PICO Neo Android-powered VR system packs processing power in the controller

China based device maker Pico has introduced a new virtual reality system called Pico Neo. The headset comes with screen and lenses, while the processing power of the VR unit are packed into a game controller.

Unlike traditional VR headsets, the Pico Neo doesn't cram the processor and RAM into the headset, instead Neo's processor is packed into a gaming controller. This has many advantages. First the headset will be very light, and second you don't have to worry about the headset getting too hot. You will also be able to purchase the headeset seperately, which will cost you less, and connect it to your PC, or purchase the whole bundle with the gaming controller to get an all-in-one Android VR kit.

The controller features 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC 5.1 storage w/ microSD card, a six axis motion sensor, a USB 3.0 port, WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1. It runs a custom version of Android Marshmallow and is backed by a 5000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 support that can last three hours of continuous usage or 10 hours in standby mode. The game controller has physical buttons and a tocuhpad on the back. The controller connects to the headset via USB-C cable.

The headset sports a 3.8-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1200 x 1800 pixels and  features aspheric lenses with 102 degree field of view, as well as 9-axis motion sensor with 20ms maximum latency. It includes a 3.5mm jack, built-in micro-phone and micro USB port (for charging).

For VR contents, Pico has its own VR app store which includes games like Audio Arena, Evil Robot, Traffic Jam, WaddleHome and more.

The Pico Neo will be available in late June for $500 with the controller, or for $300 without the controller. There's also a TrackingKit bundle, which appears to be offered seperately and includes two handheld motion controllers, a pair of tracking cameras, a TrackingKit Station and an attachable tracking beacon

Via 1 | 2