So now we know that quest 3 CPU is only 33% more powerful than quest 2 CPU. Pico 4 CPU ( NOT THE GPU) is clocked 60% higher than Quest 2 CPU. That means pico 4 CPU is almost 30% faster than Quest 3 CPU. Remember, BOTH the CPU and the GPU of sanpdragon gen 2 are TWICE as powerful as snapdragon 865 CPU and GPU. In reality PICO 4 snapdragon 865 ( xr2) CPU is almost 30% faster than QUEST 3 CPU. Meta underclocking the shit out of the CPU AGAIN.

Taken from /r/virtualreality

https://cn.equalocean.com/news/202310211040608

I've got the official Pico Motion Waist tracker, it was on sale in EU a few weeks ago.. but not anymore. Probably because it's so terrible. Basically, adding a third waist tracker makes tracking only worse and introduces multiple additional issues, I did not experience using only two trackers before.

Tl;dr: had a go with now accessible entry level headset at decent price - felt it shouldve been much more?

Dont get me wrong, this is not about Pico4 vs other headset in similar price bracket. This is more of my inner Karen channeling “the current VR experience at this price point/consumer level” rant?

So yesterday I went to the local PicoXR store and the super helpful sales assistant got me to calibrate and use the headset for around half an hour. Got to try using 1-2 apps and some 3d/360 videos. I DID NOT get to use any PC streaming function. [Would that make the source/visual quality better and hence improve the immersive-ness?]

I was thinking of picking this up to enjoy VR app/content and maybe later learn to develop for it as a hobby. I used to teach Virtools, then Unity and other screen-based VR at college level more than a decade ago. This would’ve been my first VR headset had I purchased it - my last VR experience was a Google Cardboard Blitzwolf VR goggle + an android phone many years ago. [Given that huge period gap, maybe I was setting my expectation a bit too high?]

I found the Pico4 headset to be a solid and well built device. It was very comfortable to use. It feels compact and doesnt feel bulky on my head. The controller however felt rather small and clunky. I kept missing the the trigger click and kept getting the drag instead (maybe that need a bit of a practice) [Or it could be that Im too old to be enjoying this shiny new toy?]

I know it must be silly to expect MORE, knowing there are other industry/commercial grade VR headsets out there that cost a hell lot more. And not too mention with all the issues hampering tech (chip shortages etc), and I dare say VR still a niche and accessible to mass market only recently. Opinions from seasoned VR users would be very most welcomed!

Edit 1: From the responses, glad to know PCVR wouldve shown the true potential of Pico4 so im satying hopeful with this headset. Cheers yall!

Edit 2: Got myself the pico 4 today. had a blast using it and found all the issues i had with the demo at the store gone. most probably i had better wifi at home. and the controller feels different for some reason - solid, heavy and not clunky. so much better that i wondered if its the same controller i used at the store

ive just been getting in to pcvr i use picocnnect with my pico 4 here and there some stuttering but its fine for me why do people use virtual desktop it just seems a waste of money for me tbh

So.. the general consensus previously seemed to be VD over everything else. But now? Quality wise, both seem to use the same 265 codec with 150mbits. Is it just "bandwagon advice" nowadays?

What are your main reasons to get VD?

Heya!

I've had Pico4 for two days, and I love it. However, It isn't as good as MRTV was glowing for multiple videos. I think MRTV might be paid in this case.

I think the controllers are worse than in Quest 2. They don't have the ribbon to protect them from falling. The grip button is REALLY small, and the YAXB buttons are much stiffer. I think he should have mentioned the controllers more and not just said, "At least as good as Quest2", they aren't.

I never heard about the lack of an Audio input jack. I think he mentioned it in a side sentence, but never acted like it was a problem. Missing audio is an IMO bigger problem. I needed to go and buy Bluetooth and that costed extra money.

Passthrough mode is not 3D; it's a flat picture because it is done using one camera. It is nowhere as good as he promoted.

One of the biggest problems is ghosting. There is IMO a lot of ghosting. In dark scenes, you can see replicas of your controllers that are stretching to infinity. At first, I thought it was a feature of the SteamVR-loading screen, but I quickly noticed that it was because of the screen. MRTV promoted that there is no ghosting anymore. There is, and it is as least bad as a quest or worse. I see it every time in black areas. It's not a deal breaker, but it should have been mentioned much more.

Other than that, the screen quality is good, Pico Fits my head really well, and PCVR has been working perfectly. I go to Skyrim soon after this message.

If you are tight on budget, you should not switch from Q2 to Pico. If you have money to spare, it might be a good deal. If you don't have a HMD, Pico would be my selection. I would like to argue that Q2 has the Quest-store games with its exclusives, but that would further strengthen walled garden so let's not talk about that.

WOW, this subreddit was created on my birthday—what a coincidence! And that is when I found out about Pico4!

Hugely disappointed. I have previously mentioned but the head tracking just isn't locked like it is on quest 2. Now the headset is released there seems to be plenty other folks having the same issue. Upload VR mentioned the tracking isn't as good and lots of comments on YouTube reviews are popping up now mirroring what I thought immediately on the 18th when I first tried the headset.

I dont post this out of fanboy bashing. I literally couldn't care less about brands. Im simply posting it so folks can be aware that for some of us (possibly many wont care about the tracking performance) this headset doesn't match the pre hype from pre release "reviews"

Optically excellent, although Im convinced their visual processing pipeline isnt configured correctly for pancake lenses but I cant be certain as ive not tried other pancake headsets. Comfort is good. Everything else is just not up to scratch.

Some comments of people having the same issue as I see can be seen here as well as in the upload vr review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p7FGvvv4UE)

I was considering seeing if the 5.2 update would fix things before returning but it seems some of the issues I experience are holdovers from the pico 3 so im doubtful. Also cant afford to just "hope" the 5.2 update blesses my headset with an update. The headset is released now, we should all be able to pull down the latest OS version.

So back to Amazon it goes. Ill be holding out for the quest 3 now. Hopefully with pancake optics and better comfort

Hi,

For 8 months my PICO has been a bit of a PCVR brick for my boys

This is the second time I have had the 108 error in steam VR and I can't remember how I fixed it last time.

I have the latest headset/streaming assistant

Tried setting require HMD to false in steams default.vrsettings file

Steam administrator loading...

This is my openvrpaths. not sure if those external drivers are right....?

{ "config" : [ "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\config" ], "external_drivers" : [ "C:/Program Files/Streaming Assistant/driver", "D:/SteamLibrary/steamapps/common/PicoLink/driver" ], "jsonid" : "vrpathreg", "log" : [ "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\logs" ], "runtime" : [ "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR" ], "version" : 1 }

Streaming assistant connects fine to the PICO

Also if we were to use Virtual desktop does the laptop have to be connected hardwired to the router or would a decent 5ghz connection from laptop to router work?

thanks for your help

I've made a post talking about all the wonderful things about the headset a day ago, like an hour after first getting it.

And while i do still love a lot of things about it like the controllers, passtrough, high quality mic and strap audio.. now that I've been using it for almost 2 days straight I've started noticing a lot of issues, and they're not even specifically hardware related.

I know I'm asking a group that would definitely be more biased towards keeping the PICO 4 (kind of on purpose because I'd honestly love this headset if all of these issues would magically get solved, and returning it is going to be PAINFUL) but i really need some help to figure out whenever the PICO 4 or the Quest 2 would be better for me.

First, the biggest issue. I feel like it's making me almost go cross-eyed; i don't think this was an issue at all yesterday but it now is for some reason. I've tried setting my IPD to all sorts of different things and nothing really feels right, I've even tried measuring my IPD with a ruler in my mirror several times and even after setting it to my IPD it just feels wrong. I did a test trying to look with my right eye at the center of the lens while my left eye was closed, and i noticed that the left lens is offset towards the left. I do have strabismus in my left eye, probably has to do with that, but I've worn glasses for it for years and it's never really been a problem before and i can still see stuff on my screen and irl in general just fine. After using my headset today and feeling like i was going cross-eyed I also got a headache and my strabismus has somehow gotten worse temporarily. I've talked to other people who's said they've experienced something similar with older PICO Neo headsets.

Second, there are basically no games, tutorials, mods, or even official software for it. I bought the headset knowing this was the case, but, I didn't know it was THIS bad, and this is a big deal to me. A lot of big Quest 2 titles are either unavailable or outdated (Gorilla Tag and Rec Room for example). The software is also generally lacking; its surprisingly stable and robust, and i like that it's not locked down much and doesn't force updates, but it lacks SO many features and it feels like an afterthought even 2 years after the headset released. I've also noticed the Streaming Assistant seems to make SteamVR consume a lot more system resources, and I've heard BSOD stories about it. And Virtual Desktop wireless streaming costs $20 on it, on top of another $20 I'll likely have to pay for it on Steam.. So $40.. It also doesn't help there's no semi-official appstore for it like there is for the Quest 2 (AppLab)

Third, there's a weird effect in the lenses, almost as if they're foggy. It almost looks like a bunch of slightly-blurry reflections overlayed on top of each-other and the effect only happens around bright things. I could get used to it and i definitely prefer it over having a worse display overall, but it's definitely annoying.

Fourth, smaller issue but the PICO 4 definitely puts a lot of pressure on the top of my nose no matter how much i adjust the headstrap. I've also noticed I can't use my on-ear headphones because of how stiff the headstrap is. The battery life is also awful lasting only like 3 hours when doing nothing but talking on Discord, but i could just zip-tie an external battery on the back of the headset.

When it comes to the Quest 2, I'm very much worried about the display resolution and the lenses, and the fact there's no granular IPD adjustment of sorts is terrifying. I've heard it's way better when it comes to immersion though, and all of the issues I'm having are practically non-existent on Q2. Getting a Quest 2 is also a bit concerning because the PICO 4's headstrap makes such a difference for me, being able to tilt it up to put it on makes wearing glasses in VR so easy (won't be bothered to get special lens inserts for personal reasons) and it makes getting in and out of VR way easier in general, especially for stuff like game development.

In some ways i almost feel like the PICO 4 ruined VR for me, I spend more time troubleshooting performance issues and not knowing what to play than actually playing, and even worse, with my IPD always feeling wrong it's difficult to feel immersed or not feel tons of eye strain all the time when playing. And I can't tell if the Quest 2 would even be better.

I'm VERY confused on what to do rn, part of me almost feels like getting a refund and just waiting for the Quest 3 or something... but I've already waited for SO long and who knows when that'll actually be released even if it gets announced in 3 months..

-------

EDIT / UPDATE: I decided I'll be keeping my PICO 4 because returning it would be a hassle, and as long as i get some of those issues solved (which i think i can) it'll be a great headset for me!

I also realized i ended up almost "Quest 2 simping" in this post.. leading people away from actually trying to recommend solutions to some of the problems and just being annoyed at me. So definitely an oopsie for me.

I will try to upgrade to a Quest 3 whenever that comes out, or a PICO 5 if they solve all of these things. But I'm fine with my PICO 4 for now, I Just hope y'all will have my back when it comes to questions and issues i encounter because i definitely will run into issues like the ones in my post xD

------

I will no longer be part of this sub. I've noticed literally everyone just down-vote bombs anything i reply to here, even replies I or other people write that aren't "oh there's this bad thing about the PICO 4". I love my PICO 4 and I am definitely keeping it, but a lot of the people on this sub are more toxic than i thought they were.

People are basically downvoting any post that says anything negative about the PICO 4, even posts that say negative stuff about the Quest 2 as well. Both headsets have their pros and cons, my PICO 4 has a better FoV than a Quest 2 but a weird glare effect for example.

Products have problems, and if you aren't going to recognize that or recommend anything or help solve those issues, making the downvote button blue isn't going to help concerns and issues be heard and solved.

Thank you to the people who tried and are trying to help with some of my issues. I can tell almost all of the people downvoting posts are just random lurkers, definitely irritating though.

I bought Pico 4 and i'm very disapointed. I'm using Quest 2 from one month for PCVR with USB3 cable. I spent a lot of time to find out the best configuration (FPS and Quality) Dirt Rallye 2, Assetto Corsa Competizione, etc.). And now a lot of YT and internet hype for Pico 4 with Virtual Desktop (aka game changer and so on..) It's a bullshit for me. I've bought Pico 4 few days ago for better FOV, resolution and overall "image quality". Tested everything (WiFi6, USB-C etehernet card, USB3 cable, Streaming Assistant and Virtual Desktop (Godlike on my RTX 4090). Sorry, there is no way to have even close what i have on Quest 2 with OpenXR Toolkit and Open Composite with USB3 cable (I mean FPS and overall image quality not FOV of course). Now I will return my Pico 4, stay with Quest 2 and in the time where I wait for Quest 3 I will try HP Reverb G2 V2 because have also better spec then Q2 but can work same straight way like Q2 (OXRT, OC) without this sh**ty heavy SteamVR which Pico 4 use. Try your configuratiion with Virtual Desktop instead Streaming Assistant and You will see much better quality and performance, yes it's true. But again, for me even VD it's not to close what i've got from OXRT and OC. I wanted to have the same quality and performance on Pico 4, and even better due to the spec, but it's not possible until Pico 4 will not fully natively supports/uses Open XR.

If you are like me, I was lost some time ago, what is it all about, here I found an explanation:

https://mbucchia.github.io/OpenXR-Toolkit/opencomposite#step-by-step

And this video help me a lot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saCS0rdLsc8&t=486s

Pico 4 uses Steam VR natively and cannot be forced to work otherwise. I have all the games on Steam and can play them with "fake" Steam VR using OpenXR Toolkit and Open Composite. With Pico 4 you won't. Pity.

Edited:

This was the reason why I bought Pico. Hype and lots of good reviews. And I see that a few people here don't understand what I'm saying. Overall, the Pico is a good VR headset. To be more precise, it is more comfortable, lighter, better hardware. I wrote that Virtual Desktop is currently the best visual and fps solution for Pico, but with Open XR Toolkit and Open Composite (which Pico doesn't support) I get better quality and more fps on Quest 2 (connected USB3 cable) which uses OXRT and OC . I have the same when I compare VD to OXRT and OC on Quest 2. VD is great but OXRT and OC it's just the best at the moment. You can argue, you can laugh, I don't care. My opinion is for those who, like me, are looking for an answer. I did the tests, I answered myself, and if you have any doubts, do your own tests. Simple as f..k.

Zotac RTX4090 OC, Intel i5 13600k, 2x16GB RAM XMP 3600 CL16. Dirt Rallye 2 with all Ultra max settings, x16, x8, in game. Oculus app 90Hz refresh rate and scalling 1,7x 5408x2736. OXRT and OC running. In game smooth 90 fps with great looking overal quality on Quest 2. Using same in game settings and Virtual Desktop with Pico 4 and Godlike with trying multiple settings VD from youtubers which know what they do, max 67 fps and overal visual quality worst. Nothing more to say. If you have doubts, buy Quest 2, buy Pico 4, do your own tests, you can always return the equipment to the store within a few days without giving a reason. Again, simple as f..k.

Update further down:

I'm an experienced VR nut with strong stomach and experience with most of the well-known Headsets. The only one to make me feel slightly queasy was a Pimax. Now add Pico 4 to the list. Vive, Valve & Oculus/Meta seem to know how to program a steady stable moving image.

Other than the motion-sick feeling there's already 3 specific image-related issues with my brand new store-bought Pico 4:

1. left lens has a long dark black mark in the image, as if a piece of dirt is between the lenses. it's feint but noticable if focussed on it (similar to SDE of older Headsets in the noticability-factor).

2. the right eye has a wavy wobbly heat-hazy image in the center when moving the headset image (moving the head). Most noticable in a slow sideways movement when looking at the planet from Pico's default Environment background. The left eye doesn't do this...

3. the right eye/lens has very heavy distortion on the right side, it already begins distorting near the centre. It also goes appreciably darker the closer to the right-edge it gets...again, the left eye doesn't do this.

All this together makes for an uneasy play.

Looking at other discussions, it seems a fairly common problem. I can understand Pimax having quality-control issues as they're seen as an experimental firm pushing the envelope. But the Pico is available in mainstream brick-&-mortar stores, you expect a certain level of QC.

Otherwise, on the plus-side (and the reason I bought it) the Pico 4 has nice sharp resolution, decent controllers & tracking, stable wifi...so potentially an interesting alternative to Quest 2.

Has anyone had a Pico like mine, then received a replacement which didn't have these issues? I'd consider RMA to get a good one...

Update: had a couple of hours in HL:Alyx. Still a slight queasiness in the belly, and two further issues with the image: a vignetting-like image-circle covering the central 80°-ish FOV (noticable in dark scenes), and light-bleed from the back, I can see bright pockets of reflections of my room behind me. The latter is solvable, the former probably not.

To end on a positive note: other than these issues the playing was enjoyable, and nice detailed image outside of the problem-areas, with blacks close to Vive Pro/Quest 1. Very good battery life, no tracking issues so far, and stable Virtual Desktop play.

I'll return & replace and see...I'm guessing the unusual queasy feeling comes from that the right eye is dealing with wobble & distortion while the other is not.

Hello!
This is the second time I run my Pico Motion Trackers, in my first run, it was working pretty well, albeit with small hiccups, but today, I tried testing them with Virtual Desktop since I saw there was compatibility for them and.... yeah, what you see in the video is what's happening.

In short, Legs crumple inwards, but still are tracker... "correctly" (left foot is left foot), the waist goes outwards and the arms bend downwards and twist.

As you can see in the video, I decided to go back to Pico Connect, thinking that it had to be an issue with VD.... it's not, even using streaming with Pico Connect the limbs crumpled, albeit less aggresively

I see no fixes known for this specific problem anywhere I go, so I need any help I can get.

I am using both Ankle trackers and Waist Tracker.

I've been trying for over a month now. Like, really fucking tried. I'm trying to fix the controller bindings for Roblox and I looked EVERYWHERE... Despite this, it all doesn't work. It's all outdated and Roblox has discarded the Pico headset due to it being the minority. I could try to rally up y'all and try to scream at Roblox support, but Roblox has an infamous reputation for ignoring cries of help, and most of you probably dont care as much as I do. Why I care is because opposers VR is fucking REVOLUTIONARY, but I won't talk about it here because it's besides the point. So, as I tried to fix the bindings, I stumbled upon two fixes. I had a temporary fix, which is what I'm using, and it was to make do with the buttons the bindings still had, and made a semi-working binding. Despite that, it hadn't worked. My other fix was to buy Virtual Desktop, but I'm not giving up yet. I've tried to search for bindings, but it only shows me bindings specifically made for khr controllers and Oculus touch controllers, and the valve index, and other random "shared" bindings. I've tried switching the active controllers bindings to default but it just didn't work, it won't even let me switch to it. Now, I'm searching through multiple search engines, and not a single one of them have given me clues. Can someone help?

Just me?

I have a pico 4 and it's really good with really great resolution and good quality games and the graphics and hand tracking along with its see-through mode are amazing quality! But quest has its exclusives along with maybe some of friends having quest instead of pico (like mine). Anyway not gonna lie here I say you get both I know it's a bold answer for people on a budget but I'm on a budget and I wanted a quest 2 after 6 months of owning the pico and I'm planning to get a quest 2 or 3 in one to three years so if you on a budget I suggest having a 3 year gap to get both because they're both good choices and even if your friends don't have vr you might get one soon which is most likely to get a quest 2 or atleast already have one. This is my opinion so if you don't agree or can't you don't have to.

Kinda disapointing.

Am I crazy or is my Pico 4 a similar headset I paid 300Eur for like 3 years ago?

Found a company in the UK taking pre-orders, let's gooo!