Samsung Odyssey
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| Samsung HMD Odyssey | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | Windows Mixed Reality |
| Creator | Samsung |
| Developer | Samsung, Microsoft |
| Manufacturer | Samsung |
| Announcement Date | October 3, 2017 |
| Release Date | November 6, 2017 |
| Price | $499 |
| Website | https://www.samsung.com/ |
| Versions | Samsung HMD Odyssey (XE800ZAA) |
| Requires | Windows 10 Fall Creators Update PC |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | Samsung Odyssey Plus |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows Mixed Reality |
| Chipset | N/A (tethered PCVR) |
| CPU | N/A (PC-powered) |
| GPU | N/A (PC-powered) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual Samsung AMOLED |
| Subpixel Layout | PenTile Diamond |
| Peak Brightness | Not specified |
| Resolution | 1440 × 1600 per eye (2880 × 1600 combined) |
| Pixel Density | 616 PPI |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz-90Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 110° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~105° |
| Vertical FoV | ~95° |
| Average Pixel Density | ~17 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | ~17 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Fresnel lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 60-72mm (mechanical adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (glasses compatible) |
| Passthrough | No |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out (2 cameras) |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 90Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | <20ms motion-to-photon |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated AKG headphones |
| Microphone | Yes (built-in) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 2× inside-out tracking cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | HDMI 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
| Ports | HDMI 2.0, USB 3.1, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | Yes (HDMI) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth (for controllers, from PC) |
| Power | USB powered |
| Battery Capacity | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A (tethered) |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Not specified |
| Weight | 645g |
| Material | Plastic |
| Headstrap | Adjustable head strap |
| Haptics | Controller haptics |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | 2× tracking cameras, gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer |
| Input | Windows Mixed Reality controllers (included) |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
The Samsung HMD Odyssey is a premium PC VR head-mounted display developed by Samsung for Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality platform, announced on October 3, 2017, and released on November 6, 2017, at a price of $499. The Odyssey stood apart from other Windows Mixed Reality headsets as the only WMR device featuring Samsung's AMOLED display technology—dual 3.5" panels at 1440 × 1600 per eye, higher resolution than other WMR headsets' 1440 × 1440. Combined with integrated AKG-branded headphones, built-in microphone, and mechanical IPD adjustment from 60-72mm, the Odyssey offered premium features absent from other WMR headsets. As the most feature-rich Windows Mixed Reality device at launch, the Odyssey represented Samsung's display expertise applied to VR, delivering richer colors, deeper blacks, and an all-in-one package that justified its higher price point.
History and Development
Samsung Display Expertise
Company background:
- Leading AMOLED manufacturer
- Gear VR experience
- Display technology heritage
- Mobile VR knowledge
Windows Mixed Reality
Platform partnership:
- Microsoft collaboration
- WMR ecosystem
- Premium positioning
- November 2017 launch
October 2017 Announcement
Product reveal:
- AMOLED differentiation
- Higher resolution
- Integrated audio
- Premium features
November Launch
Commercial release:
- $499 price point
- Higher than other WMR
- Premium justification
- Feature advantage
Design Philosophy
Premium Positioning
Market differentiation:
- AMOLED displays
- Integrated audio
- Physical IPD
- Complete package
Samsung Display Technology
OLED advantage:
- Deep blacks
- Vibrant colors
- High contrast
- Samsung heritage
All-in-One Design
Integrated features:
- Built-in headphones
- Built-in microphone
- Controllers included
- Complete solution
Display Technology
Samsung AMOLED
Premium panels:
- Resolution: 1440 × 1600 per eye
- Total: 2880 × 1600
- Size: 3.5" per display
- Type: AMOLED
Resolution Advantage
Higher than other WMR:
- 1440×1600 vs 1440×1440
- More vertical pixels
- Better aspect ratio
- Clarity improvement
OLED Benefits
Display quality:
- True blacks (pixel-off)
- High contrast ratio
- Vibrant colors
- Better for dark scenes
Refresh Rate
Variable timing:
- 60Hz-90Hz supported
- 90Hz for smooth VR
- Adaptive capability
- VR comfort
Field of View
110° FOV
Competitive specification:
- Same as other WMR
- Good immersion
- Standard consumer range
- Adequate peripheral
FOV Note
WMR standard:
- Closer to 120° human vision
- Better than early VR
- Good balance
- Competitive with Rift/Vive
Optical System
Fresnel Lenses
Standard optics:
- Good sweet spot
- Some god rays
- Compact design
- Standard quality
Physical IPD Adjustment
Premium feature:
- Range: 60-72mm
- Mechanical wheel
- Wide accommodation
- Unique among WMR
IPD Advantage
User benefit:
- Precise adjustment
- Better comfort
- Reduced eye strain
- Broader compatibility
Tracking System
Inside-Out Tracking
Two-camera system:
- Dual front cameras
- No external sensors
- 6DoF head tracking
- Simple setup
Room-Scale
Play space:
- Room-scale capable
- Boundary system
- Walk-around VR
- Standard WMR
Tracking Limitations
Standard WMR constraints:
- Front-focused cameras
- Limited behind tracking
- Controller occlusion
- Known limitation
Audio System
AKG Integrated Headphones
Premium audio:
- AKG-branded drivers
- Built into headset
- Quality sound
- Convenient
Audio Quality
Above average:
- Good frequency response
- Spatial audio support
- Immersive sound
- No additional equipment
Built-In Microphone
Communication ready:
- Integrated mic
- Voice commands
- Social VR
- Complete package
3.5mm Jack
Alternative option:
- Use own headphones
- Higher quality option
- User preference
- Flexibility
Controllers
Windows Mixed Reality Controllers
Included pair:
- 6DoF tracked
- LED ring design
- Bluetooth connection
- Complete package
Controller Specifications
Input features:
- Clickable touchpad
- Thumbstick
- Trigger
- Grip button
- Windows/menu buttons
Controller Sensors
Motion detection:
- 6-axis accelerometer
- 6-axis gyroscope
- 3-axis compass
- Precise tracking
Controller Battery
Power system:
- 2× AA batteries
- User replaceable
- Standard cells
- Good life
Physical Design
Build Quality
Premium construction:
- Quality materials
- Solid build
- Samsung design
- Professional feel
Weight
Substantial:
- 645g
- Heaviest WMR headset
- Integrated audio adds weight
- All-in-one trade-off
Comfort
Extended wear:
- Adjustable straps
- Face cushion
- Weight distribution
- Adequate comfort
PC Requirements
Minimum Spec
Basic requirements:
- Windows 10 FCU
- Intel Core i5 (7th gen) or AMD equivalent
- Intel HD Graphics 620 or discrete GPU
- 8GB RAM
Recommended
Better experience:
- Intel Core i5/i7
- GTX 1060 or better
- 16GB RAM
- HDMI 2.0
Connections
Required ports:
- HDMI 2.0
- USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Bluetooth (for controllers)
- Standard ports
Software Platform
Windows Mixed Reality
Built-in platform:
- Cliff House environment
- Windows integration
- App launcher
- Settings management
SteamVR Support
Game library:
- Full SteamVR access
- VR game library
- Community content
- Wide compatibility
Comparison with Other WMR
| Feature | Samsung Odyssey | Lenovo Explorer | Dell Visor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $349 | $349 |
| Resolution/eye | 1440×1600 | 1440×1440 | 1440×1440 |
| Display | AMOLED | LCD | LCD |
| FOV | 110° | 110° | 110° |
| Audio | AKG Built-in | Jack only | Jack only |
| IPD | 60-72mm Physical | Fixed | Fixed |
| Weight | 645g | 380g | 590g |
Odyssey Plus Successor
Enhanced Version
2018 upgrade:
- Anti-SDE display
- Improved comfort
- Better design
- Premium positioning
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- AMOLED displays
- Higher resolution
- Physical IPD adjustment
- Integrated AKG audio
- Built-in microphone
- Complete package
Limitations
- Heaviest WMR headset
- Only 2 tracking cameras
- Premium price
- Limited availability
- Controller tracking limits
- Discontinued
Legacy
Premium WMR Pioneer
Market contribution:
- Showed WMR potential
- OLED in WMR
- Premium tier established
- Samsung VR expertise
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual Samsung AMOLED, 1440 × 1600 per eye |
| Total Resolution | 2880 × 1600 |
| Refresh Rate | 60-90Hz |
| FOV | 110° |
| Tracking | Inside-out (2 cameras) |
| IPD | 60-72mm (physical) |
| Audio | AKG integrated headphones |
| Microphone | Built-in |
| Weight | 645g |
| Price | $499 (with controllers) |