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Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Lenovo Explorer
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = PC VR (Windows MR)
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[Windows Mixed Reality]], [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
|Creator = [[Lenovo]]
|Creator = [[Lenovo]]
|Announced = IFA 2017
|Developer = [[Lenovo]], [[Microsoft]]
|Release = October 2017
|Manufacturer = [[Lenovo]]
|Price = $349 (headset) / $449 (with controllers)
|Announcement Date = August 2017
|Website = https://www.lenovo.com
|Release Date = October 2017
|OS = Windows 10
|Price = $349 (headset), $399 (with controllers)
|CPU = Intel Core i5 7th Gen+ (rec)
|Website = https://www.lenovo.com/
|GPU = Intel integrated / NVIDIA GTX 960+ (rec)
|Versions = Lenovo Explorer (G0A20001WW, G0A20002WW)
|Storage =
|Requires = Windows 10 Fall Creators Update PC
|RAM = 8 GB+ (rec)
|Predecessor = None
|Display = 2 x LCD
|Successor = None
|Resolution = 2880 x 1440 (1440 x 1440 per eye)
|Operating System = [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
|Refresh = 90 Hz
|Chipset = N/A (tethered PCVR)
|Brightness =
|CPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|FOV = 110°
|GPU = N/A (PC-powered)
|PPD =
|HPU =
|Lenses = Fresnel
|Storage = N/A
|IPD =
|Memory = N/A
|Eye Tracking =
|SD Card Slot = No
|Hand Tracking =
|Display = Dual LCD
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 2 cameras)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Spatial Mapping =
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Speakers =
|Resolution = 1440 × 1440 per eye (2880 × 1440 combined)
|Microphone =
|Pixel Density = ~700 PPI
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz
|Connectivity = HDMI 1.4, USB 3.0
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Ports = HDMI, USB
|Field of View = 110°
|Battery =
|Horizontal FoV = ~105°
|Vertical FoV = ~95°
|Average Pixel Density = ~16 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~16 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Fresnel lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Fixed (software adjustment up to 67mm)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Passthrough = No
|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
|Weight = 380g
|Materials =
|Material = Plastic
|Colors = Iron Grey
|Headstrap = Adjustable head strap with flip-up visor
|Sensors = IMU, tracking cameras
|Haptics = Controller haptics
|Input = Windows MR Controllers (optional)
|Color = Iron Grey
|Sensors = tracking cameras, IMU
|Input = Windows Mixed Reality controllers, Xbox controller, keyboard/mouse, Cortana voice
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Lenovo Explorer''' is a [[Windows Mixed Reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Lenovo]]. Announced at IFA 2017 and released in October 2017, the Lenovo Explorer features dual LCD displays at 1440 x 1440 per eye resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate, and weighs just 380g—nearly 100g lighter than the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive of its era. The headset works with Intel integrated graphics, making VR accessible to a wider range of PCs.<ref name="lenovo">{{cite web|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lenovo-explorer-windows-mixed-reality-vr,5468.html|title=Lenovo Explorer Windows Mixed Reality Headset Review|publisher=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>
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 ==
=== Windows Mixed Reality Platform ===
Microsoft initiative:
* Late 2017 launch
* Multiple OEM partners
* Inside-out tracking
* Accessible PC VR
=== Lenovo Partnership ===
Launch contribution:
* Major PC manufacturer
* Quality reputation
* Global distribution
* Consumer electronics experience


=== IFA 2017 Announcement ===
=== IFA 2017 Announcement ===
Lenovo announced the Explorer at IFA 2017 in Berlin as part of Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality initiative.
August reveal:
* Product specifications
* Competitive pricing
* October availability
* Positive reception
 
=== Consumer Launch ===
October 2017:
* $349/$399 pricing
* Retail and online
* Global availability
* Strong reviews


=== October 2017 Release ===
== Design Philosophy ==
The Explorer launched alongside Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.


=== Accessibility Focus ===
=== Lightweight Priority ===
Designed to run on laptops and desktops with Intel integrated graphics, lowering the barrier to VR entry.
Comfort focus:
* Only 380 grams
* Extended wear comfort
* Balanced design
* Reduced fatigue


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Flip-Up Visor ===
Practical convenience:
* Quick real-world access
* No removal needed
* Transition ease
* Unique differentiation


=== Display System ===
=== Wide Field of View ===
* '''Resolution:''' 1440 x 1440 per eye (2880 x 1440 total)
Visual immersion:
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 90 Hz
* 110° FOV
* '''Display Type:''' LCD
* Wider than competitors
* '''Field of View:''' 110 degrees
* Better immersion
* Lenovo advantage


=== Lightweight Design ===
== Display Technology ==
* '''Weight:''' 380g
* One of the lightest VR headsets of its generation
* Nearly 100g lighter than Oculus Rift/HTC Vive


=== Comfort ===
=== Dual LCD Panels ===
* Adjustable headband
Standard WMR resolution:
* Padded face cushion
* '''Resolution''': 1440 × 1440 per eye
* Balanced weight distribution
* '''Total''': 2880 × 1440
* '''Size''': 2.89" per display
* '''Type''': LCD


== Tracking ==
=== 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 ===
=== Inside-Out Tracking ===
* Dual front-facing cameras
Two-camera system:
* 6 degrees of freedom
* Dual cameras
* No external sensors required
* No external sensors
* 6DoF tracking
* Simple setup


=== Simplified Setup ===
=== Room-Scale Support ===
Plug-and-play experience with no room-scale sensor setup.
Play space capability:
* 11.5 × 11.5 ft support
* Boundary system
* Walk-around VR
* Standard WMR
 
=== Tracking Quality ===
Adequate performance:
* Good head tracking
* Front-focused controllers
* Some blind spots
* Standard WMR limitations


== Controllers ==
== Controllers ==


=== Mixed Reality Motion Controllers ===
=== Windows Mixed Reality Controllers ===
* 6DoF tracking
Input option:
* Direction pad and analog stick
* Sold separately or bundled
* Windows key and menu button
* 6DoF tracked
* Rear trigger and bumper button
* LED ring design
* AA battery powered
* Bluetooth connection
* Bluetooth connection


== System Requirements ==
=== 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
 
== Audio ==
 
=== 3.5mm Audio Jack ===
External audio:
* No built-in speakers
* Headphones required
* Standard port
* User choice
 
=== No Microphone ===
External needed:
* Headset with mic
* USB microphone
* Communication setup
* Additional equipment
 
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Lightweight Champion ===
Exceptional comfort:
* 380g weight
* One of lightest PC VR
* Extended sessions
* Reduced neck strain
 
=== Flip-Up Visor ===
Convenience feature:
* Hinged display
* Quick transitions
* Practical use
* No removal needed
 
=== Comfort System ===
Extended wear:
* Adjustable straps
* Rear dial
* Forehead padding
* Comfortable fit
 
=== Iron Grey Design ===
Visual appearance:
* Dark grey on black
* Professional look
* Understated style
* Quality appearance
 
== Software Platform ==
 
=== Windows Mixed Reality ===
Built-in platform:
* Cliff House environment
* Windows integration
* App launcher
* Settings management
 
=== SteamVR Support ===
Game library:
* Full SteamVR access
* VR game library
* Community content
* Wide compatibility
 
=== Cortana Integration ===
Voice control:
* "Hey Cortana" support
* Voice navigation
* Hands-free option
* Windows integration
 
== PC Requirements ==
 
=== Minimum Spec ===
Basic requirements:
* Windows 10 FCU
* Intel Core i5
* 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
 
== Comparison with WMR Headsets ==


=== Minimum (Integrated Graphics) ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Component !! Requirement
! Feature !! Lenovo Explorer !! Acer AH101 !! HP WMR
|-
| CPU || Intel Core i5 7th Gen
|-
|-
| GPU || Intel HD Graphics 620
| Price || $349 || $299 || $329
|-
|-
| RAM || 8 GB
| Resolution/eye || 1440×1440 || 1440×1440 || 1440×1440
|-
|-
| OS || Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
| FOV || 110° || ~100° || ~95°
|}
 
=== Recommended (Discrete GPU) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Component !! Requirement
| Weight || 380g || 350g || 380g
|-
|-
| GPU || NVIDIA GTX 960 / AMD RX 460
| Flip-Up || Yes || Yes || Yes
|-
|-
| RAM || 16 GB
| Audio || Jack only || Jack only || Jack only
|}
|}


== Connectivity ==
== 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


* '''Video:''' HDMI 1.4
=== Accessible VR ===
* '''Data:''' USB 3.0
Market contribution:
* '''Audio:''' 3.5mm jack
* Entry-level option
* Wide audience
* VR adoption
* Platform support


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


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 2 x LCD
| Display || Dual LCD, 1440 × 1440 per eye
|-
| Total Resolution || 2880 × 1440
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90Hz
|-
|-
| Resolution || 1440 x 1440 per eye
| FOV || 110°
|-
|-
| Total Resolution || 2880 x 1440
| Tracking || Inside-out (2 cameras)
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| IPD || Fixed (software up to 67mm)
|-
|-
| Field of View || 110°
| Audio || 3.5mm jack only
|-
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out (2 cameras)
| Room Scale || 11.5 × 11.5 ft
|-
|-
| Weight || 380g
| Weight || 380g
|-
|-
| Connection || HDMI 1.4 + USB 3.0
| Price || $349 (headset) / $399 (bundle)
|-
| Price || $349 / $449 (with controllers)
|}
|}


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* [[Lenovo]]
* [[Lenovo]]
* [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Acer Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[HP Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Dell Visor]]
* [[Dell Visor]]
* [[Lenovo Mirage Solo]]
* [[Samsung Odyssey]]
* [[PC VR]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Mixed reality]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]