Jump to content

Lynx R-1: Difference between revisions

Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
 
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
Line 1: Line 1:
{{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]]