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Lenovo Explorer

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Lenovo Explorer
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR
Platform Windows Mixed Reality
Creator Lenovo
Developer Lenovo, Microsoft
Manufacturer Lenovo
Announcement Date August 2017
Release Date October 2017
Price $349 (headset), $399 (with controllers)
Website https://www.lenovo.com/
Versions Lenovo Explorer (G0A20001WW, G0A20002WW)
Requires Windows 10 Fall Creators Update PC
Predecessor None
Successor None
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 LCD
Subpixel Layout RGB stripe
Peak Brightness Not specified
Resolution 1440 × 1440 per eye (2880 × 1440 combined)
Pixel Density ~700 PPI
Refresh Rate 90Hz
Persistence Low persistence
Image
Field of View 110°
Horizontal FoV ~105°
Vertical FoV ~95°
Average Pixel Density ~16 PPD
Peak Pixel Density ~16 PPD
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics Fresnel lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range Fixed (software adjustment up to 67mm)
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 11.5 × 11.5 ft room-scale
Play Space Roomscale
Latency <20ms motion-to-photon
Audio
Audio 3.5mm audio jack
Microphone No (external required)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera 2× inside-out tracking cameras
Connectivity
Connectivity HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0
Ports HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio
Wired Video Yes (HDMI)
Wireless Video No
WiFi No
Bluetooth Bluetooth required (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 380g
Material Plastic
Headstrap Adjustable head strap with flip-up visor
Haptics Controller haptics
Color Iron Grey
Sensors 2× tracking cameras, IMU
Input Windows Mixed Reality controllers, Xbox controller, keyboard/mouse, Cortana voice
Compliance FCC, CE

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The Lenovo Explorer is a PC VR head-mounted display developed by Lenovo as part of Microsoft's Windows Mixed Reality platform, announced in August 2017 and released in October 2017 at a price of $349 for the headset alone or $399 with motion controllers. Distinguished by its exceptionally lightweight 380-gram design and convenient flip-up visor allowing instant transitions between VR and reality, the Lenovo Explorer offered 1440 × 1440 per eye resolution with a 110° field of view—the widest among the first-generation Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Featuring dual inside-out tracking cameras for room-scale VR without external sensors, support for 11.5 × 11.5 foot play spaces, and compatibility with Cortana voice commands, the Explorer delivered a compelling balance of features, comfort, and price that made it one of the most popular WMR headsets at launch.

History and Development

Windows Mixed Reality Platform

Microsoft initiative:

  • Late 2017 launch
  • Multiple OEM partners
  • Inside-out tracking
  • Accessible PC VR

Lenovo Partnership

Launch contribution:

  • Major PC manufacturer
  • Quality reputation
  • Global distribution
  • Consumer electronics experience

IFA 2017 Announcement

August reveal:

  • Product specifications
  • Competitive pricing
  • October availability
  • Positive reception

Consumer Launch

October 2017:

  • $349/$399 pricing
  • Retail and online
  • Global availability
  • Strong reviews

Design Philosophy

Lightweight Priority

Comfort focus:

  • Only 380 grams
  • Extended wear comfort
  • Balanced design
  • Reduced fatigue

Flip-Up Visor

Practical convenience:

  • Quick real-world access
  • No removal needed
  • Transition ease
  • Unique differentiation

Wide Field of View

Visual immersion:

  • 110° FOV
  • Wider than competitors
  • Better immersion
  • Lenovo advantage

Display Technology

Dual LCD Panels

Standard WMR resolution:

  • Resolution: 1440 × 1440 per eye
  • Total: 2880 × 1440
  • Size: 2.89" per display
  • Type: LCD

Refresh Rate

Smooth operation:

  • 90Hz standard
  • Good motion clarity
  • VR comfort
  • Standard specification

Visual Quality

Good imagery:

  • Decent clarity
  • Wider FOV benefit
  • Some screen door
  • Competitive quality

Field of View

110° FOV

Widest of first WMR:

  • Better than Acer (~100°)
  • Better than HP (~95°)
  • Competitive with Rift
  • Good immersion

FOV Advantage

Lenovo differentiation:

  • More peripheral vision
  • Better presence
  • Value proposition
  • User benefit

Optical System

Fresnel Lenses

Standard optics:

  • Compact design
  • Good sweet spot
  • Some god rays
  • Standard quality

Fixed IPD

Limitation:

  • No physical adjustment
  • Software only up to 67mm
  • May limit some users
  • Common WMR constraint

Tracking System

Inside-Out Tracking

Two-camera system:

  • Dual cameras
  • No external sensors
  • 6DoF tracking
  • Simple setup

Room-Scale Support

Play space capability:

  • 11.5 × 11.5 ft support
  • Boundary system
  • Walk-around VR
  • Standard WMR

Tracking Quality

Adequate performance:

  • Good head tracking
  • Front-focused controllers
  • Some blind spots
  • Standard WMR limitations

Controllers

Windows Mixed Reality Controllers

Input option:

  • Sold separately or bundled
  • 6DoF tracked
  • LED ring design
  • Bluetooth connection

Controller Features

Input capabilities:

  • Clickable touchpad
  • Thumbstick
  • Trigger button
  • Grip button
  • Menu buttons

Alternative Inputs

Flexibility:

  • Xbox controller support
  • Keyboard and mouse
  • Cortana voice commands
  • Multiple options

Audio

3.5mm Audio Jack

External audio:

  • No built-in speakers
  • Headphones required
  • Standard port
  • User choice

No Microphone

External needed:

  • Headset with mic
  • USB microphone
  • Communication setup
  • Additional equipment

Physical Design

Lightweight Champion

Exceptional comfort:

  • 380g weight
  • One of lightest PC VR
  • Extended sessions
  • Reduced neck strain

Flip-Up Visor

Convenience feature:

  • Hinged display
  • Quick transitions
  • Practical use
  • No removal needed

Comfort System

Extended wear:

  • Adjustable straps
  • Rear dial
  • Forehead padding
  • Comfortable fit

Iron Grey Design

Visual appearance:

  • Dark grey on black
  • Professional look
  • Understated style
  • Quality appearance

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

Cortana Integration

Voice control:

  • "Hey Cortana" support
  • Voice navigation
  • Hands-free option
  • Windows integration

PC Requirements

Minimum Spec

Basic requirements:

  • Windows 10 FCU
  • Intel Core i5
  • Intel HD 620 (integrated)
  • 8GB RAM

Recommended

Better experience:

  • Discrete GPU
  • GTX 1060 or better
  • 16GB RAM
  • SSD storage

Use Cases

General VR Gaming

Primary use:

  • SteamVR games
  • WMR exclusives
  • Wide library
  • Good experience

Entertainment

Media viewing:

  • Virtual cinema
  • 360° video
  • Experiences
  • Entertainment apps

Education

Learning applications:

  • Educational content
  • Virtual field trips
  • Training
  • Classroom use

Productivity

Work applications:

  • Virtual desktops
  • 3D modeling
  • Design review
  • Professional use

Comparison with WMR Headsets

Feature Lenovo Explorer Acer AH101 HP WMR
Price $349 $299 $329
Resolution/eye 1440×1440 1440×1440 1440×1440
FOV 110° ~100° ~95°
Weight 380g 350g 380g
Flip-Up Yes Yes Yes
Audio Jack only Jack only Jack only

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

  • Lightweight (380g)
  • Widest WMR FOV (110°)
  • Flip-up visor
  • No external sensors
  • Good value
  • Quality build

Limitations

  • Fixed IPD
  • Only 2 tracking cameras
  • No built-in audio
  • Limited controller tracking
  • Discontinued
  • Dated specifications

Legacy

Popular WMR Choice

Market success:

  • Strong reviews
  • Good sales
  • Value proposition
  • User satisfaction

Accessible VR

Market contribution:

  • Entry-level option
  • Wide audience
  • VR adoption
  • Platform support

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display Dual LCD, 1440 × 1440 per eye
Total Resolution 2880 × 1440
Refresh Rate 90Hz
FOV 110°
Tracking Inside-out (2 cameras)
IPD Fixed (software up to 67mm)
Audio 3.5mm jack only
Room Scale 11.5 × 11.5 ft
Weight 380g
Price $349 (headset) / $399 (bundle)

See Also

References

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