Lynx R-1
| Lynx R-1 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Standalone VR |
| Platform | Android 12 |
| Creator | Lynx Mixed Reality |
| Developer | Lynx Mixed Reality |
| Manufacturer | Lynx Mixed Reality |
| Announcement Date | 2021 |
| Release Date | 2023 |
| Price | $1,099 (Enterprise), ~$600 (Kickstarter) |
| Website | https://www.lynx-r.com/ |
| Versions | Lynx R-1, Lynx R-1 Enterprise |
| Requires | None (standalone) |
| Predecessor | None |
| System | |
| Operating System | Android 12 (custom implementation) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| CPU | Octa-core Kryo 585 (1× 2.84 GHz + 3× 2.42 GHz + 4× 1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Memory | 6GB |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual LCD |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | Not specified |
| Resolution | 1800 × 1800 per eye (3600 × 1800 combined) |
| Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 90° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~90° |
| Vertical FoV | ~90° |
| Average Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Four-fold catadioptric freeform prism |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 60-70mm (manual adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (glasses compatible) |
| Passthrough | Yes (full-color stereo) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out (SLAM) |
| Tracking Frequency | 60Hz |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (integrated) |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 90Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | ~50ms (passthrough) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated speakers |
| Microphone | Yes |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 2× B&W tracking cameras, 2× IR hand tracking cameras, 2× RGB passthrough cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Wired Video | Yes (USB-C streaming) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Power | Internal battery |
| Battery Capacity | Not specified |
| Battery Life | 2-3 hours |
| Charge Time | ~2 hours |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Compact form factor |
| Weight | ~350g (estimated) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Headstrap | Adjustable strap with flip-up visor |
| Haptics | No (hand tracking based) |
| Color | Black/Orange |
| Sensors | 2× B&W tracking cameras, 2× IR hand tracking cameras, 2× RGB passthrough cameras, IMU |
| Input | Hand tracking, voice, optional controllers |
| Compliance | CE |
Property "Platform" (as page type) with input value "Android]] 12" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "Operating System" (as page type) with input value "Android]] 12 (custom implementation)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.
The Lynx R-1 is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Lynx Mixed Reality, a French startup founded by Stan Larroque. Initially announced in 2021 through a Kickstarter campaign that raised over €900,000, the Lynx R-1 began shipping to backers and enterprise customers in 2023. The headset is notable for its unique "four-fold catadioptric freeform prism" optical design never seen in other consumer devices, enabling both VR immersion and AR passthrough in a compact, lightweight form factor. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor running Android 12, the Lynx R-1 features an innovative flip-up visor design allowing users to transition between AR/VR mode and direct real-world viewing. With integrated hand tracking and full-color passthrough, the Lynx R-1 positions itself as an affordable alternative to devices like Meta Quest Pro for mixed reality applications.
History and Development
Company Origins
Lynx Mixed Reality was founded in Paris, France by Stan Larroque, a former engineer with experience in AR/VR hardware development. The company set out to create an affordable standalone mixed reality headset that could serve both consumer and enterprise markets.
Kickstarter Campaign
Lynx launched a Kickstarter campaign in late 2021:
- Goal: €200,000
- Final funding: Over €900,000
- Backers: Approximately 2,000
- Early bird pricing: ~$600
Development Challenges
The project faced typical hardware startup challenges:
- Supply chain disruptions
- Component availability issues
- Extended development timeline
- Delayed shipping to backers
Enterprise Pivot
Like many XR startups, Lynx shifted focus toward enterprise:
- Enterprise edition pricing at $1,099
- Business-focused features
- B2B sales strategy
- Training and industrial applications
2024-2025 Status
The company acknowledged being less visible during 2024-2025 while navigating challenging market conditions, typical for small XR hardware companies competing against well-funded giants.
Design Philosophy
Unique Optical Approach
Lynx's most distinctive feature is its proprietary optical system:
- Four-fold catadioptric freeform prism design
- Unlike pancake, Fresnel, or traditional lenses
- Enables compact form factor with good FOV
- Novel approach to VR/AR optical challenges
AR-First Design
Built with mixed reality as primary use case:
- No default light blockers
- Peripheral vision maintained
- Magnetic side covers available for VR mode
- Flip-up visor for instant real-world view
Flip-Up Visor
Unique mechanical design:
- Display can flip up above forehead
- Instant transition to real world
- No need to remove headset
- Practical for work environments
Display Technology
LCD Panels
Dual LCD displays:
- Resolution: 1800 × 1800 per eye
- Total Resolution: 3600 × 1800
- Refresh Rate: 90Hz
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1 square
Field of View
Balanced FOV:
- Total: ~90°
- Reasonable immersion for VR
- Adequate for AR overlays
- Compact optical path
Freeform Prism Optics
The four-fold catadioptric freeform prism system:
- Light folded multiple times through prism
- Enables slim form factor
- Clear viewing without multiple lens elements
- Proprietary Lynx innovation
Mixed Reality Capabilities
Color Passthrough System
Six-camera array enables various functions:
- 2× B&W cameras: 6DoF positional tracking
- 2× IR cameras: Hand tracking
- 2× RGB cameras: Color passthrough AR mode
Passthrough Quality
Full-color stereo passthrough:
- Better color accuracy than Quest 2 era
- Stereoscopic 3D depth
- Real-time video processing
- Some reported color temperature variance
AR Mode Operation
Without side covers:
- Peripheral vision of real world
- AR overlays on passthrough
- Environmental awareness
- Natural integration with surroundings
VR Mode
With magnetic covers:
- Full light blocking
- Complete VR immersion
- Standard VR experience
- Quick conversion between modes
Tracking System
Inside-Out SLAM
Markerless positional tracking:
- Two B&W cameras for environment tracking
- 6DoF head tracking
- Room-scale capability
- No external hardware required
Hand Tracking
Integrated hand recognition:
- Two dedicated IR cameras
- Full articulated hand model
- Gesture-based interaction
- Primary input method (no included controllers)
Controller Support
Optional controller compatibility:
- Third-party controller support
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Hand tracking remains primary input
Processing Power
Snapdragon XR2
Standard VR-capable mobile processor:
- CPU: Octa-core Kryo 585
- GPU: Adreno 650
- AI Engine: Fifth generation
- Same platform as Quest 2, Focus 3
Memory Configuration
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Adequate for standalone applications
Software Platform
Android 12
Open platform approach:
- Android 12 base OS
- Custom Lynx launcher
- APK sideloading capability
- OpenXR support
Ecosystem
Application availability:
- Growing native app library
- Sideloaded Android apps
- PCVR streaming capability
- OpenXR game compatibility
Enterprise Software
Business features:
- Enterprise deployment options
- Custom application development
- Integration with workflows
Physical Design
Lightweight Construction
Compact and comfortable:
- Estimated ~350g weight
- Balanced design
- Suitable for extended wear
- Flip-up mechanism adds versatility
Build Quality
Startup-tier construction:
- Plastic housing
- Adjustable head strap
- Orange accent color
- Functional design
Comfort Features
- Adjustable strap system
- Flip-up visor reduces face pressure
- Glasses-compatible
- Adequate ventilation
Connectivity
Wireless
Standard connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 6 for high-bandwidth applications
- Bluetooth 5.2 for accessories
USB-C
Wired capabilities:
- Charging
- PC streaming
- Data transfer
Battery Life
Internal Battery
Standalone operation:
- 2-3 hours typical use
- Adequate for work sessions
- USB-C charging
Target Applications
Enterprise
Primary market focus:
- Training and simulation
- Remote assistance
- Industrial AR
- Healthcare applications
Education
Learning applications:
- Medical training
- Technical education
- Interactive learning
Development
Developer platform:
- OpenXR support
- Android development
- Prototyping hardware
Comparison with Competitors
vs. Meta Quest 2/3
| Feature | Lynx R-1 | Quest 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 (Enterprise) | $299 |
| Resolution | 1800×1800/eye | 1832×1920/eye |
| Optics | Freeform prism | Fresnel |
| AR Mode | Full-color passthrough | Limited passthrough |
| Flip-up visor | Yes | No |
| Ecosystem | Limited | Extensive |
Market Position
Lynx occupies a niche between:
- Consumer headsets (Quest) - more expensive
- Enterprise AR (HoloLens, Magic Leap) - more affordable
- Unique AR-first standalone approach
Challenges and Limitations
Small Company Constraints
- Limited production capacity
- Smaller software ecosystem
- Less marketing reach
- Uncertain long-term support
Technical Limitations
- No eye tracking
- Limited app availability
- Passthrough latency (~50ms)
- IPD adjustment range (60-70mm) narrower than competitors
Pricing
| Edition | Price | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Lynx R-1 (Kickstarter) | ~$600 | Early backers |
| Lynx R-1 Enterprise | $1,099 | Business customers |
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual LCD, 1800 × 1800 per eye |
| FOV | ~90° |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 |
| Memory | 6GB RAM, 128GB storage |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out (SLAM) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (integrated) |
| Passthrough | Full-color stereo |
| Optics | Four-fold catadioptric freeform prism |
| Weight | ~350g (estimated) |
| Battery | 2-3 hours |
| Price | $1,099 (Enterprise) |