refurbished Quest 3, I have found VR really great as you say.

[@nope-z5y]

Do tell, which VR headset makes you look COOL? I have a fragile ego too, and I want one that makes me look COOL.

[@theVRpilot]

I Q3 is a great choice.

[@walley2637]

@@nope-z5y I think trying to find one that makes you look cool is the wrong way to look at it. if you don't already look cool then there will be no hope for you! But we can find some that don't look as ridiculous and give you a neck-ache... like the Bigscreen Beyond for example. Really though i have to agree with the other comments and go with the Quest 3 for less than 1/2 the price of Pimax or Bigscreen.