Lynx R1
| Lynx R1 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | Standalone MR |
| Platform | Android (modified) |
| Developer | Lynx Mixed Reality |
| Manufacturer | Lynx Mixed Reality |
| Release Date | 2023 |
| Price | $849 USD (Dev Kit) / $1,299 (Enterprise) |
| Website | https://www.lynx-r.com/ |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128 GB (expandable to 1 TB) |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM |
| Display | |
| Display | LCD |
| Resolution | 1600x1600 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 90° (circular) |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Passthrough | Yes (2x RGB cameras) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (2x IR cameras) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (Ultraleap) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 2x stereo speakers, 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~700g |
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The Lynx R1 is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by French company Lynx Mixed Reality, released in 2023. The first standalone headset capable of both true augmented reality and virtual reality using a single innovative optical system, the Lynx R1 features 4-fold catadioptric freeform prism optics, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, 1600x1600 per eye displays, Ultraleap hand tracking, eye tracking, and a flip-up visor design. With a privacy-focused approach (no Facebook account required) and open SDK, the Lynx R1 targets developers and enterprises seeking an independent mixed reality platform.
History and Development
Lynx Mixed Reality launched a successful Kickstarter campaign raising over $800,000 to fund development of the R1. The French company focused on creating an independent MR platform with data sovereignty as a core principle. The R1's unique 4-fold catadioptric optics enable simultaneous AR and VR modes in a compact form factor, representing a novel approach to mixed reality hardware. The headset is available as a Development Kit ($849) and Enterprise Edition ($1,299) with additional support.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Innovative dual displays:
- 1600x1600 per eye resolution
- Dual LCD displays
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 90° circular FOV
- AR and VR capable
- Same optical system for both modes
Optics
Revolutionary prism design:
- 4-fold catadioptric freeform prism
- First of its kind
- Enables AR + VR simultaneously
- Lightweight form factor
- Thin design like pancake lenses
- See-through AR capability
- Immersive VR capability
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
- Same chip as Quest 2/Focus 3
- 6 GB RAM
- 128 GB internal storage
- SD card expansion (up to 1 TB)
- Modified Android OS
Tracking
Comprehensive sensor array:
- 6DoF inside-out tracking
- 2x B&W tracking cameras
- 2x IR eye tracking cameras
- 2x RGB passthrough cameras
- Hand tracking (Ultraleap)
- Eye tracking included
Hand Tracking
- Ultraleap hand tracking
- Controller-free interaction
- Natural gestures
- Integrated solution
Eye Tracking
- Built-in eye tracking
- IR camera-based
- Foveated rendering potential
- Analytics capability
Build
Unique flip-up design:
- ~700g weight
- Flip-up visor
- Compact form factor
- Balanced weight distribution
- Magnetic front foams
- VR facial interface included
- Modular design
Audio
- 2x stereo speakers
- 2-channel microphone array
- 3.5mm TRRS jack
- Bluetooth audio
- Multiple audio options
Battery
- 3 hours intense gameplay
- USB-C charging
- Standalone operation
Connectivity
- USB-C for PC VR
- SteamVR compatible (tethered)
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Standalone + PC hybrid
Privacy Focus
- No Facebook account required
- No Microsoft Azure cloud
- Data sovereignty
- Privacy by design
- User data control
Open Platform
- Raw sensor data via SDK
- Open development
- Workflow control
- Developer-friendly
- Independent ecosystem
Editions
Development Kit
- $849 USD
- Headset included
- Magnetic front foams
- VR facial interface
- USB-C cable
Enterprise Edition
- $1,299 USD
- Advanced support
- Commercial redistribution license
- Enterprise features
- Dedicated assistance
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1600x1600 per eye LCD |
| Optics | 4-fold catadioptric prism |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| FOV | 90° (circular) |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 |
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB (+1 TB SD) |
| Hand Tracking | Ultraleap |
| Eye Tracking | Yes |
| Battery | 3 hours |
| Weight | ~700g |
| Price | $849/$1,299 |
Reception
Praise:
- True AR + VR in one device
- Innovative optics breakthrough
- Flip-up visor practical
- No Facebook account required
- Privacy-focused design
- Ultraleap hand tracking
- Eye tracking included
- SD card expansion
- SteamVR compatible
- Open platform/SDK
Criticism:
- 1600x1600 lower than competitors
- 90° FOV narrow
- ~700g heavy
- $849+ premium pricing
- Small company support
- Limited content ecosystem
- New/unproven platform
- Kickstarter-funded risks
- Niche market appeal[2]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Lynx R1 Mixed Reality". Lynx Mixed Reality. https://www.lynx-r.com/.
- ↑ "Lynx R1 Review". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/mixed-reality/the-lynx-r1-headset-a-long-road-to-enterprise-xr/.