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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
 
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
 
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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = PICO 4
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]]
|Platform = [[PICO OS]] (Android-based)
|Platform = [[PICO OS]]
|Developer = [[PICO]] ([[ByteDance]])
|Creator = [[ByteDance]]
|Developer = [[PICO]]
|Manufacturer = [[PICO]]
|Manufacturer = [[PICO]]
|Release Date = October 2022
|Announcement Date = September 22, 2022
|Price = €429 (128GB) / €499 (256GB)
|Release Date = October 18, 2022
|Price = €429 (128GB), €499 (256GB)
|Website = https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4
|Website = https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4
|Versions = PICO 4 (128GB, 256GB), PICO 4 Pro, PICO 4 Enterprise
|Requires = PICO account
|Predecessor = [[PICO Neo 3 Link]]
|Successor = [[PICO 4 Ultra]]
|Successor = [[PICO 4 Ultra]]
|Operating System = [[PICO OS]] (Android-based)
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]]
|Memory = 8 GB RAM
|CPU = Octa-core Kryo 585 (1× 2.84 GHz + 3× 2.42 GHz + 4× 1.8 GHz)
|Storage = 128 GB / 256 GB
|GPU = Adreno 650
|Display = LCD (pancake lenses)
|HPU =
|Resolution = 2160x2160 per eye
|Storage = 128GB or 256GB
|Refresh Rate = 72/90 Hz
|Memory = 8GB LPDDR4X
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual LCD
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Resolution = 2160 × 2160 per eye (4320 × 2160 combined)
|Pixel Density = 20.6 PPD, 1200 PPI
|Refresh Rate = 72Hz, 90Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 105°
|Field of View = 105°
|Horizontal FoV = ~96°
|Vertical FoV = ~96°
|Average Pixel Density = 20.6 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = 20.6 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed foveated rendering
|Optics = Pancake lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|IPD Range = 62-72mm (stepless adjustment)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses spacer included)
|Passthrough = Yes (grayscale)
|Tracking = 6DoF inside-out
|Tracking Frequency = 60Hz
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No (Pro version only)
|Face Tracking = No (Pro version only)
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Passthrough = Yes (grayscale)
|Body Tracking = No
|Audio = 360° stereo speakers (spatial)
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Controllers = 2x 6DoF controllers
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|IPD = 62-72mm (motorized)
|Update Rate = 90Hz
|Battery = ~2.5 hours
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale
|Weight = 295g (headset)
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Dual stereo speakers
|Microphone = Yes (dual microphones)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 4× tracking cameras, RGB passthrough camera
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
|Ports = USB-C
|Wired Video = Yes (USB-C DisplayPort via PICO Streaming)
|Wireless Video = Yes (PICO Streaming)
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax dual-band 2×2 MIMO)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 5.1
|Power = Internal battery
|Battery Capacity = 5300mAh
|Battery Life = 2-3 hours
|Charge Time = ~2.5 hours (20W fast charging)
|Dimensions = 163mm × 75mm × 286mm
|Weight = 586g (balanced design)
|Material = Plastic, fabric
|Headstrap = Halo strap with rear battery
|Haptics = Controller haptics
|Color = White/Gray
|Sensors = 4× tracking cameras, RGB camera, proximity sensor, IMU
|Input = PICO controllers, hand tracking, voice
|Compliance = CE, FCC
}}
}}


The '''PICO 4''' is a standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[PICO]] (owned by [[ByteDance]]), released in October 2022. The PICO 4 features pancake lenses for a lighter design, 2160x2160 per eye LCD displays delivering 4K+ resolution, 105° field of view, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, and a balanced front-back weight distribution. Available in Europe and Asia (but not the US), the PICO 4 positioned itself as a competitor to Meta Quest 2 with superior display specifications, hand tracking, and passthrough capabilities at a competitive price point.
The '''PICO 4''' is a standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[PICO]], a subsidiary of [[ByteDance]], announced on September 22, 2022, and released on October 18, 2022. Priced at €429 for the 128GB model in Europe and Asia, the PICO 4 emerged as the primary competitor to the [[Meta Quest 2]], offering similar standalone VR capability at a comparable price point while featuring pancake lens optics—a technology that Meta would only bring to mainstream with Quest 3 a year later. Powered by the [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]] processor with 8GB RAM, the PICO 4 delivers 2160 × 2160 resolution per eye (4K+ total), a 105° field of view, and a unique balanced weight distribution design that places the battery in the rear headband. The PICO 4 is notable for not being available in the United States due to ByteDance's Chinese ownership and related regulatory concerns.


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


PICO launched the PICO 4 in October 2022, representing a significant advancement from the PICO Neo 3. The device introduced pancake lenses to the PICO lineup, enabling a lighter and more compact design while improving visual quality. As a ByteDance subsidiary, PICO has focused on the European and Asian markets, with the PICO 4 becoming one of the leading VR headsets in regions where it's available. The PICO 4 Ultra succeeded it in September 2024 with upgraded specifications.<ref name="pico">{{cite web |url=https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4 |title=PICO 4 |publisher=PICO |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== PICO Background ===
PICO was founded in 2015 in Beijing as an independent VR hardware company. In 2021, ByteDance—the parent company of TikTok—acquired PICO for approximately $1.4 billion, dramatically accelerating investment in VR hardware development and global expansion.
 
=== Previous Products ===
PICO's product evolution:
* '''PICO Neo''': Early enterprise-focused headsets
* '''PICO Neo 2''': Improved standalone VR
* '''PICO Neo 3''': Quest 2 competitor in China
* '''PICO Neo 3 Link''': Added PC VR capability
* '''PICO 4''': Global consumer launch
 
=== ByteDance Strategy ===
ByteDance positioned PICO 4 as their global consumer VR product:
* Direct Meta Quest competition
* Consumer-friendly pricing
* Focus on entertainment and gaming
* Expansion beyond Chinese market
 
=== Regional Availability ===
PICO 4 launched in:
* Europe
* Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, etc.)
* Not available in United States
* Due to ByteDance-related regulatory concerns
 
== Design Philosophy ==
 
=== Pancake Lenses First ===
PICO 4 was among the first mainstream headsets with pancake optics:
* Released before Quest 3
* Slimmer optical profile
* Better image quality than Fresnel
* Competitive advantage at launch
 
=== Balanced Weight Distribution ===
Unique comfort-focused design:
* '''Front weight''': 295g (optics, displays, cameras)
* '''Rear weight''': 291g (battery)
* '''Total''': 586g
* Battery acts as counterweight


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Comfort Benefits ===
The balanced approach provides:
* Reduced facial pressure
* Less neck strain
* Better long-session comfort
* Stable fit during movement


=== Display ===
== Display Technology ==


High-resolution pancake lens system:
=== Dual LCD Panels ===
High-resolution displays:
* '''Resolution''': 2160 × 2160 per eye
* '''Total''': 4320 × 2160 (4K+)
* '''Pixel Density''': 1200 PPI, 20.6 PPD
* '''Panels''': 2.56-inch per eye


* '''2160x2160 per eye''' resolution
=== Refresh Rate ===
* '''4K+ total resolution'''
* 72Hz: Standard mode
* '''LCD panels''' (Flash-LCD)
* 90Hz: High refresh mode
* '''Pancake lenses''' technology
* '''72/90 Hz refresh rate'''
* '''105° field of view'''
* Improved clarity over Fresnel
* Reduced weight from lens design


=== Processing ===
=== Visual Quality ===
Good clarity for the price:
* Reduced screen door effect
* Sharp text
* Good color reproduction
* Adequate for gaming and media


* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]]'''
== Pancake Lens Optics ==
* '''8 GB LPDDR4 RAM'''
* '''128 GB or 256 GB''' storage
* Standalone VR capable
* PC VR streaming supported


=== Tracking ===
=== Technology ===
Pancake lens advantages:
* Folded optical path
* Slim form factor
* Better edge-to-edge clarity
* Reduced god rays vs. Fresnel


Comprehensive spatial tracking:
=== Field of View ===
* '''Total''': 105°
* Wider than Quest 2
* Good peripheral coverage


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== IPD Adjustment ===
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
Continuous adjustment:
* Proprietary omni-directional SLAM
* '''Range''': 62-72mm
* Infrared optical positioning
* Stepless wheel adjustment
* Upgraded optical sensors
* Mechanical lens movement
* '''Hand tracking''' support


=== Passthrough ===
== Processing Power ==


* '''See-through mode'''
=== Snapdragon XR2 ===
* Grayscale passthrough
Same processor as Quest 2:
* Low resolution (gen 1)
* '''CPU''': Octa-core Kryo 585
* Basic mixed reality
* '''GPU''': Adreno 650
* '''AI Engine''': Fifth generation
* Proven VR platform


=== Audio ===
=== Memory ===
* '''RAM''': 8GB LPDDR4X
* '''Storage''': 128GB or 256GB


* '''360° stereo speakers'''
=== Performance ===
* '''3D spatial sound'''
Comparable to Quest 2:
* Sound positioning
* Similar game performance
* Head movement responsive
* Adequate for current VR titles
* No headphones required
* Room for optimization


=== Build ===
== Tracking System ==


Balanced ergonomic design:
=== Inside-Out Tracking ===
Four cameras provide:
* 6DoF head tracking
* Controller tracking
* Room-scale capability
* No external sensors


* '''295g headset''' (front)
=== Hand Tracking ===
* Battery counterweight (rear)
Built-in hand recognition:
* Balanced weight distribution
* Gesture-based interaction
* '''IPD 62-72mm''' (motorized adjustment)
* Controller-free navigation
* Comfortable for extended use
* Limited app support compared to Quest
* Pancake lens compact design


=== Controllers ===
== Controllers ==


* '''2x 6DoF controllers'''
=== PICO Controllers ===
* Ergonomic design
Included controllers:
* Tracking ring
* 6DoF tracking
* Thumbstick and buttons
* Triggers and grip
* Haptic feedback
* Haptic feedback
* Standard VR controls
* AA battery powered
 
== Passthrough ==
 
=== See-Through Mode ===
Basic passthrough capability:
* Grayscale camera view
* Safety feature
* Not for MR applications
* Contrast with Quest 3's color passthrough
 
== PC VR Connectivity ==
 
=== PICO Streaming ===
Connect to PC for PCVR:
* '''Wireless''': Wi-Fi 6 streaming
* '''Wired''': USB-C
* SteamVR compatible
* Access full PC VR library
 
=== Requirements ===
* Compatible gaming PC
* Strong Wi-Fi for wireless
* Similar to Oculus Link setup
 
== Audio System ==
 
=== Integrated Speakers ===
Dual stereo speakers:
* Positioned near ears
* Spatial audio support
* Adequate quality
 
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
Headphone connection available
 
== Battery and Power ==
 
=== Internal Battery ===
Rear-mounted battery:
* '''Capacity''': 5300mAh
* '''Runtime''': 2-3 hours
* '''Charging''': 20W fast charge (QC 3.0/PD 3.0)
* '''Location''': Rear compartment (counterweight)
 
== Software Platform ==
 
=== PICO OS ===
Android-based operating system:
* Custom PICO interface
* PICO Store for apps
* Regular updates
 
=== Content Ecosystem ===
Application availability:
* Growing app library
* Many Quest-similar titles
* PCVR access via streaming
* Fitness and entertainment focus
 
=== Comparison to Quest ===
Smaller ecosystem:
* Fewer exclusive titles
* Less developer support
* Growing over time
 
== PICO 4 Pro ==
 
Enhanced version with:
* Eye tracking
* Face tracking
* Same price tier
* Limited availability
 
== Enterprise Edition ==


=== Battery ===
PICO 4 Enterprise includes:
* Business deployment features
* MDM support
* Extended warranty


* ~2.5 hours battery life
== Regional Considerations ==
* Rear-mounted battery
* USB-C charging
* Battery as counterweight


== Features ==
=== US Unavailability ===
Not sold in United States due to:
* ByteDance (TikTok parent) ownership
* Regulatory concerns
* Geopolitical considerations
* Data privacy questions


=== Standalone VR ===
=== Europe and Asia Focus ===
* No PC required
Primary markets:
* Onboard processing
* Strong presence in Europe
* Wireless experience
* Home market in China
* Full VR library
* Growing in Asia-Pacific


=== PC VR Streaming ===
== Comparison with Quest 2 ==
* PICO Streaming Assistant
* Wi-Fi 6 recommended
* SteamVR compatible
* High-quality streaming


=== Hand Tracking ===
{| class="wikitable"
* Controller-free interaction
|-
* Gesture recognition
! Feature !! PICO 4 !! Meta Quest 2
* Natural interface
|-
* Application support
| Price || €429+ || $299+
|-
| Resolution/eye || 2160×2160 || 1832×1920
|-
| Lenses || Pancake || Fresnel
|-
| FOV || 105° || ~89°
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2 || Snapdragon XR2
|-
| Weight || 586g (balanced) || 503g (front-heavy)
|-
| IPD || 62-72mm continuous || 58/63/68mm fixed
|-
| US Availability || No || Yes
|}


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2160x2160 per eye LCD
| Display || Dual LCD, 2160 × 2160 per eye
|-
| Total Resolution || 4320 × 2160 (4K+)
|-
|-
| Lenses || Pancake
| Lenses || Pancake
Line 142: Line 348:
| FOV || 105°
| FOV || 105°
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72/90 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 72Hz / 90Hz
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2
|-
|-
| RAM || 8 GB
| Memory || 8GB RAM
|-
|-
| Storage || 128/256 GB
| Storage || 128GB / 256GB
|-
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (inside-out)
| Tracking || 6DoF inside-out
|-
|-
| IPD || 62-72mm
| Battery || 5300mAh, 2-3 hours
|-
|-
| Weight || 295g
| Weight || 586g (balanced)
|-
|-
| Price || €429/€499
| Price || €429 / €499
|}
|}
== Availability ==
* '''Europe''': Available
* '''Asia''': China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore
* '''United States''': Not available
* Enterprise edition available (PICO 4E)
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* 2160x2160 per eye excellent resolution
* 105° FOV wider than competitors
* Pancake lenses lighter design
* Balanced weight distribution comfortable
* €429 competitive pricing
* Hand tracking included
* 8GB RAM generous
* Snapdragon XR2 capable
* IPD motorized adjustment
* PC VR streaming supported
'''Criticism:'''
* Not available in United States
* Grayscale passthrough limited
* Controllers dated design
* Content library smaller than Quest
* 2.5 hour battery average
* LCD vs OLED contrast
* ByteDance privacy concerns
* Limited mixed reality<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PICO_4 |title=PICO 4 |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[PICO]]
* [[PICO 4 Ultra]]
* [[PICO 4 Ultra]]
* [[PICO Neo 3 Link]]
* [[ByteDance]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Standalone VR]]
* [[Pancake Lenses]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:PICO]]
[[Category:PICO]]
[[Category:ByteDance]]
[[Category:ByteDance]]
[[Category:2022 in technology]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/PICO_4"