Shiftall unveiled its subsequent PC VR headset, the MeganeX “8K” Mark II, which is slated to ship in December for $1,900.
The Information
Japan-based Shiftall introduced MeganeX “8K” Mark II, the follow-up to its skinny and light-weight PC VR headset initially launched late final 12 months, the MeganeX superlight “8K”.
The brand new model is basically a {hardware} refresh with just a few notable modifications, which principally purpose to enhance consolation, sturdiness, and system internals.
The headset incorporates the identical 3,552 × 3,840 per-eye micro-OLEDs, supporting as much as 90 Hz refresh, and the identical SteamVR monitoring customary, which requires the consumer to purchase SteamVR 1.0/2.0 base stations individually.
Right here’s a breakdown of the entire modifications introduced by Shiftall:
- New chip: The CPU and working system (OS) have been upgraded, and the firmware has been newly developed, lowering the startup time to lower than one-fifth of the earlier mannequin. Connection stability with PCs and SteamVR has been improved, and the firmware replace course of has been improved for higher reliability.
- New Pancake lenses: Shiftall says they’re newly designed by Panasonic Group.
- Redesigned USB-C cable connection: beforehand situated on the highest of the headset, the USB-C port has been moved to the entrance and structurally strengthened for improved sturdiness. A specifically developed intermediate USB cable enhances connection stability and prevents points attributable to put on or unintentional disconnection.
- Refined nostril hole: Sharp plastic edges not come into contact with ‘Western’ nostril shapes. The fabric and form across the nostril space have been improved for higher consolation.
- New Strap materials: A brand new strap materials has been adopted, and consists of higher sturdiness of the hook-and-loop fastener.
Estimated to start out delivery in late December, MeganeX Mark II is now accessible for pre-order.
The headset (SteamVR base stations not included) is priced at $1,900 within the US (excluding import obligation), €1,900 in Europe (VAT included), £1,600 within the UK (VAT included), and ₩2,499,000 in South Korea (VAT included).
Specs
| Characteristic | MeganeX Superlight “8K” | MeganeX “8K” Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Show | 3,552 × 3,840 (micro-OLED, 10-bit HDR) | 3,552 × 3,840 (micro-OLED, 10-bit HDR) |
| Refresh charges | 90 Hz (assist for 75 Hz / 72 Hz) | 90 Hz (assist for 75 Hz / 72 Hz) |
| Lens kind | Pancake lenses (Panasonic group) | Pancake lenses (newly designed from Panasonic) |
| Weight (fundamental physique) | < 185 g | 179 g |
| IPD & focus adjustment | Electrical IPD 58–72 mm; diopter regulate 0D to –7D | Electrical IPD 58–72 mm; diopter regulate 0D to –7D |
| Connectivity / monitoring ecosystem | DisplayPort + USB 2.0, SteamVR monitoring (base stations required) | DisplayPort + USB 2.0, SteamVR monitoring (base stations required) |
My Take
You could have seen I’ve put “8K” in quotes all through this announcement. That’s to point that headset doesn’t truly present 8K per-eye shows.
Whereas corporations like Shiftall and Pimax usually err on the facet of the largest quantity, I see this as extra of a advertising machine than a real reflection of what the tip consumer truly sees. As a result of it’s utilizing twin 3,552 × 3,840 micro-OLEDs, the consumer doesn’t truly understand an 8K picture. By that maxim, Quest 3 may very well be labeled with “4K”, owing to its twin 2,064 × 2,208 shows, and Oculus Rift CV1 may very well be labeled “2K” in accordance with its twin 1,080 × 1,200 shows. Spectacular sounding, however a bit deceptive.
That stated, Shiftall thinks decision is a greater catch-all for VR headsets, which I disagree with since its target market will in all probability perceive the nuances of shows and optics anyway.
“We now have determined in opposition to publishing official FOV and PPD numbers,” Shiftall says, referring to the unique MeganeX superlight “8K”. “If an industry-standard measurement methodology had been established, resembling the strategy used to calculate gas consumption for cars, we’d disclose our figures, however this isn’t the case within the present VR {industry}.”
Nonetheless, I think potential enterprise and prosumers trying to shell out $1,900 for a single headset—no controllers or base stations included—are already acquainted with pixels per diploma (PPD) and binocular overlap, that are extra helpful, albeit much less flashy metrics. On that entrance, MeganeX “8K” Mark II is spectacular. Its pancake lenses present a reported ~100-degree horizontal FOV, which appears to ship a close to 100% binocular overlap.
Utilizing the method to get PPD (Horizontal Pixel Depend ÷ Horizontal Area of View), it additionally tops the competitors, popping out to round 35.5 PPD: bigger than Pimax Dream Air ($2,000) at 35 PPD, and Bigscreen Past 2 ($1,020) at 32 PPD.
Regardless of the case, I feel its time to retire these types of decision claims championed exterior of the spec sheet, if solely to lend extra credibility to the corporate in query. And the identical goes for the questionable Photoshop jobs too.
