The FINAL Somnium VR-1 Is Here & the Future of Optics ( 210º FoV )

[@Tyrielwood]

I think it's the first time that a company actually listens to our feedback. lol.

[@artursychov]

👊

[@Mr_Nobody_Alive]

before watch i want to know weather price was lowered or not?

[@vyacheslav_potapenko]

@@Mr_Nobody_Alive why it should be lowered if current delivery queue is december?

[@paulct91]

3:33 - Might that have been Somnium using some of the other non-final headsets like tbe prototype(?) that FlightSimGuy is using?

[@Mr_Nobody_Alive]

@@vyacheslav_potapenko how many non-apple user are buying vison pro? apple even provide apple-apple interaction in thier product but in somnium it only provides a better lens and view but new or 1st time users will not choose to buy it. only some money and vision pro like user will review same costly vr. so in the end target audience is still low

[@artursychov]

Thank you for coming Tyriel! It was a fun day and thanks for walking through feature by feature and noticing improvements we did! Thank you for your feedback from December!

[@Tyrielwood]

@@artursychov thanks for having me!

[@Aidinbg]

We are looking forward for the next Gen lenses with that big FOV. Because good VR is all about FOV and resolution

[@kellymoses8566]

and Hz

[@EmancipatedSquirrel]

This looks amazing, I hope the 4 screen one comes out sooner

[@ormpoa]

Thanks for the best video about Somnium Connect

[@Tyrielwood]

@@ormpoa I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@DMan-ud6bt]

Thanks for your valuable second impressions, Tyriel! It boggles my mind that they chose to demo the VR1 on inferior PC hardware at only 124 degrees render FOV. It is also worth noting that the demos were either run at 80% or 85% of what is considered native panel resolution for the VR1. We NEED full in-depth reviews of VR1, with each reviewer having the time to adjust software settings to ensure it is dialed in for their own eyes - ASAP. Of course that requires reviewers actually getting their hands on review units of the final product.

[@louiesauras2403]

This is just the news I was looking for, glad to of stumbled across your channel!

[@idegteke]

The moment you said “new developments” I realised that I will be able to buy Somnium VR-1, by the time 190° will be the norm for FoV and pixel/degree will be a thing of the past - or taxes are abolished, at the very least:)

[@totheknee]

10:44 - Basically need two 4090s at that point. One for the side rendering, and one for the front. Either that or MS needs to fire the entire Asobo team and get Bruce Artwick back so they can focus on performance for the first time since 1995.

[@aj2228]

They have a really hard time integrating the frames from two display ports. But this would be the ultimate solution for VR.

[@Snack.Dragon]

Amazing ! I can not imagine the now tech reached to this tier.

[@joseferrer8334]

Thank you for this video. Could Arthur lend a device to you so you can do your typical through the lens pictures comparisons? Lens quality, resolution and no compression are the key selling points of this device!

[@HowlerBikeVlogs]

have mine ordered, coming from an index, i was really waiting around to see a high end hmd with wide fov, decent framerates, high resolution and outside in tracking. don't really care that it's bulky or front heavy, i ride motorcycles on track a lot so having wind pull on the helmet at high speeds is something i'm used to, never had neck issues with a vr headset or a helmet for that matter. mostly use vr in simracing and -flying. it's gonna be super sweet when all the settings are dialed in and DFR is working properly

[@pixxelpusher]

If Somnium put the Hypervision 210 degree lenses into a small and light VR-2 headset I'd definitely consider buying it.

[@JunyuVR]

This video was really helpful!

[@PrinzMidas]

The price is sick. There are other Headsets on the market, which already match the same resolution. I really would like to know, where this headset shoul be better than others.

[@netshaman9918]

Tesla suit is COOL ! ^^

[@3dbuilderadvance747]

How a suit can controll your body 😯

[@TyKix]

It looks absolutely massive, I know it’s got good tech in it but it’s still undoubtedly a big headset for what is a PCVR headset.

[@iglobrothers645]

It's not that big really

[@adriankoch964]

Now all the engines need worthwhile performance improvements like DCS with Quads on a dynamically foveated title.

[@reyluna0]

I'M SO GLAD I CLICKED HERE I want to get one with a few less stuff I won't use and finally upgrade my ancient HTC VIVE Also PLEASE RELEASE THE TESLA SUIT please and thnx

[@DMan-ud6bt]

I ordered the Classic Edition. I wanted to get the Visionary, but my decision was made for me after the prices were announced. I am hoping for a much clearer and larger visual experience than my Index offers. I'll just have to use my own earbuds to begin with and hopefully get a decent off-ear add-on later on.

[@Jay-uk8uw]

looks like good competition for the newer vive, the resolution seems nice. aside from that tho i'd prefer my older quest 2 let alone my 3.

[@Joric78]

Looks good for the sim market. I'm more of a bang for buck, general purpose VR user though, so it's not for me. Still good to see more options and the specialisation/modularity of lens, haptics and hand tracking options.

[@killdano]

Holy shit it's almost as good as the headset I got a month ago for 1/3 of the price

[@chadef555]

It’s actually much better than anything on the market.

[@napynap]

@12:14 this is too real! Ouch!

[@lurchilurch5507]

Why would world scale in MSFS be an HMD issue? It's fully adjustable within the sim

[@tomduke1297]

so pimax is about to actually get a competitor? good! no one has had anything even remotely comparable at their pricepoint to date.

[@rentaroanaka419]

I thought headsets were getting smaller and smaller... but somehow the thing was getting bigger and bigger XD

[@kwlxxi4813]

1:47 Is it LCD with local diming, or QLED? (as is stated at 1:52)?

[@ericd.9038]

It is a QLED LCD with mini-led local dimming, lower right in the second time stamp in your comment.

[@kwlxxi4813]

@@ericd.9038 Oh, right thanks! I need new glasses...

[@siriusgu4579]

Imagine play Bodycam with Tesla suits, on maximum volume or just medium haha

[@seattime4075]

I wonder if you could fit it to a bobo halo head strap with a 3D printed part? Plus maybe a counter weigh. Very interested when they open up shipping to Australia, as I love mixed reality in my sim.

[@DMan-ud6bt]

The VR1 is specifically designed so that 3rd party straps for other headsets like those for the Quest 2 and 3 can be mounted using some 3D printed adapters.

[@seattime4075]

@@DMan-ud6bt That would be great, Love my Quest 3 and mixed reality for sims. Have the new bobo on my Q3 and it's excellent and I think would help with removing allot of the VR-1s weight off your face. The Q3, is only missing (which will likely come in 2026 with the Q4)some more pixels and clarity which would be a given with this headset. Expensive, but if it delivers, happy to pay the premium.

[@DMan-ud6bt]

​@@seattime4075 With VR1, you'd be getting clearer and larger visuals with a brighter and more color-accurate image. Clarity is great, but I don't really consider it a worthy upgrade if it doesn't also increase the FOV.

[@seattime4075]

@@DMan-ud6bt Suppose to be around 120 degrees, so certainly more then what I have now.

[@DMan-ud6bt]

​@@seattime4075 Well, It's actually supposed to offer a 130 degree FOV with a possible render FOV of up to 140 degrees. It's dependent on each person's face shape. The demos were being run with a 124 degree render FOV (per a software setting).

[@glenrisk5234]

I don't get the weirdness about electro-stimulation, it's been around for ages. It has used for muscle stimulation exercise for at least 30 years that I know of from experience. Apart from the possible exception of soldiers or other high risk roles where the trained aversion would have value, I'm not sure I understand why you'd need it to be capable of causing outright pain? Frankly it's a great way to provide the illusion of force feedback. It doesn't require much power and is much better suited to incorporation into clothing.

[@Wooskii1]

The Somnium is the first PCVR headset I've been interested in since the Beyond. I just can't get hyped for anything without a high FoV, or anything PiMax. It's a shame it takes so long to release something cool because I kinda got tired of waiting and got into other hobbies instead. Maybe in the winter when I don't want to play outside.

[@namegoeshere197]

it ships november-december this year

[@Wooskii1]

@@namegoeshere197 Cool thanks, I'll keep my eyes open for early reviews.

[@hgahsiea]

I need hobbies! What are your hobbies!

[@DerSolinski]

Sure... for the complete package 3.5 k€ before tax... I mean it's chuck full of tech... But damn, you get a mighty fine PC including all periphery and then some for that money. However they sell to prosumers directly and not just businesses which is awesome if you can afford it.

[@jensschmidt3687]

I'm really, really interested in everything you can say about the wide field of view tech setup that you showed from the show. For example, how visible is the seam between the screens on the 4-screen version. Just tell us everything 😊

[@DMan-ud6bt]

For me, the key point is that it is 3-5 years away.

[@jensschmidt3687]

@@DMan-ud6bt I'm old, years to me are like weeks to a 30-something :P

[@DMan-ud6bt]

@@jensschmidt3687 Haha

[@Sedokun]

Now the question is - where I can buy the cockpit?

[@Tyrielwood]

that's a good question. it was incredible O.O I'm afraid it would be extra expensive tho

[@artursychov]

@@Tyrielwood vrgineers

[@Tyrielwood]

@@artursychov o.O

[@neonchaos5483]

I would love to see the 4 panel appear in form of BigScreen Beyond!!! that would be like an instant purchase for me !!! Yeppers 💯 💥 INSTANT Purchase!!! 💥

[@jensschmidt3687]

I second that !

[@heyheyhophop]

Thirding!

[@Sofian375]

The issue is their fov numbers are with LCD panels, which are bigger than micro oled ones.

[@jamiesalmonsculpture8599]

They need to make an inside out tracked version. They're just assuming all high-end users already have base stations? I don't, plus I don't want them. They're losing a big chunk of consumers

[@DMan-ud6bt]

I think it's a combination of reasons - the Lighthouse system is still the most accurate tracking solution at this time + small companies making their first products don't need or want the extra headache and cost of adding inside out tracking. The VR1 is expensive enough as it is. lol Of course inside out tracking would simplify the situation for many who don't already have LH and open up the opportunity to make that nice travel case actually make some sense.

[@Sofian375]

I would like to know what would be the maximum fov of the hypervision lenses (160° ones) with micro oled screens, which are smaller than the one used in the pico 4 or Q3.

[@Tyrielwood]

@@Sofian375 they are actually studied specifically for LCD screens, so I don't think they would work for large fov with microOleds

[@Sofian375]

@@Tyrielwood And I forgot that we are talking about a totally different type of optics (pancake). We would need someone to interview them and ask these questions.

[@Tyrielwood]

@@Sofian375 I actually talked with them, and they specifically said that for those lenses to work they need bigger displays, to squeeze the max FoV, and higher res for better quality, unfortunately those screens don't exist yet 😔

[@steve_ire321]

Hmmm, to me that thing is still a far cry to where I expected HMD's to be at in terms of ergonomics and features like FOV. It's still just as bulky as something like the Vive was too, and the lenses might be good, but PSVR1 had asperical lenses in there, so it's not that much of a step up. I thought this company was working on wide FOV technology? (just seen that mentioned in the video) That would have at least be compelling over anything outside of Pimax. It seems that all the big leaps in VR recently are camera and software based.

[@Tyrielwood]

@@steve_ire321 the reality is that the resolution is starting to be high enough that it doesn't really matter as much, and lenses get better but it's perfecting, not like jumping from the first vive to the pancakes, we reached a very high level for VR headsets and it's awesome, we should be happy of it actually ;)

[@steve_ire321]

@@Tyrielwood Yes, it will eventually make a standard at least. I think 3k per eye is basically the tipping point for resolution as far as overall clarity is concerned. In retrospect, looking at this headset and comparing it to something like the PSVR2, it just goes to show what amazing value the PSVR2 actually is, even more so now that it's PC compatible and uses displayport.

[@DMan-ud6bt]

For some reason the demos were run on inferior PC hardware, one system even had an RTX 2080 in it. The demos were also limited in software with a render FOV of 124 degrees instead of the 130 native or 140 limit. The demos were also rendered at either 80% or 85% of the native resolution for the headset. I don't understand the thinking with these decisions, because it clearly does not give reviewers (the people telling the rest of the world about this thing) a good idea of what to convey to others.

[@kozmikhero6749]

I think 2025 will be the year I return to VR. I had a HP Reverb G2 when it launched and it was so atrocious that I ended up re-selling it 2 months later. Whatever headset with the sweet spot price of $750ish I'll be going for

[@thunderpocky6034]

Quest 3’s the best headset out there rn.

[@paulct91]

8:06 - Couldn't be even disregarding price, as it can't do any form of standalone, on-board processing, or wireless.

[@chadef555]

The headset wasn’t aimed to be standalone. It is high end pcvr headset. It doesn’t need standalone features.

[@glidenbadillo3069]

VR should make Museum VR (Aquarium) (libraries) City Hall buildings and Historical buildings with live activities from the Museums. with the ability to add (new) cities. future VR plant to have CERNS in VR and the Vatican for educational perspective and entertainment and the Salem MA witch Museum AND Space Walk and (Planets) PS Zoom Should Have VR. with a Menu of simple games like connect 4 chest and others. FOR THERAPY purpose

[@GamersErdemYT]

03:39 kadar izledim artık var olan bir ürün var anladığım şey bu

[@nolandderlugner1351]

But ofc nr 1 issue isnt fixed COMFORT They need to use a breakout box system so all tech besides the bare minimum, is outside of the device These hmd are all garabge if i cant wear the for 2 hour with 0 pain

[@mr.panjandrum4757]

Hmmm. I keep looking for a true Wide FOV HMD so that I can move away from Pimax (due to their poor software; my 8K-X is phenomenal, but the PiTool/PimaxClient has steadily declined in usability and quality). The Somnium seems interesting, but they advertise a horizontal FOV of only 130 degrees. That is lower than even the "normal" mode on the Pimax, which I consider the minimum acceptable. So I guess I just get to keep hoping that someone comes along and makes a true Wide FOV (+ high resolution) HMD that just works properly, without having to deal with a poorly designed/implemented software layer.

[@waedi_]

should probably reduce the noise in the audio here

[@Tyrielwood]

@@waedi_ it was so hot I had to use the AC...

[@adsilite]

Add to the price of the somnium VR1 some HTC ligthouse base stations. No, seriously...

[@vyacheslav_potapenko]

and waiting time to get VR1 is December :)

[@paulct91]

Inside-out tracking would've been the way to go, not sure why it wasn't an option at these prices, even Pimax Crystal Light (does NOT have standalone) has inside-out tracking!

[@adsilite]

@@paulct91 Agree. Lighthouse tracking was the best in 2016. We are in 2024 though

[@zonegaming3498]

Great headset just needs to be like 1200$+ cheaper

[@Gorilla_Jones]

118 or 180? I couldn't understand apologies.

[@djp1234]

The biggest thing I'm waiting for is dynamic foveated rendering that actually WORKS, that at least doubles the frame rate. It's the holy grail that we've been waiting for for almost a decade. I think only Valve will be able to pull it off.

[@webweaver3015]

Already here with Pimax Crystal and Quad views

[@djp1234]

@@webweaver3015 I haven't seen any good results from that headset. Only like 10% improvement in FPS. I think Valve will achieve 200-300% increase in FPS.

[@clarkeeeee]

I had the Pimax Crystal temporarily (I returned it), and the quad view rendering gave me massive performance boosts. Yes, it actually works. If it isn't working for you, there's probably something else wrong. I could see "crystal" clear in DCS, and actually got better performance than I did in my old Valve Index! But, sadly, I ran into other issues that are common with Pimax headsets--buggy software/hardware, poor tracking, unnecessary and annoying features, poor fit, etc. I ultimately decided it wasn't worth the price, despite the incredible visuals.

[@djp1234]

@@clarkeeeee what kind of performance boosts did you see? Every review video I’ve seen only shows like 10% difference in FPS.

[@webweaver3015]

@@djp1234 has to be the Crystal (not lite version). 50% increase in fps AND 200% resolution. It's a HUGE performance and quality upgrade. If didn't set resolution to 200% would easily get 100% fps boost. I have 4090, 14900, and Crystal.

[@hgahsiea]

It looks massive. I dunno

[@fablegarmeth6897]

Was Sadlyisbradly hosting a Booth?

[@lurchilurch5507]

Yes he was selling cat ears and silken whiskers

[@gogreengameon2146]

So bulky protruding forward with the double aspheric lenses. Wonder if enthusiasts will really be interested, considering some of the headsets Pimax are now putting out.

[@artursychov]

No need to wonder, they are really interested :)

[@victormaniaci2104]

Pimax headsets are even bigger then the VR1

[@b.s.7693]

this thing a bit smaller and with i/o tracking, I would buy it for let's say 1.5K

[@paulct91]

So, a Pimax Crystal? Or Quest Pro?

[@b.s.7693]

@@paulct91 pimax crystal comes closest but don't want a bulky headset

[@cyberlando]

Being this early should be a crime lol

[@TheDiamondSquidy]

I feel like 180° is enough no?

[@craigbeare9770]

Can I finally retire my index ?

[@GhostWriter_Music]

make it wireless and I will be sold on it.

[@Drn10n]

annnnnd, they don't ship to where i live

[@artursychov]

What country are you from?

[@thomasphilly132]

Wow, this is super cool! I'm still in awe of the Microsoft flight simulator experience that you did. Did you feel sick at all?

[@Tyrielwood]

vr legs are strong here

[@CabrioDriving]

Cables :(

[@b.s.7693]

From the flight scenes I cannot tell if they are real or MSFS2020 😁

[@Tyrielwood]

@@b.s.7693 🤫 😂

[@smallbutdeadly931]

The Somnium VR1 makes me feel like we're stuck back in 2016

[@artursychov]

Because you haven't tried it ;)

[@paulct91]

....is it because of the size being bigger than the Bigscreen Beyond?

[@lurchilurch5507]

Comments like this make me feel like the commenter knows nothing about VR. There's more to an HMD than the form factor

[@BonBonBonni]

It looks very bulky. No one wants a headset like this! We need headsets like Bigscreen but with a 120 or more FOV.

[@artursychov]

And I need a plane but with zero fuel consumption which goes double the speed of current planes. Can you deliver pls? 😂

[@paulct91]

...Good luck with that, there is a reason why Bigscreen Beyond is the only headset they sell... because they Bigscreen can't offer that.

[@paulct91]

Apple Vision Pro already exists and just like BigScreen Beyond requires 'extra' controllers BUT has inside-out Tracking.

[@BonBonBonni]

Yes, but the FOV is not even 100, and the headsets are very heavy. I tested all of them. I hope the new Apple Headset will be smaller and have a larger FOV. We need 120 or more, plus ambient dimming. Then you have the feeling you are in another place!

[@paulct91]

​@@BonBonBonni...you tested the Somnium VR1...? How was Somnium Connect?

[@reyluna9332]

I would rather they had a hat style mount on the head instead of goggles that press onto your face.

[@Gr8Success]

Not going to lie, that Somnium headset looks ridiculous. Its form factor resembles a toaster strapped to your face !...i will consider it when is 3 times smaller at least ! and human FOV of 210 degrees

[@Chief_Sitz_On_Bowl_TNSAGDWGCat]

LCD screens always have poor color accuracy, grey blacks and poor contrast at dimming zone boundaries. In VR image accuracy is more important than just about every other factor once a decent resolution and FOV are met. Complete joke this expensive headset isn’t using HDR OLED.

[@cedrick7679]

Aspherical lenses = no thanks (Pancake for me only)

[@zaelu]

this will flop big time - not sure I give a damn

[@paulct91]

It won't flop, it is one of those 'Halo' SKUs nearly 'exclusive' to Enterprise customers (...mostly).

[@zaelu]

@@paulct91 year right... those VR mail readers... you remember this in one year or less

[@Cooe.]

... This isn't the future of VR optics... Like at all. 🤦😑 Such hybrid aspheric lenses are absolutely MASSIVE and have significant weight, making them a complete technological dead-end. The improvements in FOV simply aren't worth the massive form factor trade-offs with current pancake lenses, let ALONE future lens types! Aspheric lenses only make sense in stupid niche, stupid expensive headsets like this where the intended customer (all literally 5 people worth of them) doesn't really care about form factor or comfort. 🤷

[@chadef555]

Have fun with your toilet paper rolls fov headsets with pancake lenses then.

[@Cooe.]

@@chadef555 Lol 110° isn't a toilet paper roll, and 120-130° is totally achievable with current pancake lens tech. And yeah, I will. I'd still rather have a thin and light headset that's 110° FOV than this MASSIVE, heavy monstrosity that costs $3000+ and is STILL only 125°! If this thing was like 160° then sure, maybe the form factor might justify itself, but it's not even pushing past the limits of current pancakes for crap's sake! Shit ridiculously late headset is shit. 🤷

[@chadef555]

@@Cooe. 120-130 is not possible with current pancake lenses. You’re talking out of your ass. The headset looks bigger than it is on video and is much lighter on the head than it looks. It has up to 140 horizontal fov and 105 vertical while still retaining high PPD. You won’t see pancake lens with that fov anywhere close and that much PPD. Also the headset costs 1900€ for base version. You don’t need to buy most expensive version to enjoy all the clarity.

[@Cooe.]

@@chadef555 Yes, it is. It would require larger lenses and headsets than what we've currently seen with pancakes but it's definitely possible. And lol tell me you work for Somnium without telling me. 🤣 Lens type has absolutely zero impact on PPD. That's determined by the resolution of the display and FOV of the headset. That's it. Different lens types with those same attributes will have identical PPD. Also, aspherics are FAAAAAAR from perfect. The obvious shape distortion near the edges of the lenses makes any increased FOV notably less valuable than it would otherwise be. Not to mention the significant chromatic aberration near the lens edges that other lens types have basically solved. And most importantly, raw FOV isn't nearly as important as overall immersion, which big bulky headsets KILL (try a Bigscreen Beyond for any length of time to drill this into your head). More FOV is always nice & better, but reality doesn't suddenly feel any less real when you have goggles or a motorcycle helmet on in real life. 🤷

[@vroreo5019]

People still waiting for the valve deckard 🦴💀🦴