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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]], [[Augmented Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone MR]]
|Subtype = Standalone MR
|Platform = [[Android]] (OpenXR)
|Platform = [[Android]]
|Developer = [[Lynx Mixed Reality]]
|Creator = [[Lynx Mixed Reality]]
|Manufacturer = [[Compal]]
|Announced = 2020
|Release Date = November 2022 (backers) / 2023 (retail)
|Release = 2023
|Announcement Date = February 3, 2020
|Price = $849 (Development Kit)
|Price = $849 USD
|Website = https://www.lynx-r.com
|Website = https://www.lynx-r.com/
|OS = Android 10
|Chipset = Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1
|CPU = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]]
|Display = LCD (dual)
|GPU = Adreno 650
|Resolution = 1600x1600 per eye
|Storage = 128 GB (expandable via SD card to 1 TB)
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|RAM = 6 GB
|Field of View = 90° (circular)
|Display = LCD
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Resolution = 1600 x 1600 per eye
|Passthrough = Full-color RGB cameras
|Refresh = 90 Hz
|Hand Tracking = Ultraleap
|Brightness =
|Cameras = 6 (2 B&W tracking, 2 IR hand, 2 RGB passthrough)
|FOV = 90°
|Audio = Stereo speakers + dual microphones
|PPD =
|Battery = ~2-3 hours
|Lenses = Four-fold catadioptric freeform prism
|Storage = 128GB + microSD (1TB max)
|IPD =
|RAM = 6GB
|Eye Tracking =
|Hand Tracking = Yes (Ultraleap)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|Spatial Mapping =
|Speakers =
|Microphone =
|Audio Jack =
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 6/5
|Ports = USB-C, SD card slot
|Battery =
|Weight =
|Materials =
|Colors =
|Sensors = 6 cameras (2 B&W tracking, 2 IR hand tracking, 2 RGB passthrough)
|Input = Hand tracking, optional controllers
}}
}}


The '''Lynx R-1''' is a standalone [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by French startup [[Lynx Mixed Reality]], announced February 3, 2020 and released November 2022 (Kickstarter) / 2023 (retail) at $849. The first standalone headset designed from the ground up for both VR and AR, featuring unique 4-fold catadioptric freeform prism optics, 1600x1600 per eye LCD, Snapdragon XR2, full-color passthrough, Ultraleap hand tracking, flip-up visor design, and open periphery with rear-mounted battery.
The '''Lynx R-1''' is a standalone [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Lynx Mixed Reality]], a French XR company. The R-1 features a novel "four-fold catadioptric freeform prism" optical system that enables both VR and color passthrough AR in a compact form factor. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2, the headset emphasizes hand tracking as its primary input method and supports an open Android 10 platform. The Lynx R-1 raised over $800,000 on Kickstarter and is designed with privacy and data sovereignty in mind.<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/lynx-kickstarter-release-mixed-reality/|title=Lynx R-1 MR Headset Kickstarter Comes to an End with over $800,000|publisher=Road to VR}}</ref>


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


Lynx Mixed Reality announced the R-1 on February 3, 2020, launching a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $800,000. Following pandemic-related supply chain delays, production began at Compal in mid-2023. The first certified retail units shipped to Kickstarter backers on November 18, 2022, with general availability in 2023. The R-1 distinguishes itself with unique catadioptric optics enabling a compact MR-first design.<ref name="lynx">{{cite web |url=https://www.lynx-r.com/ |title=Lynx Mixed Reality |publisher=Lynx Mixed Reality |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== French XR Company ===
Lynx Mixed Reality is a French startup that set out to create an affordable, open mixed reality platform without the restrictions of larger tech company ecosystems.<ref name="lavalvirtual">{{cite web|url=https://blog.laval-virtual.com/en/lynx-r-1-french-mixed-reality-standalone-headset/|title=Lynx R-1, the 100% French mixed reality headset|publisher=Laval Virtual}}</ref>
 
=== Kickstarter Campaign ===
The Lynx R-1 was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $800,000 from backers interested in an open alternative to mainstream XR headsets.
 
=== Development Focus ===
The R-1 is positioned as a development kit for creators building mixed reality applications, with emphasis on accessibility and openness.


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


=== Display ===
=== Novel Optics ===
The Lynx R-1 uses a unique "four-fold catadioptric freeform prism" optical system:
* Significantly slims down headset size
* Enables compact form factor
* Supports both VR and AR modes


LCD with unique optics:
=== Display System ===
* '''Resolution:''' 1600 x 1600 per eye
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 90 Hz
* '''Field of View:''' 90 degrees


* '''1600x1600 per eye''' resolution
=== Processor ===
* '''Dual LCD''' displays
* '''SoC:''' Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
* '''90 Hz''' refresh rate
* '''RAM:''' 6 GB
* '''90° circular FOV'''
* '''Storage:''' 128 GB internal
* '''Expansion:''' SD card slot up to 1 TB


=== Optics ===
=== Physical Design ===
* '''Flip-up Visor:''' Can flip up without removing headset
* '''Magnetic VR Cover:''' Optional light-blocking facial interface
* '''Battery:''' Carefully positioned for balance


Catadioptric innovation:
== Camera System ==


* '''4-fold catadioptric freeform prisms'''
Six cameras enable multiple functionalities:
* Compact design
* No Fresnel lenses
* Unique optical path


=== Processing ===
=== Tracking Cameras (2) ===
Black and white cameras for 6DoF positional SLAM tracking.


* '''Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1'''
=== Hand Tracking Cameras (2) ===
* '''6GB RAM'''
Infrared cameras for Ultraleap hand tracking.
* '''128GB storage'''
* '''microSD expansion''' (1TB max)


=== Cameras ===
=== Passthrough Cameras (2) ===
RGB cameras for color video passthrough AR mode.


6-camera system:
== Tracking and Input ==


* '''2 B&W''' (6DoF tracking)
=== Hand Tracking ===
* '''2 IR''' (hand tracking)
Primary input via Ultraleap hand tracking—controller-free interaction is the default mode.
* '''2 RGB''' (color passthrough)
* Mixed reality capability


=== Passthrough ===
=== Head Tracking ===
6DoF inside-out positional tracking.


* '''Full-color RGB'''
=== Optional Controllers ===
* Video see-through AR
Compatible with controllers for applications requiring traditional input.
* Real-world overlay
* MR experiences


=== Hand Tracking ===
== Mixed Reality Modes ==
 
=== VR Mode ===
Full virtual reality with magnetic facial cover blocking external light.


* '''Ultraleap technology'''
=== AR Mode ===
* Primary input method
Color passthrough augmented reality using dual RGB cameras.
* Controller-optional
* Gesture interaction


=== Audio ===
=== Hybrid Mode ===
Applications can blend virtual and real content simultaneously.


* '''Stereo speakers'''
== Software Platform ==
* '''Dual microphones'''
* '''3.5mm TRRS jack'''
* Bluetooth headphone support


=== Design ===
=== Open Android ===
* Android 10 operating system
* No account requirements
* Open development platform


Unique features:
=== Engine Support ===
* Unity3D
* Unreal Engine
* SteamVR compatible


* '''Open periphery'''
=== PC Streaming ===
* '''Flip-up visor'''
* Wireless streaming via Wi-Fi 6/5
* '''Rear-mounted battery'''
* Wired PC connection support
* Balanced weight
* Quest Pro-like ergonomics


=== Battery ===
== Privacy Features ==


* '''~2-3 hours''' runtime
=== Data Sovereignty ===
* Rear-mounted pack
* No Facebook account required
* Weight balance
* No Microsoft Azure cloud required
* Complete offline operation possible


== Software ==
=== Sensor Control ===
Users can deactivate any sensor that collects sensitive information.


=== Platform ===
== Package Contents ==


* Android-based
Development Kit includes:
* '''OpenXR''' support
* Lynx R-1 headset
* Both VR and AR apps
* Magnetic front foams
* Developer-friendly
* Magnetic VR facial interface
* USB Type-C cable


== Technical Specifications ==
== Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 120: Line 152:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 1600x1600 LCD x2
| Display || LCD (1600 x 1600 per eye)
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
|-
| FOV || 90° (circular)
| Field of View || 90°
|-
| Optics || Four-fold catadioptric freeform prism
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1
| Processor || Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
|-
|-
| RAM || 6GB
| RAM || 6 GB
|-
|-
| Storage || 128GB + microSD
| Storage || 128 GB (+ 1 TB SD expansion)
|-
|-
| Cameras || 6 (tracking + hand + RGB)
| Cameras || 6 (tracking, hand, passthrough)
|-
|-
| Hand Tracking || Ultraleap
| Hand Tracking || Ultraleap
|-
|-
| Battery || ~2-3 hours
| OS || Android 10
|-
|-
| Price || $849
| Connectivity || Wi-Fi 6/5, USB-C
|-
| Price || $849 (Development Kit)
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* First true standalone MR
* VR and AR combined
* Unique optics compact
* Full-color passthrough
* Ultraleap hand tracking
* Flip-up visor practical
* OpenXR support
* $849 reasonable for MR
* Independent startup innovation
'''Criticism:'''
* 1600x1600 moderate resolution
* 90° FOV narrow
* Delays hurt momentum
* Small app ecosystem
* Quest 3 competition
* Limited availability
* Startup support concerns
* Controllers sold separately<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/lynx-r1-mixed-reality-headset-finally/ |title=Lynx R1 Mixed Reality Headset |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
* [[Lynx Mixed Reality]]
* [[Meta Quest Pro]]
* [[Mixed reality]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
* [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2]]
* [[Apple Vision Pro]]
* [[Ultraleap]]
* [[Hand tracking]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:AR Headsets]]
[[Category:Standalone MR]]
[[Category:Mixed reality]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Snapdragon XR2]]
[[Category:Hand tracking]]
[[Category:Lynx Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:Lynx Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:2022 in technology]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]

Revision as of 22:12, 7 January 2026

Lynx R-1
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone MR
Platform Android
Creator Lynx Mixed Reality
Price $849 (Development Kit)
Website https://www.lynx-r.com
System
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
GPU Adreno 650
Storage
Storage 128 GB (expandable via SD card to 1 TB)
Display
Display LCD
Resolution 1600 x 1600 per eye
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out)
Hand Tracking Yes (Ultraleap)
Audio
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6/5
Ports USB-C, SD card slot
Device
Sensors 6 cameras (2 B&W tracking, 2 IR hand tracking, 2 RGB passthrough)
Input Hand tracking, optional controllers


The Lynx R-1 is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Lynx Mixed Reality, a French XR company. The R-1 features a novel "four-fold catadioptric freeform prism" optical system that enables both VR and color passthrough AR in a compact form factor. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2, the headset emphasizes hand tracking as its primary input method and supports an open Android 10 platform. The Lynx R-1 raised over $800,000 on Kickstarter and is designed with privacy and data sovereignty in mind.[1]

History and Development

French XR Company

Lynx Mixed Reality is a French startup that set out to create an affordable, open mixed reality platform without the restrictions of larger tech company ecosystems.[2]

Kickstarter Campaign

The Lynx R-1 was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $800,000 from backers interested in an open alternative to mainstream XR headsets.

Development Focus

The R-1 is positioned as a development kit for creators building mixed reality applications, with emphasis on accessibility and openness.

Design and Hardware

Novel Optics

The Lynx R-1 uses a unique "four-fold catadioptric freeform prism" optical system:

  • Significantly slims down headset size
  • Enables compact form factor
  • Supports both VR and AR modes

Display System

  • Resolution: 1600 x 1600 per eye
  • Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
  • Field of View: 90 degrees

Processor

  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
  • RAM: 6 GB
  • Storage: 128 GB internal
  • Expansion: SD card slot up to 1 TB

Physical Design

  • Flip-up Visor: Can flip up without removing headset
  • Magnetic VR Cover: Optional light-blocking facial interface
  • Battery: Carefully positioned for balance

Camera System

Six cameras enable multiple functionalities:

Tracking Cameras (2)

Black and white cameras for 6DoF positional SLAM tracking.

Hand Tracking Cameras (2)

Infrared cameras for Ultraleap hand tracking.

Passthrough Cameras (2)

RGB cameras for color video passthrough AR mode.

Tracking and Input

Hand Tracking

Primary input via Ultraleap hand tracking—controller-free interaction is the default mode.

Head Tracking

6DoF inside-out positional tracking.

Optional Controllers

Compatible with controllers for applications requiring traditional input.

Mixed Reality Modes

VR Mode

Full virtual reality with magnetic facial cover blocking external light.

AR Mode

Color passthrough augmented reality using dual RGB cameras.

Hybrid Mode

Applications can blend virtual and real content simultaneously.

Software Platform

Open Android

  • Android 10 operating system
  • No account requirements
  • Open development platform

Engine Support

  • Unity3D
  • Unreal Engine
  • SteamVR compatible

PC Streaming

  • Wireless streaming via Wi-Fi 6/5
  • Wired PC connection support

Privacy Features

Data Sovereignty

  • No Facebook account required
  • No Microsoft Azure cloud required
  • Complete offline operation possible

Sensor Control

Users can deactivate any sensor that collects sensitive information.

Package Contents

Development Kit includes:

  • Lynx R-1 headset
  • Magnetic front foams
  • Magnetic VR facial interface
  • USB Type-C cable

Specifications

Specification Details
Display LCD (1600 x 1600 per eye)
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Field of View 90°
Optics Four-fold catadioptric freeform prism
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
RAM 6 GB
Storage 128 GB (+ 1 TB SD expansion)
Cameras 6 (tracking, hand, passthrough)
Hand Tracking Ultraleap
OS Android 10
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6/5, USB-C
Price $849 (Development Kit)

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Lynx R-1 MR Headset Kickstarter Comes to an End with over $800,000". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/lynx-kickstarter-release-mixed-reality/.
  2. ↑ "Lynx R-1, the 100% French mixed reality headset". Laval Virtual. https://blog.laval-virtual.com/en/lynx-r-1-french-mixed-reality-standalone-headset/.
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