Pimax Unveils Dream Air Prototypes and Addresses Important Inquiries

When Pimax unveiled their highly anticipated Dream Air headset, the VR enthusiasts all around were buzzing with questions. So, we took it upon ourselves to reach out to Pimax for answers, gaining access to early prototypes, a detailed spec sheet, and updates on their other pending projects.

Pimax has been in the VR headset game for a while, but they’ve often been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons—slipped deadlines, lack of focus, and announcing shiny new products without delivering on previous ones. With their latest announcement of the Dream Air, these concerns bubbled up again, prompting us to ask Pimax directly about their plans for avoiding past pitfalls. They responded to our queries, providing not only photos of the Dream Air in its prototype stage but also a complete spec rundown, and the latest tidbits on their previously teased, yet-to-be-launched technologies.

When asked about their confidence in meeting the May 2025 shipping deadline for Dream Air, Pimax assured us that development has been ongoing for over a year and they’re optimistic about their timeline. They highlighted that the Dream Air shares technologies with the Crystal Super headset, helping streamline progress. However, they pointed out that sourcing micro-OLED panels and securing ringless controllers might be challenging, though they have contingencies in place like initially using ringed controllers. Pimax anticipates shipping around 200 to 300 units by May, which is partly why they announced it now.

Regarding their eagerness to announce the Dream Air shortly after the Super and launch pre-orders, Pimax explained that they wanted to give customers a choice and avoid regret from buyers who might prefer the Dream Air if they knew it was an option. With the high demand for micro-OLED panels outpacing availability, pre-orders provide a clearer picture of anticipated demand, enabling them to place timely orders. They assured us that their pre-orders remain refundable until shipping, even providing a $1 reservation flexibility.

When questioned about their broad product line-up, Pimax stood by their strategy of multiple SKUs, believing that diverse headsets can cater to different needs while sharing core technologies. Their approach intends not only to spread out sales and simplify production but also to avoid the annual peak sales crunch. They’re investing in expanding their R&D and manufacturing capabilities to support this broad strategy.

While Pimax is refining some old models, the Dream Air and Crystal Super represent the pinnacle of their specs, with the 12K being an exception on the horizon. As for the Dream Air’s design, Pimax confirmed that they have solid prototypes with a functioning optical engine and are developing the final exterior.

We also inquired about the Cobb standalone module for Dream Air, but it’s still in the feature development phase, without a release timeline. On safety, particularly the auto-tightening headstrap, Pimax indicated that it’s designed for safety, akin to tech used in self-lacing shoes, and elastic enough to stay secure without risk. The headstraps are user-replaceable if needed.

Though rumors about potential OS expansions arose, Pimax confirmed there’s no plan to move beyond its current PCVR focus, aligning with the capabilities of the Crystal Super’s micro-OLED system.

Here’s a peek at the specs that Pimax shared for the Dream Air:

Pimax Dream Air Specs

• Visuals

  • Display: Dual micro-OLEDs with 100% DCI-P3 color spectrum
  • Resolution per Eye: 13MP (3,840 × 3,552)
  • Max Refresh Rate: 90Hz
  • Optics: Pancake lenses
  • Field-of-View: 102° Horizontal
  • Pass-through View: Black & white
  • Optical Adjustments: Continuous IPD with automatic adjustment; Optional prescription lenses
  • IPD Range: 58–72mm

• Input & Output

  • Connections: DP 1.4 (PC) to USB-C (headset); 1 × USB-C accessory port
  • Input: Rechargeable Dream Air controllers, hand-tracking
  • Audio: Embedded in-headstrap speakers
  • Microphone: Dual microphones
  • Weight: 200g

• Sensing

  • Headset Tracking: Inside-out with optional external beacons
  • Controller Tracking: Headset-tracked, requiring line-of-sight
  • Eye-Tracking: Supported
  • Expression Tracking: Not available
  • Onboard Cameras: Four for tracking, two for passthrough
  • Depth Sensor: Not included
• Price
  • MSRP: $1,900

For updates on their outstanding products, Pimax listed various release timeframes: The Crystal Super’s QLED 57 PPD optical engine will début at CES 2025 with shipping set for January’s end. Other engines are slated for March and April releases. Meanwhile, the Crystal Light without local dimming emerges around June 2025. The 60G Airlink beta for the Crystal should roll out in April. As for their top-tier 12K headset, the ETA remains uncertain, as some technical solutions have yet to meet their standards.

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