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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image=[[File:Lenovoexplorer.jpg|350px]]
|image =
|VR/AR= [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type= [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype= [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Subtype = PC VR (Windows MR)
|Platform=[[Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality (Platform)]]
|Platform = [[Windows Mixed Reality]], [[SteamVR]]
|Developer= [[Lenovo]]
|Creator = [[Lenovo]]
|Operating System= [[Windows 10]]
|Announced = IFA 2017
|Requires= [[PC]]
|Release = October 2017
|Display= Dual LCD display
|Price = $349 (headset) / $449 (with controllers)
|Resolution= 2880 x 1440 (1440 x 1440 per eye)
|Website = https://www.lenovo.com
|Refresh Rate= 90Hz
|OS = Windows 10
|Field of View= 110 Degree
|CPU = Intel Core i5 7th Gen+ (rec)
|Optics= [[Fresnel lenses]]
|GPU = Intel integrated / NVIDIA GTX 960+ (rec)
|Tracking= 6DOF
|Storage =
|Rotational Tracking= [[Gyroscope]], [[Accelerometer]], [[Magnetometer]]
|RAM = 8 GB+ (rec)
|Positional Tracking= Inside-out tracking
|Display = 2 x LCD
|Tracking Volume= 3.5m x 3.5m
|Resolution = 2880 x 1440 (1440 x 1440 per eye)
|Latency= Low
|Refresh = 90 Hz
|Input= [[Keyboard/Mouse]],[[Xbox One GamePad]], [[Lenovo Explorer Motion Controller]]
|Brightness =
|Connectivity= HDMI, USB
|FOV = 110°
|Weight= 380 g
|PPD =
|Size= Width :
|Lenses = Fresnel
185.1 mm x 94.8 mm x 102.1 mm
|IPD =
|Cable Length= 4 m
|Eye Tracking =
|Release Date= October 2017
|Hand Tracking =
|Price= $399 with Motion Controller
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 2 cameras)
|Website= https://www3.lenovo.com/gb/en/smart-devices/virtual-reality/lenovo-explorer/Lenovo-Explorer/p/G10NREAG0A2
|Spatial Mapping =
|Speakers =
|Microphone =
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm
|Connectivity = HDMI 1.4, USB 3.0
|Ports = HDMI, USB
|Battery =
|Weight = 380g
|Materials =
|Colors = Iron Grey
|Sensors = IMU, tracking cameras
|Input = Windows MR Controllers (optional)
}}
}}


In a bid to deliver immersive virtual reality experience without complicated setup, various vendors have been developing [[Windows Mixed Reality]] compliant headsets. Lenovo Explorer is one of the latest devices to join the fray after being revealed at IFA 2017. Developed by computing giant Lenovo, this virtual reality headset is released for purchase in October 2017 and is priced at $399 for a set of Lenovo explorer headset and a couple of motion controllers.
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 Headset ==
== History and Development ==


Built with plastic material and spotting dark grey on black, the Lenovo Explorer only weight 380g making it comfortably light. The headset is worn against the forehead where a strap is fastened just above the top of the neck. At a glance, it bears similarity to [[Oculus Rift]] and [[HTC Vive]]. But what differentiates the Lenovo Explorer headset from its competitor is the ability to flip the visor up, giving the user instant access to the physical world. The headset requires only a USB3.0 and HDMI connection to the PC to function.
=== IFA 2017 Announcement ===
Lenovo announced the Explorer at IFA 2017 in Berlin as part of Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality initiative.


The uniqueness of the Lenovo Explorer is the two front-facing camera built into the headset. This is vital in scanning and relaying the wearer’s location for Microsoft’s beaconless tracking technology similar to those used for [[Hololens]]. The headset’s visual came from a couple of 2.9 Inches display with a resolution of 1440 x1440. With a native refresh rate of 90Hz, the headset provides the user with a smooth immersive visual experience. The headset allows user 110 fields of view and is packed with various sensors.  
=== October 2017 Release ===
The Explorer launched alongside Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.


== The Lenovo Explorer Motion Controller ==
=== Accessibility Focus ===
Designed to run on laptops and desktops with Intel integrated graphics, lowering the barrier to VR entry.


There are various choices of navigation that works with the Lenovo Explorer. Users can use keyboard and mouse or an [[XBox gamepad]]. But for a total virtual reality experience, the Lenovo Explorer came with its own 6 DoF motion controller. Built with Microsoft’s Mixed Reality guideline, the motion controller features a direction pad, analog stick, Windows key, menu button, rear trigger and a bumper style button on the inside of each. The motion controller is powered by non-rechargeable AA batteries and connects to the PC via Bluetooth.
== Design and Hardware ==


=== Display System ===
* '''Resolution:''' 1440 x 1440 per eye (2880 x 1440 total)
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 90 Hz
* '''Display Type:''' LCD
* '''Field of View:''' 110 degrees


== Apps For The Lenovo Explorer ==
=== Lightweight Design ===
* '''Weight:''' 380g
* One of the lightest VR headsets of its generation
* Nearly 100g lighter than Oculus Rift/HTC Vive


While the Lenovo Explorer doesn’t require any special software to work, it does require the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. WIth the Explorer headset, you’ll be able to access the Windows Mixed Reality home. This is where users get access to system information and launch apps, except it’s in a virtual environment.
=== Comfort ===
* Adjustable headband
* Padded face cushion
* Balanced weight distribution


Besides applications like Words and Skype for Windows Mixed Reality, the first batch of games built for the platform has hit the Store. Titles like Arizona Sunshine, Halo Recruit, and Superhot VR are some of the top VR games made available for the platform.  There are also free apps like Littlstar and Silver.TV available for download.
== Tracking ==


== Technical Specifications ==
=== Inside-Out Tracking ===
* Dual front-facing cameras
* 6 degrees of freedom
* No external sensors required
 
=== Simplified Setup ===
Plug-and-play experience with no room-scale sensor setup.
 
== Controllers ==
 
=== Mixed Reality Motion Controllers ===
* 6DoF tracking
* Direction pad and analog stick
* Windows key and menu button
* Rear trigger and bumper button
* AA battery powered
* Bluetooth connection
 
== System Requirements ==
 
=== Minimum (Integrated Graphics) ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
| Display||
! Component !! Requirement
1440 x 1440 per eye LCD
 
|-
|-
| Refresh rate || 90Hz
| CPU || Intel Core i5 7th Gen
|-
|-
| Field of view || 110 degrees
| GPU || Intel HD Graphics 620
 
|-
|-
| Optics|| Fresnel lens
| RAM || 8 GB
 
|-
|-
| Sensor|| 6DoF motion tracking
| OS || Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and proximity sensor.
|}


Inside-out sensor (B+W VGA x2)
=== Recommended (Discrete GPU) ===
|-
{| class="wikitable"
| Connectivity|| USB 3.0, HDMI
|-
|-
| Audio|| 3.5mm headset jack
! Component !! Requirement
 
|-
|-
| Cable length || 4m
| GPU || NVIDIA GTX 960 / AMD RX 460
|-
|-
| Weight|| 380g
| RAM || 16 GB
|}
|}


== Developer ==
== Connectivity ==
Game and app developers who are keen on leveraging Microsoft Mixed Reality platform can find more resources at Windows Dev Center
 
* '''Video:''' HDMI 1.4
* '''Data:''' USB 3.0
* '''Audio:''' 3.5mm jack


https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/mixed-reality
== Specifications ==


== History ==
{| class="wikitable"
* Sept, 2017 - Revealed IFA 2017
|-
* Oct,2017 - Lenovo Explorer Released
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || 2 x LCD
|-
| Resolution || 1440 x 1440 per eye
|-
| Total Resolution || 2880 x 1440
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
| Field of View || 110°
|-
| Tracking || Inside-out (2 cameras)
|-
| Weight || 380g
|-
| Connection || HDMI 1.4 + USB 3.0
|-
| Price || $349 / $449 (with controllers)
|}


== See Also ==
* [[Lenovo]]
* [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Dell Visor]]
* [[Lenovo Mirage Solo]]
* [[PC VR]]


== References ==
== References ==
* http://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/lenovo-explorer
{{Reflist}}
* https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/31/16219544/lenovo-explorer-windows-mixed-reality-vr-headset
 
* http://www.techradar.com/reviews/lenovo-explorer
[[Category:Devices]]
* https://www.engadget.com/2017/08/31/lenovo-explorer-windows-mixed-reality-headset/
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
* https://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-explorer-windows-mixed-reality-headset-hands-on-31497061/
[[Category:Mixed reality]]
* https://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/lenovo-explorer/
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
* https://www.windowscentral.com/lenovo-explorer-review
[[Category:PC VR]]
* https://www.windowscentral.com/first-batch-windows-mixed-reality-apps-and-games-hits-store
[[Category:Windows Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:Lenovo]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]

Revision as of 22:12, 7 January 2026

Lenovo Explorer
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR (Windows MR)
Platform Windows Mixed Reality, SteamVR
Creator Lenovo
Price $349 (headset) / $449 (with controllers)
Website https://www.lenovo.com
System
CPU Intel Core i5 7th Gen+ (rec)
GPU Intel integrated / NVIDIA GTX 960+ (rec)
Storage
Display
Display 2 x LCD
Resolution 2880 x 1440 (1440 x 1440 per eye)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out, 2 cameras)
Audio
Connectivity
Connectivity HDMI 1.4, USB 3.0
Ports HDMI, USB
Device
Weight 380g
Sensors IMU, tracking cameras
Input Windows MR Controllers (optional)


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.[1]

History and Development

IFA 2017 Announcement

Lenovo announced the Explorer at IFA 2017 in Berlin as part of Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality initiative.

October 2017 Release

The Explorer launched alongside Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

Accessibility Focus

Designed to run on laptops and desktops with Intel integrated graphics, lowering the barrier to VR entry.

Design and Hardware

Display System

  • Resolution: 1440 x 1440 per eye (2880 x 1440 total)
  • Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Field of View: 110 degrees

Lightweight Design

  • Weight: 380g
  • One of the lightest VR headsets of its generation
  • Nearly 100g lighter than Oculus Rift/HTC Vive

Comfort

  • Adjustable headband
  • Padded face cushion
  • Balanced weight distribution

Tracking

Inside-Out Tracking

  • Dual front-facing cameras
  • 6 degrees of freedom
  • No external sensors required

Simplified Setup

Plug-and-play experience with no room-scale sensor setup.

Controllers

Mixed Reality Motion Controllers

  • 6DoF tracking
  • Direction pad and analog stick
  • Windows key and menu button
  • Rear trigger and bumper button
  • AA battery powered
  • Bluetooth connection

System Requirements

Minimum (Integrated Graphics)

Component Requirement
CPU Intel Core i5 7th Gen
GPU Intel HD Graphics 620
RAM 8 GB
OS Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Recommended (Discrete GPU)

Component Requirement
GPU NVIDIA GTX 960 / AMD RX 460
RAM 16 GB

Connectivity

  • Video: HDMI 1.4
  • Data: USB 3.0
  • Audio: 3.5mm jack

Specifications

Specification Details
Display 2 x LCD
Resolution 1440 x 1440 per eye
Total Resolution 2880 x 1440
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Field of View 110°
Tracking Inside-out (2 cameras)
Weight 380g
Connection HDMI 1.4 + USB 3.0
Price $349 / $449 (with controllers)

See Also

References