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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =  
|name = Somnium VR1
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Developer = [[Somnium Space]]
|Creator = [[Somnium Space]]
|Developer = [[VRgineers]], [[Somnium Space]]
|Manufacturer = [[VRgineers]]
|Manufacturer = [[VRgineers]]
|Announcement Date = 2023
|Release Date = 2024
|Release Date = 2024
|Price = €1,900 - €3,500 (depending on edition)
|Price = €1,900 (base), €2,500 (eye tracking), €3,500 (ultimate)
|Website = https://store.somniumspace.com/products/vr1-full-bad-boy-edition-hand-tracking-eye-tracking-mixed-reality
|Website = https://store.somniumspace.com/
|Requirements = SteamVR Base Stations, Gaming PC
|Versions = Striker Edition, Visionary Edition, Titan Edition, Ultimate Edition
|Display = 2× QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD
|Requires = Gaming PC, SteamVR Tracking base stations
|Resolution = 2880×2880 per eye
|Predecessor = None
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz (upgradeable to 120 Hz, 144 Hz)
|Successor = None
|Field of View = 125° horizontal × 100° vertical
|Operating System = [[Windows]]
|Horizontal FoV = 125°
|Chipset = N/A (tethered PCVR)
|Vertical FoV = 100°
|CPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|Brightness = 210 nits
|GPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|Contrast = 20,000:1 (HDR local dimming)
|HPU =
|IPD Range = Hardware adjustable
|Storage = N/A
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = ~500 nits
|Resolution = 2880 × 2880 per eye (5760 × 2880 combined)
|Pixel Density = 35 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz (base), 120Hz, 144Hz (upgradeable)
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 130° horizontal, 105° vertical
|Horizontal FoV = 130°
|Vertical FoV = 105°
|Average Pixel Density = 35 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = 35 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (with eye tracking)
|Optics = Aspheric lenses (swappable)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Dual-lens aspheric module (2 lenses per eye-box)
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (mechanical adjustment)
|Tracking = Outside-in 6DoF (SteamVR)
|Adjustable Diopter = Yes (prescription lens inserts available)
|Eye Tracking = Optional (120 Hz, €2,500+ editions)
|Passthrough = Yes (Ultimate Edition only, color stereo)
|Hand Tracking = Optional (Ultraleap, Striker Edition)
|Tracking = 6DoF outside-in (SteamVR Lighthouse)
|Passthrough = Optional (2× 4056×3040 cameras, €3,500 edition)
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz (base stations)
|Audio = None (bring your own headphones)
|Base Stations = Required (sold separately)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort, USB-C (3× 10 Gbit ports)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (Visionary/Titan/Ultimate editions, 120Hz)
|Weight = 700-850g (depending on configuration)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes (Ultraleap, Striker/Titan/Ultimate editions)
|Body Tracking = Via VIVE Trackers
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = Up to 144Hz
|Tracking Volume = Lighthouse 2.0
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Integrated speakers (DMAS-style) + 3.5mm jack
|Microphone = Yes
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = Stereo passthrough cameras (Ultimate Edition)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0
|Ports = DisplayPort 1.4, USB-A, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = Yes (DisplayPort)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = USB powered + external power (optional)
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = ~200mm × 120mm × 150mm
|Weight = ~450g
|Material = Plastic, metal
|Headstrap = Modular system (multiple options)
|Haptics = Controller haptics (via SteamVR controllers)
|Color = Black
|Color = Black
|Sensors = Lighthouse tracking photodiodes, eye tracking cameras, IMU
|Input = SteamVR controllers (Valve Index, VIVE), Ultraleap hand tracking
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Somnium VR1''' is a high-end modular [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Somnium Space]] in partnership with [[VRgineers]], released in 2024. The headset features the widest undistorted field of view of any consumer headset at 125° horizontal, along with a fully modular design that allows users to customize and upgrade components. It is available in multiple editions with optional eye tracking, hand tracking, and mixed reality passthrough capabilities.
The '''Somnium VR1''' is a high-end [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Somnium Space]] in partnership with [[VRgineers]], announced in 2023 and released in 2024 with prices starting at €1,900 for the base edition and reaching €3,500 for the Ultimate Edition with all features. The Somnium VR1 represents a new approach to enthusiast PC VR, combining the same high-resolution 2880 × 2880 per eye QLED Mini-LED panels found in the Pimax Crystal with an industry-leading 130° horizontal × 105° vertical field of view—claimed to be the widest undistorted FOV of any consumer headset, noticeably wider than Meta Quest 3 and Valve Index. Built on an open-source philosophy with modular components, open eye-tracking APIs, and SteamVR Lighthouse tracking, the VR1 targets simulation enthusiasts, VR developers, and users who prioritize visual quality and customizability over convenience.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


The Somnium VR1 was developed by Somnium Space, the company behind the Somnium Space social VR metaverse platform. The headset was designed in partnership with VRgineers, a company known for their XTAL line of enterprise VR headsets. Development updates were shared throughout 2023 and 2024, with the final product releasing in 2024.<ref name="somniumdev">{{cite web |url=https://somniumspace.medium.com/somnium-vr1-headset-development-update-️optics-️production-design-materials-fov-4dedf0b80101 |title=Somnium VR1 headset Development Update |publisher=Somnium Space |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Somnium Space Background ===
Company origins:
* VR metaverse platform
* Web3 integration
* Open ecosystem philosophy
* Hardware ambition


== Design and Hardware ==
=== VRgineers Partnership ===
Manufacturing expertise:
* Professional VR headset maker
* XTAL headset experience
* Enterprise quality
* Hardware manufacturing


=== Display ===
=== Development Goals ===
Design priorities:
* Widest FOV possible
* Highest resolution accessible
* Open ecosystem
* Modular design


The Somnium VR1 uses QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD panels with 2880×2880 resolution per eye. Key display features include:
=== 2024 Release ===
Market launch:
* Multiple editions
* Tiered pricing
* Enthusiast targeting
* Shipping worldwide


* 210 nits brightness
== Design Philosophy ==
* 20,000:1 contrast ratio with HDR local dimming
* Base 90 Hz refresh rate, upgradeable to 120 Hz and 144 Hz
* Mini-LED backlight for improved contrast


Note: Despite some marketing confusion, the VR1 uses LCD panels with Mini-LED backlighting, not OLED panels.<ref name="vrcompare">{{cite web |url=https://vr-compare.com/headset/somniumvr1 |title=Somnium VR1: Full Specification |publisher=VRcompare |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Open Ecosystem ===
Philosophy core:
* Open-source eye tracking
* Standard interfaces
* User modifications
* Community support


=== Optics and Field of View ===
=== Maximum Visual Quality ===
Priority focus:
* Widest undistorted FOV
* Highest practical resolution
* Best panels available
* Premium optics


The VR1's most distinctive feature is its optical system, using a unique dual-lens aspheric module with two lenses per eye-box. This design delivers:
=== Modular Architecture ===
Customizable design:
* Swappable lens options
* Multiple face gaskets
* Strap options
* Feature editions


* 125° horizontal field of view
=== Simulation Focus ===
* 100° vertical field of view
Target use case:
* Widest undistorted FOV of any consumer headset
* Flight simulation
* Noticeably wider than [[Meta Quest 3]] and [[Valve Index]]<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/somnium-vr1-review-next-generation-pc-vr-mr/ |title=Somnium VR1 Review: Next-Generation PC VR & MR |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Racing simulation
* Space simulation
* Professional training


However, some reviewers noted lens-related issues with the optical design that may affect image quality in certain scenarios.<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/somnium-vr1-first-impressions/ |title=Somnium VR1: Impressive FOV With An Odd Lens Issue |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
== Display Technology ==


=== Modular Design ===
=== QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD ===
Premium panels:
* '''Resolution''': 2880 × 2880 per eye
* '''Total''': 5760 × 2880
* '''Type''': QLED Mini-LED
* Same panels as Pimax Crystal


The Somnium VR1 is designed to be fully modular and customizable:
=== Resolution Quality ===
Visual clarity:
* 35 PPD (pixels per degree)
* Near Vision Pro levels
* Excellent detail
* Minimal screen door


* Assembled without glue (except lenses) for full user serviceability
=== Refresh Rate ===
* Can be opened and modified by expert users
Variable options:
* 4 modular anchor points with 3D-printable attachments
* 90Hz base
* 3× 10 Gbit USB-C ports for accessories and expansion
* 120Hz upgrade
* Secured by imbus flat head screws for easy disassembly<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/somnium-vr1-hands-on/ |title=Somnium VR1 Hands-on: Enthusiast Level PC VR at a Difficult Price Point |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* 144Hz maximum
* GPU dependent


=== Optional Features ===
=== Color and Contrast ===
Display quality:
* QLED color enhancement
* Mini-LED local dimming
* Good HDR support
* Vibrant imagery


Depending on the edition purchased, the VR1 can include:
== Field of View ==


* '''Eye Tracking:''' 120 Hz open-source eye tracking with single-point calibration
=== Industry-Leading FOV ===
* '''Hand Tracking:''' Ultraleap integration (Striker Edition)
Widest consumer FOV:
* '''Mixed Reality Passthrough:''' Dual 4056×3040 cameras (Ultimate Edition)
* '''Horizontal''': 130°
* '''Vertical''': 105°
* Up to 140° render
* True peripheral vision


== Editions and Pricing ==
=== Undistorted View ===
Key distinction:
* No edge warping
* Full clarity across FOV
* No "tunnel vision"
* Natural viewing experience


The Somnium VR1 is available in multiple configurations:
=== FOV Comparison ===
Market positioning:
* Wider than Quest 3 (~110°)
* Wider than Index (~130° with distortion)
* Wider than Pimax (undistorted)
* Near-human peripheral
 
== Optical System ==
 
=== Aspheric Lenses ===
Premium optics:
* Wide sweet spot
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* Minimal distortion
* High quality
 
=== Swappable Lenses ===
Modular feature:
* Multiple lens options
* User replaceable
* Prescription compatible
* Customization
 
=== IPD Adjustment ===
Mechanical range:
* '''Range''': 58-72mm
* Physical lens movement
* Precise calibration
* Wide accommodation
 
== Tracking System ==
 
=== SteamVR Lighthouse ===
External tracking:
* Base stations required
* Not included
* Lighthouse 2.0 support
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
 
=== Tracking Quality ===
Professional grade:
* Reliable 6DoF
* Low latency
* Large play space
* Proven technology
 
=== Controller Options ===
SteamVR ecosystem:
* Valve Index controllers
* VIVE Wands
* SteamVR compatible
* Full ecosystem access
 
== Eye Tracking ==
 
=== 120Hz Eye Tracking ===
Available in Visionary+:
* '''Frequency''': 120Hz
* Open-source API
* Single-point calibration
* Advanced technology
 
=== Open-Source API ===
Developer friendly:
* Public documentation
* Standard interfaces
* Application support
* Community development
 
=== Foveated Rendering ===
Performance optimization:
* Dynamic quality adjustment
* GPU load reduction
* Better performance
* Visual quality maintained
 
== Hand Tracking ==
 
=== Ultraleap Integration ===
Premium hand tracking:
* '''FOV''': 170° × 170°
* '''Refresh''': 120Hz
* Top-tier technology
* Natural interaction
 
=== Available Editions ===
Feature configuration:
* Striker Edition (hand tracking)
* Titan Edition (eye + hand)
* Ultimate Edition (all features)
 
== Audio System ==
 
=== Integrated Speakers ===
Built-in audio:
* Off-ear design
* Spatial audio
* Good quality
* Convenience
 
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
Headphone option:
* Private listening
* Higher quality option
* Professional use
* User choice
 
== Passthrough ==
 
=== Mixed Reality (Ultimate Edition) ===
Passthrough capability:
* Stereo cameras
* Color passthrough
* Room awareness
* MR applications
 
=== Ultimate Edition Exclusive ===
Premium feature:
* €3,500 configuration
* Full MR capability
* All features included
* Complete package
 
== Product Editions ==
 
=== Striker Edition ===
Hand tracking focus:
* Base VR headset
* Ultraleap hand tracking
* No eye tracking
* €1,900+
 
=== Visionary Edition ===
Eye tracking focus:
* Base VR headset
* 120Hz eye tracking
* Foveated rendering
* €2,500
 
=== Titan Edition ===
Eye + Hand:
* Eye tracking
* Hand tracking
* Combined features
* Premium price
 
=== Ultimate Edition ===
Full featured:
* Eye tracking
* Hand tracking
* MR passthrough
* All features included
* €3,500
 
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Build Quality ===
Premium construction:
* Quality materials
* Solid build
* Professional feel
* Durable design
 
=== Weight ===
Reasonable mass:
* ~450g
* Well balanced
* Comfortable wear
* Good distribution
 
=== Modular Straps ===
Comfort options:
* Multiple strap choices
* User preference
* Aftermarket support
* Customizable fit
 
== PC Requirements ==
 
=== High-End Hardware ===
Demanding specifications:
* '''Recommended GPU''': RTX 3080+
* High VRAM needed
* Modern CPU
* 32GB+ RAM recommended
 
=== DisplayPort 1.4 ===
Connection requirements:
* Full bandwidth needed
* High resolution support
* Modern GPU required
* Quality cable essential
 
== Use Cases ==
 
=== Flight Simulation ===
Ideal application:
* Peripheral vision critical
* High resolution cockpit
* Immersive experience
* DCS, MSFS optimized
 
=== Racing Simulation ===
Sim racing benefits:
* Wide FOV mirrors
* Peripheral awareness
* Track visibility
* iRacing, ACC
 
=== VR Development ===
Developer features:
* Open APIs
* Standard interfaces
* Testing platform
* Professional quality
 
=== Professional Training ===
Enterprise potential:
* Simulation training
* Medical visualization
* Design review
* Professional applications
 
== Comparison with Competitors ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Edition !! Features !! Price
! Feature !! Somnium VR1 !! Pimax Crystal !! Valve Index
|-
| Price || €1,900-€3,500 || $1,599+ || $999 kit
|-
| Resolution/eye || 2880×2880 || 2880×2880 || 1440×1600
|-
| FOV || 130°×105° || ~120° || ~130°*
|-
|-
| Classic Edition || Base PCVR headset || €1,900
| Refresh Rate || 90-144Hz || 90-120Hz || 80-144Hz
|-
|-
| Striker Edition || + Ultraleap hand tracking || TBD
| Panels || QLED Mini-LED || QLED Mini-LED || LCD
|-
|-
| Visionary Edition || + Eye tracking || €2,500
| Eye Tracking || Optional (120Hz) || Optional || No
|-
|-
| Ultimate Edition || + Eye tracking + passthrough || €3,500
| Tracking || Lighthouse || Lighthouse/Inside-out || Lighthouse
|}
|}
''*Index 130° includes some distortion at edges''


Note: Prices do not include required SteamVR tracking base stations.<ref name="ghosthowls">{{cite web |url=https://skarredghost.com/2024/07/18/somnium-vr1-hands-on-impressions/ |title=Somnium VR1 hands-on: a high-res headset for simulators |publisher=The Ghost Howls |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
== Strengths and Limitations ==


== Reception ==
=== Strengths ===
* Widest undistorted FOV (130°×105°)
* Extremely high resolution (2880×2880)
* Open-source eye tracking
* Modular design
* Premium displays
* Ultraleap hand tracking option
* SteamVR ecosystem


'''Praise:'''
=== Limitations ===
* Widest undistorted field of view in consumer VR
* High price (€1,900-€3,500)
* Fully modular and user-serviceable design
* Base stations not included
* High refresh rate options (up to 144 Hz)
* Very demanding on PC
* Open-source eye tracking system
* No wireless option
* High-resolution passthrough option
* Limited availability
* Complex setup


'''Criticism:'''
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
* No integrated audio (headphones required)
* Bulky design (700-850g)
* High price, especially for full-featured editions
* Requires external SteamVR base stations
* Some lens-related visual artifacts reported


"Enthusiast Level PC VR at a Difficult Price Point" - Road to VR<ref name="roadtovr"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Dual QLED Mini-LED, 2880 × 2880 per eye
|-
| Total Resolution || 5760 × 2880
|-
| FOV || 130° horizontal, 105° vertical
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90/120/144Hz
|-
| PPD || 35 pixels per degree
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR Lighthouse
|-
| Eye Tracking || 120Hz (Visionary/Titan/Ultimate)
|-
| Hand Tracking || Ultraleap (Striker/Titan/Ultimate)
|-
| IPD || 58-72mm mechanical
|-
| Weight || ~450g
|-
| Price || €1,900 - €3,500 (by edition)
|}


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[VRgineers XTAL 3]]
* [[Somnium Space]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[VRgineers]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[SteamVR]]
* [[PC VR]]
* [[Wide FOV VR]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:Wide FOV]]
[[Category:Modular VR Headsets]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Somnium_VR1"