As the metaverse era approaches, the emergence of next-generation wearable devices for implementing virtual reality and augmented reality is accelerating.

VR company PICO unveiled its next-generation all-in-one VR headset 'PICO 4' at a media conference held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul on the 4th.

PICO 4, which was first introduced in the European market, also entered the domestic market on the 22nd and showed off its upgraded functions. This media conference also provided an opportunity to experience PICO 4 first-hand.

The PICO 4 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset and is said to provide a user experience focused on virtual reality immersion through △16MP RGB camera △1,200 PPI △6DoF controller △296g body weight △90Hz refresh rate △4K+ resolution support △5300mAh battery and up to 3 hours of continuous play.

Sim Eui-jeong, PICO’s head of public relations, said, “PICO aims for lightness, delicacy, and agility, and we focused on weight and balance, applying counterweight technology, and working hard to improve the wearing comfort.” Excluding the strap and battery, it weighs 296g, and with the pancake lens, we focused on a light body weight of 35.8mm at its thinnest part. We also worked hard to improve the user experience, such as minimizing dizziness with a 105-degree motion sickness-prevention viewing angle.

Starting with the pre-sale on the 4th, the official domestic release is scheduled to begin on the 7th of this month. You can enjoy over 180 games through the PICO store and play them through Steam VR connection. You can enjoy popular games such as Crazy World and The Walking Dead in VR.

Shim Hong-bo, General Manager, said, “Along with the official domestic launch, we will expand offline sales channels in major cities such as the metropolitan area, along with online channels, where consumers can directly experience the products and content.” They announced that they will strengthen cooperation with major domestic online distribution channels such as Hi Mart, Coupang, and Naver, and that they are planning promotions such as user events.

VR devices are packed with cutting-edge technologies. PICO 4 features four SLAM cameras placed around the head-mounted display (HMD) to precisely track and map the surrounding environment. Underneath the HMD cover is a 16MP RGB camera that produces vivid colors.

Additionally, the PICO 4 controller is equipped with infrared sensors, heat detection, and spatial recognition sensors to enhance movement and user stability in virtual environments. In addition, a HyperSense wideband motor was adopted to provide more realistic haptic feedback.

Manabu Miyagawa, PICO Partnership Director, explained PICO’s content strategy and said, “We will actively work to activate and build the VR content ecosystem, including fostering developers through the developer incentive program.” They said that they are developing unique content for PICO 4 and that in 2023, the famous dance game IP Just Dance VR will be released exclusively on the PICO platform.

He added that since Korea currently has a large PC and mobile game market, PICO will expand its VR content by utilizing the related ecosystem.

“PICO’s goal is to build a pioneering XR platform and form a community where creators and businesses can come together,” said Henry Zhou, CEO of PICO.