Lynx-R1
| Lynx-R1 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Augmented Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Standalone VR |
| Platform | Android 10, SteamVR |
| Developer | Lynx Mixed Reality |
| Manufacturer | Lynx Mixed Reality |
| Announcement Date | February 2020 |
| Release Date | 2023 |
| Price | $849 USD |
| Website | https://www.lynx-r.com/ |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Memory | 6 GB LPDDR5 |
| Display | |
| Display | 2× LCD |
| Resolution | 1600×1600 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 90° (circular) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Four-fold catadioptric freeform prism |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Passthrough | Color (2 RGB cameras) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | Inside-out 6DoF (6 cameras) |
| Eye Tracking | No (removed to reduce price) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (2 IR cameras) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Built-in speakers |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Device | |
| Weight | ~460g |
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The Lynx R1 is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by French startup Lynx Mixed Reality, first announced in February 2020 and shipped in 2023. It is notable as the first standalone headset designed to deliver both true AR (via color passthrough) and VR experiences in a single device. The R1 features innovative "four-fold catadioptric freeform prism" optics enabling a compact form factor, a flip-up visor design, and an open Android platform with GDPR compliance. The headset supports standalone use, PC VR streaming, and tethered SteamVR operation.
History and Development
Lynx first announced the R1 in February 2020 as a $1,500 enterprise-focused headset with eye tracking. In 2021, the company pivoted strategy, removing eye tracking to reduce the price and targeting consumers via a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $800,000. The original April 2022 ship date was delayed multiple times before the headset finally entered production and shipped in 2023.[1]
The delays raised questions about whether the R1 could compete with headsets like the Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 3 that launched in the interim.[2]
Design and Hardware
Display
- Dual LCD panels
- 1600×1600 resolution per eye
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 90° circular field of view
Optics
Revolutionary lens design:
- Four-fold catadioptric freeform prism
- Significantly slimmer than Fresnel-style lenses
- Enables compact headset form factor
- Novel optical path design
Form Factor
Unique design features:
- Flip-up visor: AR passthrough becomes direct view
- Open periphery design for AR use
- Battery positioned in rear for balance
- VR facial interface included (blocks light for VR)
- Compact form factor
- ~460g weight
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 (same as Quest 2)
- 6 GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 128 GB storage
Camera System
Six cameras for comprehensive tracking:
- 2 B&W cameras: 6DoF positional tracking
- 2 IR cameras: Hand tracking
- 2 RGB cameras: Color passthrough AR mode
Hand Tracking
- Dual IR camera hand tracking
- Controller-free interaction
- Gesture recognition
Battery
- 2-3 hours usage
- Rear-mounted for balance
- USB-C charging
Platform and Software
Open Platform
- Open Android 10 operating system
- GDPR compliant
- Privacy-by-design philosophy
- Sideloading supported
- Developer-friendly
Connectivity
Multiple usage modes:
- Standalone: Fully wireless VR/AR
- PC VR Streaming: Wireless PC VR
- Tethered: USB connection to PC
- SteamVR: Full SteamVR game compatibility when plugged in
Development Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2020 | Announced at $1,500 with eye tracking |
| 2021 | Pivot to $499 consumer Kickstarter (eye tracking removed) |
| 2021 | Kickstarter raises $800,000+ |
| April 2022 | Original ship date (delayed) |
| 2023 | Finally ships to backers |
| 2023+ | Lynx R1 Pro variant available |
Variants
Lynx R1 (Development Kit)
- Standard consumer version
- $849 price
- All core features
Lynx R1 Pro
- Enterprise-focused model
- Additional enterprise features
- Higher price point
Reception
Praise:
- First true standalone AR/VR headset
- Innovative freeform prism optics
- Compact form factor
- Flip-up visor design
- Open Android platform
- GDPR compliant / privacy-focused
- SteamVR compatibility
- Hand tracking included
- Color passthrough AR mode
- European company alternative to Meta
Criticism:
- Multiple launch delays (2+ years late)
- Arrived after Meta Quest 3 launched
- 1600×1600 resolution dated by 2023
- Eye tracking removed from original design
- Limited app ecosystem
- Small company with uncertain future
- Higher price than Quest 3[3]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Lynx-R1 Headset Enters Production, But Is It Too Late?". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/lynx-r1-mixed-reality-headset-finally/.
- ↑ "The Lynx R1 Headset: A Long Road to Enterprise XR". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/mixed-reality/the-lynx-r1-headset-a-long-road-to-enterprise-xr/.
- ↑ "Hands-on with the Lynx R-1 Mixed Reality Headset". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/lynx-r-1-mixed-reality-headset-hands-on/.
- ↑ "Breaking Down the Lynx R-1: Pros and Cons of the Latest Standalone Mixed Reality Technology". VRX. https://vrx.vr-expert.com/breaking-down-the-lynx-r-1-pros-and-cons-of-the-latest-standalone-mixed-reality-technology/.