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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Lenovo Explorer
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[Windows Mixed Reality]], [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
|Developer = [[Lenovo]]
|Creator = [[Lenovo]]
|Developer = [[Lenovo]], [[Microsoft]]
|Manufacturer = [[Lenovo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Lenovo]]
|Release Date = 2017
|Announcement Date = August 2017
|Price = $350 (headset) / $399 (with controllers)
|Release Date = October 2017
|Price = $349 (headset), $399 (with controllers)
|Website = https://www.lenovo.com/
|Website = https://www.lenovo.com/
|Display = LCD (dual)
|Versions = Lenovo Explorer (G0A20001WW, G0A20002WW)
|Resolution = 1440x1440 per eye
|Requires = Windows 10 Fall Creators Update PC
|Combined Resolution = 2880x1440
|Predecessor = None
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Successor = None
|Operating System = [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
|Chipset = N/A (tethered PCVR)
|CPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|GPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual LCD
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Resolution = 1440 × 1440 per eye (2880 × 1440 combined)
|Pixel Density = ~700 PPI
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 110°
|Field of View = 110°
|Horizontal FoV = ~105°
|Vertical FoV = ~95°
|Average Pixel Density = ~16 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~16 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Fresnel lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 2 cameras)
|IPD Range = Fixed (software adjustment up to 67mm)
|Audio = 3.5mm jack
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Connectivity = HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0
|Passthrough = No
|Weight = 380g (13.4 oz)
|Tracking = 6DoF inside-out (2 cameras)
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 90Hz
|Tracking Volume = 11.5 × 11.5 ft room-scale
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = 3.5mm audio jack
|Microphone = No (external required)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 2× inside-out tracking cameras
|Connectivity = HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0
|Ports = HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = Yes (HDMI)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth required (for controllers, from PC)
|Power = USB powered
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = Not specified
|Weight = 380g
|Material = Plastic
|Headstrap = Adjustable head strap with flip-up visor
|Haptics = Controller haptics
|Color = Iron Grey
|Sensors = 2× tracking cameras, IMU
|Input = Windows Mixed Reality controllers, Xbox controller, keyboard/mouse, Cortana voice
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Lenovo Explorer''' is a PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Lenovo]], released in 2017 at $350-$399. One of the first [[Windows Mixed Reality]] headsets, the Explorer features dual 1440x1440 LCD displays (higher resolution than Oculus Rift and HTC Vive), 110° field of view, 90 Hz refresh rate, inside-out 6DoF tracking requiring no external sensors, lightweight 380g design, and room-scale support up to 11.5 x 11.5 feet. An affordable entry point to PC VR with easy plug-and-play setup.
The '''Lenovo Explorer''' is a [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Lenovo]] as part of [[Microsoft]]'s Windows Mixed Reality platform, announced in August 2017 and released in October 2017 at a price of $349 for the headset alone or $399 with motion controllers. Distinguished by its exceptionally lightweight 380-gram design and convenient flip-up visor allowing instant transitions between VR and reality, the Lenovo Explorer offered 1440 × 1440 per eye resolution with a 110° field of view—the widest among the first-generation Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Featuring dual inside-out tracking cameras for room-scale VR without external sensors, support for 11.5 × 11.5 foot play spaces, and compatibility with Cortana voice commands, the Explorer delivered a compelling balance of features, comfort, and price that made it one of the most popular WMR headsets at launch.


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


Lenovo launched the Explorer in 2017 as part of Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality initiative, alongside headsets from HP, Acer, Dell, and Samsung. The Explorer targeted mainstream consumers with competitive pricing and easy setup compared to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive which required external sensors. Full SteamVR compatibility expanded the content library beyond Microsoft's platform.<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lenovo-explorer-windows-mixed-reality-vr,5468.html |title=Lenovo Explorer Review |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Windows Mixed Reality Platform ===
Microsoft initiative:
* Late 2017 launch
* Multiple OEM partners
* Inside-out tracking
* Accessible PC VR


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Lenovo Partnership ===
Launch contribution:
* Major PC manufacturer
* Quality reputation
* Global distribution
* Consumer electronics experience


=== Display ===
=== IFA 2017 Announcement ===
August reveal:
* Product specifications
* Competitive pricing
* October availability
* Positive reception


Higher resolution than competitors:
=== Consumer Launch ===
October 2017:
* $349/$399 pricing
* Retail and online
* Global availability
* Strong reviews


* '''1440x1440 per eye''' resolution
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''2880x1440 combined'''
* '''Dual 2.89-inch LCD''' panels
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
* '''110° field of view'''
* Higher than Rift/Vive (1080x1200)
* Reduced screen-door effect
* Good text readability


=== Tracking ===
=== Lightweight Priority ===
Comfort focus:
* Only 380 grams
* Extended wear comfort
* Balanced design
* Reduced fatigue


Simple inside-out system:
=== Flip-Up Visor ===
Practical convenience:
* Quick real-world access
* No removal needed
* Transition ease
* Unique differentiation


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== Wide Field of View ===
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
Visual immersion:
* '''2 front-facing cameras'''
* 110° FOV
* '''No external sensors'''
* Wider than competitors
* Quick setup
* Better immersion
* Plug and play
* Lenovo advantage


=== Room Scale ===
== Display Technology ==


* Up to '''11.5 x 11.5 feet''' (3.5m x 3.5m)
=== Dual LCD Panels ===
* No external sensors needed
Standard WMR resolution:
* '''Resolution''': 1440 × 1440 per eye
* '''Total''': 2880 × 1440
* '''Size''': 2.89" per display
* '''Type''': LCD
 
=== Refresh Rate ===
Smooth operation:
* 90Hz standard
* Good motion clarity
* VR comfort
* Standard specification
 
=== Visual Quality ===
Good imagery:
* Decent clarity
* Wider FOV benefit
* Some screen door
* Competitive quality
 
== Field of View ==
 
=== 110° FOV ===
Widest of first WMR:
* Better than Acer (~100°)
* Better than HP (~95°)
* Competitive with Rift
* Good immersion
 
=== FOV Advantage ===
Lenovo differentiation:
* More peripheral vision
* Better presence
* Value proposition
* User benefit
 
== Optical System ==
 
=== Fresnel Lenses ===
Standard optics:
* Compact design
* Good sweet spot
* Some god rays
* Standard quality
 
=== Fixed IPD ===
Limitation:
* No physical adjustment
* Software only up to 67mm
* May limit some users
* Common WMR constraint
 
== Tracking System ==
 
=== Inside-Out Tracking ===
Two-camera system:
* Dual cameras
* No external sensors
* 6DoF tracking
* Simple setup
 
=== Room-Scale Support ===
Play space capability:
* 11.5 × 11.5 ft support
* Boundary system
* Boundary system
* Standing and seated support
* Walk-around VR
* Standard WMR
 
=== Tracking Quality ===
Adequate performance:
* Good head tracking
* Front-focused controllers
* Some blind spots
* Standard WMR limitations
 
== Controllers ==
 
=== Windows Mixed Reality Controllers ===
Input option:
* Sold separately or bundled
* 6DoF tracked
* LED ring design
* Bluetooth connection
 
=== Controller Features ===
Input capabilities:
* Clickable touchpad
* Thumbstick
* Trigger button
* Grip button
* Menu buttons
 
=== Alternative Inputs ===
Flexibility:
* Xbox controller support
* Keyboard and mouse
* Cortana voice commands
* Multiple options


=== Controllers ===
== Audio ==


WMR motion controllers:
=== 3.5mm Audio Jack ===
External audio:
* No built-in speakers
* Headphones required
* Standard port
* User choice


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== No Microphone ===
* '''Bluetooth 4.0''' connected
External needed:
* Automatically tracked by headset
* Headset with mic
* Lightweight design
* USB microphone
* Thumbstick and touchpad
* Communication setup
* Trigger and grip buttons
* Additional equipment


=== Build ===
== Physical Design ==


Lightweight design:
=== Lightweight Champion ===
Exceptional comfort:
* 380g weight
* One of lightest PC VR
* Extended sessions
* Reduced neck strain


* '''380g weight''' (13.4 oz)
=== Flip-Up Visor ===
* Iron Gray color
Convenience feature:
* Comfortable for extended use
* Hinged display
* Flip-up visor design
* Quick transitions
* Practical use
* No removal needed


=== Cable ===
=== Comfort System ===
Extended wear:
* Adjustable straps
* Rear dial
* Forehead padding
* Comfortable fit


* '''Built-in 13.1' Y-cable'''
=== Iron Grey Design ===
* '''USB 3.0''' connector
Visual appearance:
* '''HDMI 2.0''' connector
* Dark grey on black
* Single cable management
* Professional look
* Understated style
* Quality appearance


=== Audio ===
== Software Platform ==


* '''3.5mm headphone jack'''
=== Windows Mixed Reality ===
* External headphones required
Built-in platform:
* No integrated speakers
* Cliff House environment
* Windows integration
* App launcher
* Settings management


=== Connectivity ===
=== SteamVR Support ===
Game library:
* Full SteamVR access
* VR game library
* Community content
* Wide compatibility


* '''HDMI 2.0'''
=== Cortana Integration ===
* '''USB 3.0'''
Voice control:
* '''Bluetooth 4.0'''
* "Hey Cortana" support
* Voice navigation
* Hands-free option
* Windows integration


== PC Requirements ==
== PC Requirements ==


=== Minimum ===
=== Minimum Spec ===
* '''CPU''': Intel Core i5 / AMD equivalent
Basic requirements:
* '''GPU''': NVIDIA GTX 960 / AMD RX 460
* Windows 10 FCU
* '''RAM''': 8 GB
* Intel Core i5
* '''OS''': Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
* Intel HD 620 (integrated)
* 8GB RAM
 
=== Recommended ===
Better experience:
* Discrete GPU
* GTX 1060 or better
* 16GB RAM
* SSD storage
 
== Use Cases ==
 
=== General VR Gaming ===
Primary use:
* SteamVR games
* WMR exclusives
* Wide library
* Good experience
 
=== Entertainment ===
Media viewing:
* Virtual cinema
* 360° video
* Experiences
* Entertainment apps
 
=== Education ===
Learning applications:
* Educational content
* Virtual field trips
* Training
* Classroom use
 
=== Productivity ===
Work applications:
* Virtual desktops
* 3D modeling
* Design review
* Professional use


== Technical Specifications ==
== Comparison with WMR Headsets ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Lenovo Explorer !! Acer AH101 !! HP WMR
|-
| Price || $349 || $299 || $329
|-
| Resolution/eye || 1440×1440 || 1440×1440 || 1440×1440
|-
| FOV || 110° || ~100° || ~95°
|-
| Weight || 380g || 350g || 380g
|-
| Flip-Up || Yes || Yes || Yes
|-
| Audio || Jack only || Jack only || Jack only
|}
 
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Strengths ===
* Lightweight (380g)
* Widest WMR FOV (110°)
* Flip-up visor
* No external sensors
* Good value
* Quality build
 
=== Limitations ===
* Fixed IPD
* Only 2 tracking cameras
* No built-in audio
* Limited controller tracking
* Discontinued
* Dated specifications
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== Popular WMR Choice ===
Market success:
* Strong reviews
* Good sales
* Value proposition
* User satisfaction
 
=== Accessible VR ===
Market contribution:
* Entry-level option
* Wide audience
* VR adoption
* Platform support
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 114: Line 412:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 1440x1440 LCD x2
| Display || Dual LCD, 1440 × 1440 per eye
|-
|-
| Combined || 2880x1440
| Total Resolution || 2880 × 1440
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 90Hz
|-
|-
| FOV || 110°
| FOV || 110°
Line 124: Line 422:
| Tracking || Inside-out (2 cameras)
| Tracking || Inside-out (2 cameras)
|-
|-
| Room Scale || 11.5 x 11.5 ft
| IPD || Fixed (software up to 67mm)
|-
| Audio || 3.5mm jack only
|-
| Room Scale || 11.5 × 11.5 ft
|-
|-
| Weight || 380g
| Weight || 380g
|-
|-
| Interface || HDMI 2.0 + USB 3.0
| Price || $349 (headset) / $399 (bundle)
|-
| Price || $350-$399
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* $350-$399 affordable entry
* 1440x1440 higher than Rift/Vive
* Easy plug-and-play setup
* No external sensors needed
* 380g lightweight
* SteamVR compatible
* Room-scale without sensors
* 110° FOV standard
* Good beginner headset
* Quick installation
'''Criticism:'''
* LCD vs OLED contrast/blacks
* 2-camera tracking limited
* Controller tracking blind spots
* No integrated audio
* WMR controller design
* Front-only tracking volume
* 90Hz only
* Platform fragmentation
* Limited exclusive content<ref name="pcgamer">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/lenovo-explorer-mixed-reality-headset-review/ |title=Lenovo Explorer Review |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[HP Reverb]]
* [[Lenovo]]
* [[Samsung Odyssey+]]
* [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Acer Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[HP Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Dell Visor]]
* [[Dell Visor]]
* [[Acer Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Samsung Odyssey]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Windows Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:Windows Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:Lenovo]]
[[Category:Lenovo]]
[[Category:2017 in technology]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Lenovo_Explorer"