Acer OJO 500
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| Acer OJO 500 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR, Windows Mixed Reality |
| Platform | Windows Mixed Reality |
| Creator | Acer |
| Developer | Acer, Microsoft (WMR platform) |
| Manufacturer | Acer |
| Announcement Date | August 29, 2018 (next@acer Global Press Conference, IFA Berlin)[1] |
| Release Date | Availability documented in 2019; November 2018 target[2][1] |
| Price | From US$399 / €499 (2018 announcement)[1] |
| Website | https://www.acer.com/ |
| Versions | AH501; AH501S / AH501P guide variants[3] |
| Requires | Compatible host PC; legacy Microsoft platform requirements apply[4] |
| Predecessor | Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset[5] |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows 10 (original WMR platform); removed from Windows 11 24H2[6] |
| Chipset | Host PC dependent[4] |
| CPU | Host PC dependent[4] |
| GPU | Host PC dependent[4] |
| Storage | |
| Storage | Host PC dependent[4] |
| Memory | Host PC dependent[4] |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual 2.89-inch LCD[7] |
| Peak Brightness | Not specified |
| Resolution | 1440 × 1440 per eye (1:1); 2880 × 1440 combined[8] |
| Pixel Density | 706 PPI (AH501)[7] |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz (HDMI 1.4) / 90 Hz (HDMI 2.0)[7] |
| Persistence | Impulse-backlit LCD[7] |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 100° advertised; axis unspecified[9] |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Hybrid Fresnel lenses[7] |
| Ocularity | Binocular[7] |
| IPD Range | 54-69 mm dial (AH501)[7] |
| Passthrough | Mixed Reality Flashlight in the legacy WMR platform[10] |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out)[11] |
| Base Stations | None required (inside-out tracking)[11] |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes[11] |
| Positional Tracking | Yes[11] |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale[11] |
| Play Space | Standing/Room-scale[11] |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Built-in Sound Pipe speakers[5] |
| Microphone | Yes[3] |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes[7] |
| Camera | Dual front-facing tracking cameras[11] |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | HDMI 1.4/2.0, USB 3.0[7] |
| Ports | HDMI, USB 3.0; 3.5 mm audio[7] |
| Wired Video | Yes (HDMI)[7] |
| Wireless Video | No (documented wired design)[7] |
| Bluetooth | Motion-controller pairing[12] |
| Power | PC-powered (USB)[4] |
| Battery Capacity | N/A (tethered)[4] |
| Battery Life | N/A (tethered)[4] |
| Charge Time | N/A[4] |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 350×190×178 mm (AH501 hard strap)[7] |
| Weight | 840 g (AH501 hard strap)[7] |
| Headstrap | Adjustable halo-style hard band; flip-up visor[3][5] |
| Haptics | Motion controllers[12] |
| Color | Black and dark blue; Stella Blue (Japanese AH501)[5] |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, proximity sensor[9] |
| Input | Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers, Bluetooth[12] |
| Compliance | FCC Part 15 and EU conformity declarations (H8001 / AH501*)[3] |
The Acer OJO 500 is a Windows Mixed Reality head-mounted display by Acer.[8] It succeeded Acer's 2017 Windows Mixed Reality headset.[5]
History and Development
Acer announced November 2018 availability from US$399 (North America) / €499 (EMEA), with regional configurations.[1] Japan's AH501 announcement scheduled availability for March 15, 2019.[7] A German release text dated October 29, 2019, published the next day, described immediate availability from €499, including two controllers.[2]
Acer promoted shared consumer and business use and offered custom logos or colors with minimum orders.[1] Acer described detachability, Sound Pipe and software-assisted IPD as firsts for VR headsets.[1]
Display Technology
AH501 uses hybrid Fresnel lenses and impulse-backlit LCDs.[7]
The combined resolution is 2880 × 1440, or 1440 × 1440 per eye.[8] Acer advertises a 100° field of view without identifying an axis in the regional store record.[9] The retailer PC Koubou's hands-on found more room around the lenses than on the AH101 and reported wearing glasses comfortably; this was its reviewer's fit assessment.[5]
Innovative Features
PC Koubou's hands-on illustrates releasing the optical unit from the headband for storage and cleaning.[5]
Acer's guide describes Acer IPD Meter and IPD Indicator apps for a computer and smartphone. Users measure their interpupillary distance, turn the headset's bottom knob, and read its current setting in IPD Indicator.[3]
PC Koubou also shows the flip-up visor, allowing conversation or phone use without removing the headband.[5]
Headband Options
The removable soft strap allowed limited machine washing; the hard strap had extra-large padding.[1] The guide illustrates AH501S and AH501P configurations and identifies a rear headstrap adjustment knob, optical-unit release latch and headphone clips.[3]
Tracking System
The headset uses inside-out tracking. Microsoft's explanation for this WMR system describes two black-and-white cameras observing visible features, with camera information combined with inertial measurements. Six degrees of freedom cover forward/back, up/down and left/right translation plus pitch, yaw and roll rotation. External tracking stations are unnecessary, but the room needs sufficient light and visible detail.[11]
Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers connect by Bluetooth and provide a trigger, grab button, analog thumbstick, touchpad, Menu button and Windows button. Their illuminated LED rings support optical tracking, and their vibration provides haptic feedback.[12] Microsoft's documentation explains that positional tracking becomes approximate when a controller remains outside the headset cameras' view.[12]
Connectivity
The cable is 4 m (about 13 ft), HDMI 1.4/2.0 plus USB 3.0.[7] This is a tethered PC headset.[4]
The original guide describes automatic setup after connecting HDMI and USB, a hardware compatibility check, controller pairing and optional room-boundary setup. Its original requirement was Windows RS4 and an internet connection for updates.[3] Acer estimated ten minutes.[1]
Audio System
Acer described Sound Pipe as a patented system directing speaker audio toward uncovered ears, allowing users to hear their surroundings.[1]
AH501 lists two speakers, two microphones and a 3.5 mm audio jack.[7] Hard straps included earphones; soft straps accommodated personal earphones.[1] The guide describes clipping the supplied headphones to the headband and connecting their audio plug.[3]
Software Platform
The original platform used Mixed Reality Portal. Microsoft's SteamVR bridge allowed compatible SteamVR experiences to run on WMR headsets; individual applications had their own PC requirements.[13] The October 2018 Windows update added 360 Videos and SteamVR launchers to the WMR home, alongside Microsoft Store apps.[10] A Desktop app exposed the PC desktop inside WMR.[13]
Mixed Reality Flashlight provided a camera view of nearby surroundings through the headset. The October 2018 release notes describe activation from the Start menu or with Windows + Grab on a motion controller.[10]
Microsoft removed WMR, including Mixed Reality Portal and its SteamVR integration, from Windows 11 version 24H2. Its published lifecycle allows existing WMR devices to continue working with Steam through November 2026 on Windows 11 23H2, with WMR updates and technical support ending after that month.[6]
The separate Oasis driver's developer says it supports WMR headsets on current Windows 11 and Linux through SteamVR. Its documentation distinguishes this from Microsoft's software: early apps using only the WMR API are unsupported, while OpenVR and OpenXR applications can run through SteamVR. This is a developer compatibility statement, rather than an OJO 500 test reported here.[14]
Physical Design
For Japan's AH501, Acer lists 840 g and 350×190×178 mm with the hard strap; the optical assembly alone is 500 g and measures 73×178×101 mm.[7] Acer's Spanish VP.R0AEE.002 store record lists approximately 600 g and 7.3 × 17.2 × 26.7 cm (height × width × depth).[9] An undated Acer specification matrix separately lists 350 g excluding the cable, without identifying the strap configuration.[8] The weight discrepancy remains unresolved.
The Japanese release calls the color Stella Blue; PC Koubou described the body as black and dark blue.[5]
The guide distinguishes cleaning the device from washing a removable strap: it specifically says not to wash the foam cushioning. Its cleaning instructions also call for disconnecting power and keeping the lenses clean with a soft cloth.[3]
PC Requirements
Microsoft's legacy requirements distinguish 60 Hz and 90 Hz PCs. Examples for ordinary WMR headsets include:[4]
| Component | 60 Hz example | 90 Hz example |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-7200U | Intel Core i5-4590; AMD Ryzen 5 1400 |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620; NVIDIA GTX 1050 | NVIDIA GTX 1060; AMD RX 470/570 |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR3 dual channel | 8 GB DDR3 |
| Video connection | HDMI 1.4 | HDMI 2.0 |
| Other connections | USB 3.0; Bluetooth 4.0 for controllers | USB 3.0; Bluetooth 4.0 for controllers |
These are historical platform examples, not guarantees for every application or current Windows installation.[4]
For a broad range of SteamVR titles, Microsoft's guide suggested a Core i7 and GTX 1070 or equivalent, while directing users to each application's requirements.[13]
Comparison with Other WMR Headsets
Advertised prices differ by market/edition. Field-of-view measurement methods are unspecified.
| Feature | Acer OJO 500 | Samsung Odyssey+ | HP Reverb (G1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From US$399 (2018 announcement)[1] | US$499.99 (listed by Microsoft, November 2018)[15] | US$599 Consumer / US$649 Professional (2019 announcement)[16] |
| Resolution | 1440×1440/eye[8] | 1440×1600/eye[17] | 2160×2160/eye[18] |
| Panel | LCD[8] | AMOLED[17] | LCD[18] |
| Refresh Rate | 60 / 90 Hz[7] | 60 / 90 Hz[17] | 90 Hz with recommended PC[18] |
| FOV | 100°[9] | 110°[17] | Approximately 114°[18] |
| Built-in Audio | Sound Pipe[1] | AKG audio[17] | Integrated headphones[16] |
| IPD Adjustment | Physical dial plus measurement software[3] | Physical wheel[17] | 63 mm, ±8 mm software setting[18] |
| Special Features | Flip-up, detachable optical assembly[5] | Anti-SDE display[17] | Higher-resolution LCDs[18] |
Strengths and Limitations
PC Koubou's hands-on illustrated modular storage and a flip-up visor.[5]
The OJO 500 retains the LCD display type and resolution shown in the comparison, and requires a PC cable.[8] Controller tracking also depends on camera visibility.[12] The continuing platform constraint is Microsoft's WMR removal and support schedule described above.[6]
Research and training use
A 2022 study by Sher and colleagues used an OJO 500, Acer NITRO 7 laptop and motion controller for food-preparation training with three vocational high-school students with autism spectrum disorder. Its multiple-probe single-subject design included ten individual sessions over two weeks. The authors explicitly warned against generalizing beyond the cases and called for a controlled comparison with other teaching methods.[19]
Chiang, Hong and Tu's 2026 warehouse-safety study used an OJO 500 and two controllers for hazard identification and corrective actions. Of 183 participating students, 167 responses entered the analysis. Students from intact classes completed three modules, lasting about three to five minutes in total; the study did not randomly assign groups or compare headset models.[20]
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual 2.89" LCD[7] |
| Resolution | 1440 × 1440 per eye[8] |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz maximum; HDMI 1.4: 60 Hz[7] |
| FOV | 100° advertised[9] |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out[11] |
| Audio | Built-in Sound Pipe[1] |
| IPD | Physical dial with IPD Meter / IPD Indicator assistance[3] |
| Cable | 4 m (about 13 ft), HDMI 1.4/2.0 + USB 3.0[7] |
| Special | Flip-up visor, detachable design[5] |
| Price | From US$399 / €499 (2018 regional announcement)[1] |
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 "Acer Introduces the Acer OJO 500 Windows Mixed Reality Headset". Acer Newsroom. Acer. 2018-08-29. https://news.acer.com/acer-introduces-the-acer-ojo-500-windows-mixed-reality-headset. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Acer Windows Mixed Reality-Headset OJO 500 ab sofort verfügbar". Hardware-Inside. Hardware-Inside. 2019-10-30. https://www.hardwareinside.de/acer-windows-mixed-reality-headset-ojo-500-ab-sofort-verfuegbar-45261/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 "Acer Mixed Reality Headset Quick Start Guide: AH501S and AH501P". Acer Support. Acer. https://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/QuickStartGuide/QuickStartGuide_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdf?BC=ACER&LC=ja&OS=ALL&SC=AAP_3&Step1=VIRTUAL+AND+MIXED+REALITY&Step2=WINDOWS+MIXED+REALITY+HEADSET&Step3=AH501S+%2C+AH501P&acerid=636821800916066506. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 "Minimum PC hardware guidelines". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/mixed-reality/enthusiast-guide/windows-mixed-reality-minimum-pc-hardware-compatibility-guidelines. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 職人7号 (2019-06-11). "ヘッドマウントディスプレイ Acer AH501レビュー". PC Koubou NEXMAG. Unitcom. https://www.pc-koubou.jp/magazine/21622. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Features and functionality removed in Windows client: Windows Mixed Reality". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/removed-features. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22 "Acer，ゴーグル部分が取り外し可能なWindows MR対応HMD「OJO 500」を国内発売。価格は6万円前後". 4Gamer.net, manufacturer release section. Acer Japan. 2019-03-07. https://www.4gamer.net/games/393/G039370/20190307022/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 "Product specifications: Windows Mixed Reality Headset, Acer OJO 500 (AH501) column". Acer product specification matrix, original document hosted by Device.report. Acer. https://device.report/m/b4f4cc0f27f94bc0cd377ac5d7f3f9f48fadc8fca181caae1937f40c89b4abb0.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 "Acer OJO 500, VP.R0AEE.002: specifications". Acer Store España. Acer. https://store.acer.com/es-es/acer-ojo-500-es. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Release notes - October 2018: Windows Mixed Reality immersive headsets". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. 2018-10-02. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/mixed-reality/enthusiast-guide/release-notes-october-2018. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 "Inside-out tracking". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. 2017-12-10. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/mixed-reality/enthusiast-guide/tracking-system. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 "Motion controllers". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/mixed-reality/design/motion-controllers. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Using SteamVR with Windows Mixed Reality". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/mixed-reality/enthusiast-guide/using-steamvr-with-windows-mixed-reality. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ "Oasis Driver for Windows Mixed Reality: Frequently Asked Questions". Developer documentation on GitHub. Matthieu Bucchianeri. https://github.com/mbucchia/Oasis-Driver-for-Windows-Mixed-Reality/wiki/Frequently-Asked-Questions. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ "Announcing this year’s Black Friday deals from Microsoft and our partners". Windows Experience Blog. Microsoft. 2018-11-10. https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/11/10/announcing-this-years-black-friday-deals-from-microsoft-and-our-partners/. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 "HP Unveils Cutting-Edge Virtual Reality Headset at Global Partner Conference". HP Newsroom. HP. 2019-03-19. https://www.hp.com/us-en/newsroom/press-releases/2019/hp-unveils-cutting-edge-virtual-reality-headset-at-global-partner-conference.html. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 "三星 HMD Odyssey+ 將混合實境提升至全新層次". Samsung Newsroom Taiwan. Samsung Electronics. 2018-10-22. https://news.samsung.com/tw/三星-hmd-odyssey-將混合實境提升至全新層次. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 "QuickSpecs: HP Reverb Virtual Reality Headset - Professional Edition, c06227520 version 2". HP QuickSpecs, original document hosted by Cyberrex Design. HP Development Company. 2019-10-08. https://www.cyberrexdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/HP-Reverb-ProEdition.pdf. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ Yung-Ji Sher et al. (2022-03-30). "Effects of Virtual Reality on Training in Food Preparation Curriculum for Vocational High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder". Educational Innovations and Emerging Technologies. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
- ↑ Yen-Ting Chiang; Jon-Chao Hong; Yu-Ting Tu (2026-06-24). "Comparing the predictive roles of intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load on learning performance: the mediating effect of IVR self-efficacy in warehouse training". Frontiers in Psychology. Retrieved 2026-10-15.