New PICO 4 Ultra: A Detailed Comparison of the Latest Mixed Reality Headsets

Published: 2024-09-09 Category: Spatial XR News

In the fast-evolving world of XR (Extended Reality), keeping up with the latest advancements in virtual and mixed reality headsets can be a challenge. The PICO 4 Ultra, an upgraded version of the PICO 4, is the latest offering from Bytedance’s XR division, and it aims to set a new standard in the mixed reality market. With enhancements in both hardware and software, the PICO 4 Ultra is positioned as a strong competitor to the Meta Quest 3.

Launched in China in August 2024 and expected to have an international release soon, the PICO 4 Ultra brings several key upgrades over its predecessor. Priced at approximately $600 (¥4300), this headset promises a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank, targeting users who want advanced capabilities at an affordable price.

Key Specifications of the PICO 4 Ultra

While the PICO 4 already offered a competitive set of features, the Ultra takes it a step further. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant specifications:

Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
Memory and Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and wireless streaming capabilities
Mixed Reality: Dual 32MP color passthrough cameras, iTOF depth-sensing, and four environment-tracking cameras
Display: Dual 2.56-inch screens with pancake lenses, 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and 105-degree FOV
Battery: 5700mAH, supporting up to 45W fast charging
Speakers: Dual stereo speakers
Microphones: Four embedded microphones for clear audio capture

The most notable improvements are in the processing power and mixed reality functionality. According to XR Today, the PICO 4 Ultra now includes a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, a significant upgrade over the first generation. This chipset allows for better performance in demanding applications, particularly in mixed reality environments. Furthermore, the Ultra packs 12GB of RAM, offering more memory than both the PICO 4 and Meta Quest 3, which should provide a noticeable boost in performance, especially for memory-intensive tasks like spatial computing.

Mixed Reality Capabilities

One of the standout features of the PICO 4 Ultra is its advanced mixed reality capabilities. Unlike the PICO 4, which used a single 16MP passthrough camera, the Ultra comes equipped with two 32MP cameras, delivering clearer and more detailed visuals in mixed reality settings. By contrast, Meta’s Quest 3 relies on two 4MP cameras, putting the PICO 4 Ultra in a strong position for users who prioritize visual clarity.

The depth sensor is another important upgrade. The PICO 4 Ultra incorporates iTOF (Indirect Time of Flight) technology, which enables more accurate room mapping and spatial understanding. This sensor significantly enhances spatial computing and room-scale VR applications, making the Ultra more versatile in a variety of environments.

According to XR Today, Wayve CEO Alex Kendall mentioned that their technology is designed to adapt to diverse environments without relying on external mapping, which gives it an edge when exploring spaces not bound by traditional geofencing.

Upgraded Displays and Visuals

While the display resolution on the PICO 4 Ultra remains the same as its predecessor (2160 x 2160 pixels per eye), the brightness has been increased by 25%, and color correction has been improved. These enhancements make for a more vibrant and immersive experience, particularly in high-contrast scenes. Additionally, the rendering resolution has been increased by 62%, thanks to the new Snapdragon chipset, offering sharper visuals even in demanding applications.

This improvement in visual quality doesn’t come at the cost of comfort. The PICO 4 Ultra retains the lightweight and comfortable design of its predecessor, making it suitable for long sessions of virtual or mixed reality experiences. However, some users may still find the rigid head strap somewhat limiting in terms of adjustability and comfort, especially when compared to other headsets like the Meta Quest 3.

Enhanced Controllers and Motion Tracking

The controllers of the PICO 4 Ultra have also received a significant update. The new ringless controllers are reminiscent of Meta’s Touch Plus controllers, providing a more streamlined and ergonomic design. The improved battery life and fast-charging capabilities (up to 45W) are also a welcome change, ensuring users spend less time waiting for their devices to recharge and more time immersed in their virtual worlds.

One of the more exciting features of the PICO 4 Ultra is its support for PICO’s motion tracker accessories. These trackers, weighing around 27 grams each, use 12 infrared sensors to provide more precise 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) tracking. By tracking up to 24 skeletal points, the motion tracker enhances the user’s immersive experience, especially in VR games and fitness applications. The better motion tracking also helps mitigate VR sickness, creating a more comfortable experience for users prone to discomfort during extended sessions.

Connectivity and Software Upgrades

With support for Wi-Fi 7, the PICO 4 Ultra boasts faster wireless streaming and less latency when connecting to external devices such as PCs, laptops, or smartphones. This upgrade is crucial for those looking to use the headset for high-quality, low-latency streaming in applications like remote work, gaming, or content creation.

The PICO 4 Ultra also runs on an updated version of PICO OS, which includes several new features, such as a customizable 360-degree interface. Users can open multiple windows or virtual desktops simultaneously, allowing for better multitasking in VR environments. The OS also includes a new PICO Connect app, enabling seamless mirroring of content from other devices, such as smartphones and laptops, onto the headset screen.

However, as pointed out in XR Today, one of the more significant drawbacks is PICO’s app store. While the hardware capabilities of the PICO 4 Ultra are impressive, its app library remains limited compared to competitors like Meta’s Horizon OS. Most apps on the platform are consumer-focused, with few options for productivity and collaboration, limiting the headset’s potential for professional use. Expanding the app ecosystem will be crucial for PICO to remain competitive in the long run.

Final Thoughts: Is the PICO 4 Ultra Worth It?

At a price point of around $600, the PICO 4 Ultra offers a compelling mix of features, especially for users interested in mixed reality and spatial computing. The upgraded cameras, motion trackers, and Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip make it a strong contender in the mid-range XR market.

While it may not yet have the extensive app ecosystem of Meta’s Quest 3 or the professional appeal of Apple’s Vision Pro, the PICO 4 Ultra is well-positioned for users seeking a more affordable yet powerful XR headset. As long as PICO continues to invest in its software and app ecosystem, this headset could very well carve out a significant niche in the ever-expanding XR landscape.

For more information visit https://www.picoxr.com/