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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =  
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Developer = [[Somnium Space]]
|Developer = [[Somnium Space]], [[VRgineers]]
|Manufacturer = [[VRgineers]]
|Manufacturer = [[VRgineers]]
|Release Date = 2024
|Release Date = July 12, 2024
|Price = €1,900 - €3,500 (depending on edition)
|Price = €1,900 - €3,900 (edition dependent)
|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
|Display = QLED MiniLED LCD
|Display = 2× QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD
|Resolution = 2880x2880 per eye
|Resolution = 2880×2880 per eye
|Refresh Rate = Up to 144 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz (upgradeable to 120 Hz, 144 Hz)
|Field of View = 130° horizontal / 105° vertical
|Field of View = 125° horizontal × 100° vertical
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Horizontal FoV = 125°
|Tracking = SteamVR (outside-in)
|Vertical FoV = 100°
|Eye Tracking = Optional
|Hand Tracking = Optional (Ultraleap)
|Passthrough = Optional (12 MP cameras)
|Lenses = Aspherical
|Connectivity = USB-C (6m hybrid cable)
|Local Dimming = Yes (HDR)
|Brightness = 210 nits
|Brightness = 210 nits
|Contrast = 20,000:1 (HDR local dimming)
|Contrast = 20,000:1 (HDR)
|IPD Range = Hardware adjustable
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Dual-lens aspheric module (2 lenses per eye-box)
|Tracking = Outside-in 6DoF (SteamVR)
|Eye Tracking = Optional (120 Hz, €2,500+ editions)
|Hand Tracking = Optional (Ultraleap, Striker Edition)
|Passthrough = Optional (2× 4056×3040 cameras, €3,500 edition)
|Audio = None (bring your own headphones)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort, USB-C (3× 10 Gbit ports)
|Weight = 700-850g (depending on configuration)
|Color = Black
}}
}}


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 [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Somnium Space]] in partnership with [[VRgineers]], launched on July 12, 2024. Targeting VR enthusiasts and enterprise users, the Somnium VR1 features QLED MiniLED LCD displays at 2880x2880 per eye with local dimming and up to 144Hz refresh rate, an ultra-wide 130° horizontal field of view, aspherical lenses, and SteamVR tracking. Available in eight editions from €1,900 to €3,900 with optional eye tracking, Ultraleap hand tracking, and mixed reality passthrough, the VR1 delivers enthusiast-grade specifications for those seeking the ultimate PC VR experience.


== 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, known for their blockchain-based social VR platform, partnered with VRgineers (makers of professional VR headsets) to develop the Somnium VR1. The headset launched on July 12, 2024 after extended development, offering multiple configurations to suit different user needs and budgets. The VR1 targets existing SteamVR users seeking an upgrade, as well as enterprise customers requiring high-specification VR hardware.<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/somnium-vr1-review-next-generation-pc-vr-mr/ |title=Somnium VR1 Review |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
Line 42: Line 36:
=== Display ===
=== Display ===


The Somnium VR1 uses QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD panels with 2880×2880 resolution per eye. Key display features include:
Premium QLED MiniLED technology:
 
* '''2880x2880 per eye''' resolution
* '''QLED MiniLED LCD''' panels
* '''Up to 144 Hz''' refresh rate
* '''Local dimming''' (HDR)
* '''210 nits brightness'''
* '''20,000:1 contrast ratio'''
* Stunning visual quality
* HDR support


* 210 nits brightness
=== Field of View ===
* 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>
Ultra-wide immersion:


=== Optics and Field of View ===
* '''130° horizontal FOV'''
* '''105° vertical FOV'''
* Wider than most competitors
* Increased peripheral vision
* Enhanced immersion


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:
=== Optics ===


* 125° horizontal field of view
* '''Aspherical lenses'''
* 100° vertical field of view
* Wide sweet spot
* Widest undistorted FOV of any consumer headset
* Edge-to-edge clarity
* 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>
* Optimized for large FOV


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>
=== Tracking ===


=== Modular Design ===
* '''SteamVR tracking'''
* Base stations required
* Outside-in tracking
* Lighthouse compatible
* Sub-millimeter precision


The Somnium VR1 is designed to be fully modular and customizable:
=== Connectivity ===


* Assembled without glue (except lenses) for full user serviceability
Innovative cable design:
* Can be opened and modified by expert users
* 4 modular anchor points with 3D-printable attachments
* 3× 10 Gbit USB-C ports for accessories and expansion
* 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>


=== Optional Features ===
* '''6-meter (20 ft.) hybrid cable'''
* '''USB Type-C''' all-in-one
* '''DisplayPort'''
* '''USB 3 Gen 2'''
* '''Power'''
* Single cable solution


Depending on the edition purchased, the VR1 can include:
== Optional Modules ==


* '''Eye Tracking:''' 120 Hz open-source eye tracking with single-point calibration
=== Eye Tracking ===
* '''Hand Tracking:''' Ultraleap integration (Striker Edition)
* Foveated rendering support
* '''Mixed Reality Passthrough:''' Dual 4056×3040 cameras (Ultimate Edition)
* Gaze-based interaction
* Performance optimization
* Analytics capability


== Editions and Pricing ==
=== Hand Tracking ===
* '''Ultraleap''' integration
* Controller-free interaction
* Natural gestures
* Module add-on


The Somnium VR1 is available in multiple configurations:
=== Mixed Reality Passthrough ===
* '''12 MP RGB cameras''' (each)
* High-resolution passthrough
* MR application support
* Module add-on
 
== Editions ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 88: Line 109:
! Edition !! Features !! Price
! Edition !! Features !! Price
|-
|-
| Classic Edition || Base PCVR headset || €1,900
| Classic || VR only || €1,900
|-
|-
| Striker Edition || + Ultraleap hand tracking || TBD
| Striker || VR + Hand Tracking || €2,300
|-
|-
| Visionary Edition || + Eye tracking || €2,500
| Visionary || VR + Eye Tracking || €2,500
|-
|-
| Ultimate Edition || + Eye tracking + passthrough || €3,500
| Titan || VR + ET + HT || €2,900
|-
| Specter || VR + HT + Passthrough || €3,100
|-
| Ultimate || VR + ET + HT + PT || €3,500
|-
| Translucent Limited || Ultimate (transparent) || €3,900
|-
| Military || TAA-compliant || Price on request
|}
|}


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>
''ET = Eye Tracking, HT = Hand Tracking, PT = Passthrough''
 
== Technical Specifications ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || 2880x2880 per eye QLED MiniLED
|-
| Refresh Rate || Up to 144 Hz
|-
| FOV || 130° x 105°
|-
| Contrast || 20,000:1 (HDR)
|-
| Brightness || 210 nits
|-
| Lenses || Aspherical
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR (base stations)
|-
| Cable || 6m USB-C hybrid
|-
| Eye Tracking || Optional
|-
| Hand Tracking || Optional (Ultraleap)
|-
| Passthrough || Optional (12 MP)
|-
| Price || €1,900 - €3,900
|}


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* Widest undistorted field of view in consumer VR
* 2880x2880 per eye highest tier
* Fully modular and user-serviceable design
* 130° FOV ultra-wide
* High refresh rate options (up to 144 Hz)
* 144Hz smooth performance
* Open-source eye tracking system
* QLED MiniLED excellent
* High-resolution passthrough option
* Local dimming/HDR impressive
* 20,000:1 contrast stunning
* Modular configuration options
* 6m hybrid cable convenient
* Enterprise-grade build
* SteamVR ecosystem compatible


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* No integrated audio (headphones required)
* €1,900+ extremely expensive
* Bulky design (700-850g)
* Base stations required
* High price, especially for full-featured editions
* Complex edition pricing
* Requires external SteamVR base stations
* Niche enthusiast market
* Some lens-related visual artifacts reported
* Quest 3 fraction of cost
 
* PC tethered only
"Enthusiast Level PC VR at a Difficult Price Point" - Road to VR<ref name="roadtovr"/>
* Heavy for extended use
* Modules add significant cost
* New brand track record
* Limited mainstream appeal<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/somnium-vr1-hands-on/ |title=Somnium VR1 Hands-on |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[VRgineers XTAL 3]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond 2]]
* [[Valve Index]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:Modular VR Headsets]]

Revision as of 16:44, 7 January 2026

Somnium VR1
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-Mounted Display
Subtype PC VR
Platform SteamVR
Developer Somnium Space, VRgineers
Manufacturer VRgineers
Release Date July 12, 2024
Price €1,900 - €3,900 (edition dependent)
Website https://store.somniumspace.com/
System
Storage
Display
Display QLED MiniLED LCD
Resolution 2880x2880 per eye
Refresh Rate Up to 144 Hz
Image
Field of View 130° horizontal / 105° vertical
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Passthrough Optional (12 MP cameras)
Tracking
Tracking SteamVR (outside-in)
Eye Tracking Optional
Hand Tracking Optional (Ultraleap)
Audio
Connectivity
Connectivity USB-C (6m hybrid cable)
Device


The Somnium VR1 is a high-end PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Somnium Space in partnership with VRgineers, launched on July 12, 2024. Targeting VR enthusiasts and enterprise users, the Somnium VR1 features QLED MiniLED LCD displays at 2880x2880 per eye with local dimming and up to 144Hz refresh rate, an ultra-wide 130° horizontal field of view, aspherical lenses, and SteamVR tracking. Available in eight editions from €1,900 to €3,900 with optional eye tracking, Ultraleap hand tracking, and mixed reality passthrough, the VR1 delivers enthusiast-grade specifications for those seeking the ultimate PC VR experience.

History and Development

Somnium Space, known for their blockchain-based social VR platform, partnered with VRgineers (makers of professional VR headsets) to develop the Somnium VR1. The headset launched on July 12, 2024 after extended development, offering multiple configurations to suit different user needs and budgets. The VR1 targets existing SteamVR users seeking an upgrade, as well as enterprise customers requiring high-specification VR hardware.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Premium QLED MiniLED technology:

  • 2880x2880 per eye resolution
  • QLED MiniLED LCD panels
  • Up to 144 Hz refresh rate
  • Local dimming (HDR)
  • 210 nits brightness
  • 20,000:1 contrast ratio
  • Stunning visual quality
  • HDR support

Field of View

Ultra-wide immersion:

  • 130° horizontal FOV
  • 105° vertical FOV
  • Wider than most competitors
  • Increased peripheral vision
  • Enhanced immersion

Optics

  • Aspherical lenses
  • Wide sweet spot
  • Edge-to-edge clarity
  • Optimized for large FOV

Tracking

  • SteamVR tracking
  • Base stations required
  • Outside-in tracking
  • Lighthouse compatible
  • Sub-millimeter precision

Connectivity

Innovative cable design:

  • 6-meter (20 ft.) hybrid cable
  • USB Type-C all-in-one
  • DisplayPort
  • USB 3 Gen 2
  • Power
  • Single cable solution

Optional Modules

Eye Tracking

  • Foveated rendering support
  • Gaze-based interaction
  • Performance optimization
  • Analytics capability

Hand Tracking

  • Ultraleap integration
  • Controller-free interaction
  • Natural gestures
  • Module add-on

Mixed Reality Passthrough

  • 12 MP RGB cameras (each)
  • High-resolution passthrough
  • MR application support
  • Module add-on

Editions

Edition Features Price
Classic VR only €1,900
Striker VR + Hand Tracking €2,300
Visionary VR + Eye Tracking €2,500
Titan VR + ET + HT €2,900
Specter VR + HT + Passthrough €3,100
Ultimate VR + ET + HT + PT €3,500
Translucent Limited Ultimate (transparent) €3,900
Military TAA-compliant Price on request

ET = Eye Tracking, HT = Hand Tracking, PT = Passthrough

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2880x2880 per eye QLED MiniLED
Refresh Rate Up to 144 Hz
FOV 130° x 105°
Contrast 20,000:1 (HDR)
Brightness 210 nits
Lenses Aspherical
Tracking SteamVR (base stations)
Cable 6m USB-C hybrid
Eye Tracking Optional
Hand Tracking Optional (Ultraleap)
Passthrough Optional (12 MP)
Price €1,900 - €3,900

Reception

Praise:

  • 2880x2880 per eye highest tier
  • 130° FOV ultra-wide
  • 144Hz smooth performance
  • QLED MiniLED excellent
  • Local dimming/HDR impressive
  • 20,000:1 contrast stunning
  • Modular configuration options
  • 6m hybrid cable convenient
  • Enterprise-grade build
  • SteamVR ecosystem compatible

Criticism:

  • €1,900+ extremely expensive
  • Base stations required
  • Complex edition pricing
  • Niche enthusiast market
  • Quest 3 fraction of cost
  • PC tethered only
  • Heavy for extended use
  • Modules add significant cost
  • New brand track record
  • Limited mainstream appeal[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Somnium VR1 Review". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/somnium-vr1-review-next-generation-pc-vr-mr/.
  2. ↑ "Somnium VR1 Hands-on". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/somnium-vr1-hands-on/.
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