Somnium: A Modular VR Headset

Czech company Somnium Space, which launched its own metaverse and the CUBE token on the Ethereum blockchain, aims to make VR technology widely accessible. The Somnium VR1 headset was developed as a tool to achieve this goal.

The company's engineers spent over two years designing a device that integrates basic VR glasses with additional modular units. On July 20, the Somnium VR1 headset hit retail shelves.

Somnium VR1 in the Translucent Edition. Source: xrtoday

Features of Somnium VR1

The Somnium VR1 headset encompasses an entire series of devices, each engineered to fulfill specific tasks. 

Its base unit is equipped with modular attachment points, enabling the addition of extra cameras for mixed reality or motion tracking systems. 

The Classic Edition is designed for beginners eager to delve into the metaverse, offering a straightforward VR experience. For more advanced users, the VR1 includes expandable modules that attach to the base unit like Lego pieces: 

• Visionary Edition (an eye movement tracker);
• Specter Edition (a hand movement tracker);
• Titan Edition (eye and hand movement trackers);
• Ultimate Edition (mixed reality (MR) cameras and trackers for eye and hand movements);
• Military Edition (matches the Ultimate Edition in functionality: VR + MR + hand and eye movement trackers);
• Translucent Edition (provides the same capabilities as the Military Edition + a unique headset design).

The Somnium VR1 price varies based on the chosen configuration. Source: mixed-news

Thanks to its modular design, the Somnium VR1 headset allows users to customize and add features as needed, tailoring the device to their specific requirements.

Technical Specifications of Somnium VR1

The display is a critical feature of any VR gadget, and the Somnium VR1 headset boasts the following specifications:

1. It combines QLED and Mini-LED technologies. QLED provides broad color coverage and high brightness, while Mini-LED offers deeper blacks and better contrast through the use of many small LEDs.
2. The resolution of 2880 x 2880 pixels provides a crisp and detailed image that closely mimics what the human eye sees.
3. The headset offers refresh rates of 75, 90, 120, and 144 Hz, depending on the module selected.
4. The field of view spans 130° horizontally and 105° vertically.
5. IPD (Interpupillary Distance) Adjustment: The ability to adjust the distance between the pupils allows the headset to be customized to each user's individual features.

The weight of the device varies between 700g to 860g, depending on the configuration chosen. 

The Somnium VR1 headset is compatible with popular platforms such as SteamVR and OpenXR, thereby supporting a wide array of games and apps.

Additionally, the headset includes magnetic diopter lenses for users with vision impairments and special passthrough cameras that allow users to see the real world without removing the headset.

Somnium VR1 in Official Packaging. Source: Medium

Drawbacks of Somnium VR1

There are three main potential drawbacks that might deter buyers: the relatively high price, the substantial weight, and the lack of wireless PC connectivity.The base model (Classic Edition) costs $1899, while the fully enhanced headset can go up to $3499!

For comparison, the Meta Quest Pro headset, which has similar features but a slightly narrower field of view, is priced at $1150. Essentially, customers are paying a premium for the ability to tailor the device's features to their specific needs.

The weight of the headset in its maximum configuration is not suitable for extended use. For example, it can be compared to the Meta Quest Pro, which weighs 722g and has elicited numerous complaints from users about headaches after an hour of use.In contrast, the Oculus Quest 2 in its base configuration weighs only 503g, which has helped it become one of the most popular VR devices on the market, despite its lower display specifications.