Pico Goblin
| Pico Goblin | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Standalone VR |
| Platform | Android |
| Creator | Pico Interactive |
| Price | $249 |
| Website | https://www.picoxr.com |
| System | |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 |
| GPU | Adreno 530 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 16 GB eMMC 5.1 + microSD |
| Display | |
| Display | 5.5" Super Fast TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 (1280 x 1440 per eye) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF |
| Audio | |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ports | USB, microSD |
| Device | |
| Weight | 440g |
| Sensors | 9-axis attitude sensor |
| Input | 3DoF controller |
The Pico Goblin was a standalone virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Pico Interactive. Released in 2017 at $249, the Goblin was one of the first untethered standalone VR headsets available to consumers, requiring no smartphone or PC connection. It featured a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and a 2.5K resolution display, offering a fully portable VR experience.[1]
History and Development
Pico Interactive
Pico Interactive is a VR technology company that became known for its standalone VR headsets. The Goblin represented an early entry in the standalone VR market, predating the Oculus Go and offering an alternative to phone-based VR solutions.
Standalone Pioneer
The Pico Goblin was among the first truly standalone VR headsets, demonstrating that quality VR experiences could be delivered without a tethered PC or inserted smartphone.[2]
Design and Hardware
Processor
The Goblin was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820:
- CPU: Quad-core Kryo
- GPU: Adreno 530
- RAM: 3 GB LPDDR4-1866
- Storage: 16 GB eMMC 5.1 with microSD expansion
Display System
- Panel: 5.5-inch Super Fast TFT LCD
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (2.5K)
- Per Eye: 1280 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 70 Hz
- Quality: Crisp visuals with minimal screen door effect
Field of View
The Goblin offered a 92-degree diagonal field of view, providing adequate immersion for standalone VR content.
Form Factor
- Weight: 440 grams
- Design: Fully portable, no cables required
- Straps: Adjustable velcro straps for easy fit
Tracking
The Pico Goblin utilized 3 degrees of freedom (3DoF) tracking for head movement, detecting rotation but not positional movement in space.
Controller
The included 3DoF controller featured:
- Touchpad: Clickable for selection
- Buttons: Home/Power, volume adjustment
- Sensors: 9-axis attitude sensor for high-precision hand movement tracking
- Power: Two AAA batteries
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
- Design: Lightweight, ergonomic
Battery
- Capacity: 3,500 mAh
- Runtime: 2.5 to 3 hours of active use
- Type: Integrated rechargeable
Audio
- Speakers: Integrated
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm audio output
Software
Operating System
The Goblin ran a customized version of Android, optimized for VR experiences.
Content Library
- Over 50 games available at launch
- Five VR applications pre-loaded
- Access to Pico's content store
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Bluetooth: 4.0
- USB: Yes
- microSD: Expandable storage
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 |
| GPU | Adreno 530 |
| RAM | 3 GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 16 GB + microSD |
| Display | 5.5" Super Fast TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 70 Hz |
| Field of View | 92° |
| Tracking | 3DoF (headset), 3DoF (controller) |
| Battery | 3,500 mAh (~2.5-3 hours) |
| Weight | 440g |
| Audio | Integrated speakers, 3.5mm jack |
| Price | $249 |
Successors
Pico followed the Goblin with additional standalone headsets including the Pico G2 series and Pico Neo series, which offered improved specifications including 6DoF tracking.