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Pico 4: Difference between revisions

Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Tag: Reverted
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Tag: Reverted
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|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]]
|Platform = [[PICO OS]], [[SteamVR]] (via streaming)
|Developer = [[ByteDance]]
|Developer = [[PICO]] ([[ByteDance]])
|Manufacturer = [[PICO]]
|Manufacturer = [[PICO]]
|Release Date = October 2022
|Release Date = October 18, 2022
|Price = €429 EUR (128 GB), €499 EUR (256 GB)
|Announcement Date = September 22, 2022
|Website = https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4
|Price = €429 (128GB) / €499 (256GB)
|Website = https://www.picoxr.com/
|Predecessor = [[Pico Neo 3 Link]]
|Predecessor = [[Pico Neo 3 Link]]
|Successor = [[Pico 4 Ultra]]
|Successor = [[Pico 4 Ultra]]
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]]
|Chipset = Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
|Memory = 8 GB LPDDR4
|Display = LCD (dual pancake)
|Storage = 128 GB, 256 GB
|Resolution = 2160x2160 per eye
|Display = 2× 2.56" Fast-LCD
|Combined Resolution = 4320x2160
|Resolution = 2160×2160 per eye
|PPI = 1200 PPI
|Refresh Rate = 72 Hz, 90 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 72/90 Hz
|Field of View = 105°
|Field of View = 105°
|PPI = 1200 PPI
|IPD Range = 62-72mm (seamless motorized)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Pancake lenses
|Eye Tracking = No (available on Pro version)
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras)
|Hand Tracking = Supported
|Eye Tracking = No
|Passthrough = Color (low resolution)
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|IPD = Motorized (62-72mm)
|Passthrough = Color
|Audio = Dual stereo speakers
|Controllers = PICO 4 controllers
|Audio = 360° stereo speakers, 3D spatial audio
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C
|Battery = 5300 mAh
|Battery = 5300 mAh
|Weight = ~295g (headset), ~586g (total with strap)
|Weight = 295g (headset only)
}}
}}


The '''PICO 4''' is a standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[PICO]] (a [[ByteDance]] subsidiary), released in October 2022 as a direct competitor to the [[Meta Quest 2]]. The Pico 4 introduced pancake lens technology to the consumer standalone VR market, enabling a significantly lighter and thinner form factor with a 26% weight reduction and 39% thickness reduction compared to previous designs. Featuring dual 2160×2160 Fast-LCD displays with 105° field of view, motorized IPD adjustment, and balanced weight distribution, the Pico 4 was praised as "The Beginning Of A New Era In Consumer VR."
The '''Pico 4''' is a standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[PICO]] (owned by [[ByteDance]]), released October 18, 2022 starting at €429. A Meta Quest 2 competitor featuring dual LCD pancake displays at 2160x2160 per eye (4320x2160 combined), Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2, 105° field of view, color passthrough, motorized IPD adjustment, and 5300 mAh battery. Available in Europe and Asia only (not sold in North America).


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


PICO, acquired by ByteDance in 2021, released the Pico 4 in October 2022 targeting global markets (excluding the United States). The headset marked the first time pancake optics were available in a consumer-priced standalone VR headset, eliminating the god rays associated with Fresnel lenses while achieving a more compact form factor.<ref name="mrtv">{{cite web |url=https://mrtv.co/2022/10/pico-4-review-the-beginning-of-a-new-era-in-consumer-vr/ |title=Pico 4 Review - The Beginning Of A New Era In Consumer VR |publisher=MRTV |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
PICO announced the Pico 4 on September 22, 2022, releasing October 18, 2022. Backed by ByteDance (TikTok parent company), Pico 4 positioned itself as a premium Quest 2 alternative with better specifications at competitive pricing. The pancake lens design allowed for a slimmer, lighter headset. Regional availability limited to Europe and select Asian markets (China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore). A Pro version with eye tracking and face tracking launched in November 2022.<ref name="pico">{{cite web |url=https://www.picoxr.com/global/products/pico4 |title=PICO 4 All-in-One VR Headset |publisher=PICO |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
The Pico 4 was succeeded by the [[Pico 4 Ultra]] in 2024 with upgraded Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and mixed reality capabilities.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PICO_4 |title=PICO 4 |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
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=== Display ===
=== Display ===


High-resolution Fast-LCD displays:
Pancake lens advantage:
 
* '''2160x2160 per eye''' resolution
* '''4320x2160 combined'''
* '''Dual LCD''' panels
* '''1200 PPI'''
* '''72 Hz / 90 Hz''' refresh rate
* '''105° field of view'''
* '''Pancake lenses''' (compact optics)


* Dual 2.56-inch Fast-LCD panels
=== Processing ===
* '''2160×2160 resolution per eye''' (higher than Quest 2)
* 1200 PPI pixel density
* 72 Hz and 90 Hz refresh rates
* '''105° field of view''' (wider than Quest 2)
* Excellent clarity and reduced screen door effect


=== Optics ===
* '''Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2'''
* '''8GB LPDDR4''' RAM
* '''128GB / 256GB''' storage
* Standalone + PC VR capable


Revolutionary pancake lens technology:
=== Tracking ===


* '''Pancake lenses:''' First in consumer standalone VR
* '''6DoF inside-out tracking'''
* Folded optical path
* '''4 cameras'''
* No Fresnel god rays
* '''Hand tracking''' supported
* No digital distortion correction needed
* No external sensors
* Displays positioned closer to lenses
* Lighter and thinner design


=== Form Factor ===
=== Passthrough ===


Dramatically improved ergonomics:
* '''Color passthrough'''
* 16MP RGB camera
* Low resolution/framerate
* Basic mixed reality


* ~295g headset weight (without strap)
=== IPD ===
* '''26% lighter''' than Fresnel designs
* '''39% thinner''' profile
* Balanced weight distribution (battery in rear)
* Center of gravity fits snugly against face
* Cushioned rear support
* "Superbly comfortable fit"


=== Processing ===
* '''Motorized IPD adjustment'''
* '''62-72mm range'''
* Automatic calibration
* UI-controlled


* [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]] processor
=== Audio ===
* 8 GB LPDDR4 RAM
* 128 GB or 256 GB storage


=== IPD Adjustment ===
* '''Dual stereo speakers'''
* '''Dual microphones'''
* 3.5mm audio jack
* Spatial audio


Motorized adjustment:
=== Battery ===


* '''Seamless motorized IPD''' (62-72mm range)
* '''5300 mAh''' battery
* Software-controlled adjustment
* '''~2.5 hours''' gaming
* Warning when lenses approach nose
* '''3+ hours''' media
* Precise positioning
* '''20W fast charging'''
* QC 3.0 / PD 3.0 support


=== Battery ===
=== Comfort ===


* 5300 mAh capacity
* '''295g headset''' (without strap)
* Rear-mounted for balance
* Balanced design
* ~2-3 hours usage
* Battery in rear
* Counterweight effect
* Slim front profile


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


* 360° stereo speakers
PICO 4 Controllers:
* 3D spatial audio
* Sound positioning based on head movement
* Precise, realistic audio effects


== Tracking ==
* '''6DoF tracking'''
* Analog sticks
* Face buttons (A/B, X/Y)
* Triggers
* Grip buttons
* Menu buttons
* 2x AA batteries each


Inside-out tracking system:
== Pico 4 Pro ==


* 4 cameras for 6DoF tracking
Enhanced version (November 2022):
* Room-scale without base stations
* Hand tracking support
* Color passthrough


== Controllers ==
* '''Eye tracking'''
* '''Face tracking'''
* 3 IR cameras per eye
* Avatar expressions
* Foveated rendering capable


PICO 4 controllers:
== Software ==


* 6DoF tracking
* '''PICO Store'''
* Ergonomic design
* '''SteamVR''' streaming
* Battery-powered
* '''Virtual Desktop''' support
* '''PICO Video'''
* Growing app library


== Comparison with Quest 2 ==
== Regional Availability ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Feature !! Pico 4 !! Quest 2
! Region !! Availability
|-
|-
| Resolution || '''2160×2160/eye''' || 1832×1920/eye
| Europe || Yes
|-
|-
| Optics || '''Pancake''' || Fresnel
| China || Yes
|-
|-
| Field of View || '''105°''' || 97°
| South Korea || Yes
|-
|-
| IPD || '''Motorized (62-72mm)''' || 3 presets
| Japan || Yes
|-
|-
| Headset Weight || '''~295g''' || ~503g
| Malaysia || Yes
|-
|-
| God Rays || '''None''' || Present
| Singapore || Yes
|-
|-
| Availability || EU, Asia, etc. || Global (incl. US)
| North America || No
|}
 
== Technical Specifications ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || 2160x2160 LCD x2
|-
| Combined || 4320x2160
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72/90 Hz
|-
| FOV || 105°
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2
|-
| RAM || 8GB
|-
| Storage || 128GB / 256GB
|-
| IPD || 62-72mm (motorized)
|-
| Battery || 5300 mAh
|-
| Weight || 295g
|-
| Price || €429 / €499
|}
|}


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'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* "The Beginning Of A New Era In Consumer VR" - MRTV
* Pancake lenses eliminate god rays
* Higher resolution than Quest 2
* Higher resolution than Quest 2
* Wider 105° field of view
* Pancake lenses slim design
* Dramatically lighter design
* 295g lightweight
* Motorized IPD adjustment
* Color passthrough
* Balanced weight distribution
* Motorized IPD
* Comfortable for extended use
* Competitive pricing
* 3D spatial audio
* 5300 mAh battery
* Excellent value proposition
* Balanced comfort
* PC VR streaming


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* Not available in United States
* Not available in North America
* 90 Hz maximum (no 120 Hz)
* Smaller app library than Quest
* LPDDR4 RAM (not LPDDR5)
* No eye tracking (base model)
* Smaller game library than Quest
* Passthrough low quality
* No eye tracking (available on Pro/Enterprise)
* ByteDance privacy concerns
* LCD displays (not OLED)
* Less developer support
* Requires ByteDance account<ref name="pcgamer">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/pico-4-ve-headset-review/ |title=Pico 4 VR headset review |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Regional content limitations
 
* Quest ecosystem dominance<ref name="pcgamer">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/pico-4-ve-headset-review/ |title=Pico 4 VR headset review |publisher=PC Gamer |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
<ref name="ludusglobal">{{cite web |url=https://www.ludusglobal.com/en/blog/pico-4-features-price-specifications-vr-headset |title=Pico 4: features, price and specifications of the new VR headset |publisher=Ludus Global |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pico 4 Pro]]
* [[Pico 4 Enterprise]]
* [[Pico 4 Ultra]]
* [[Pico 4 Ultra]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Pico Neo 3 Link]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Standalone VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:PICO]]
[[Category:PICO]]
[[Category:ByteDance]]
[[Category:2022 in technology]]
[[Category:2022 in technology]]