Lynx R-1
| 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
- ↑ "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/.
- ↑ "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/.