Somnium Launches VR1 PC Headset Shipping in the US, Plans Price Increase

Somnium Space, the innovative social platform company based in Prague, Czechia, is making waves as it introduces its PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1, to the US market. With this launch, the company is also simplifying its product lineup to offer three main consumer-focused versions and has announced an upcoming price hike for the higher-end models.

In a recent update, Somnium Space has decided to phase out several previous configurations of the Somnium VR1, such as the Striker Edition, Classic Edition, Specter Edition, and Translucent Edition. Until recently, the Classic Edition was the most affordable option, priced at €1,900 (around $1,980 USD), missing out on the eye-tracking feature. Now, the entry-level option is the Visionary Edition, which includes eye-tracking and is tagged at €2,499 (approximately $2,600 USD). It’s important to note that these prices do not cover local taxes.

For those of you who already purchased one of the now-discontinued editions, there’s no need to worry. Somnium Space assures that all existing orders will proceed as anticipated. In fact, owning one of these earlier versions could make your headset a rare and unique piece.

The company explains the rationale behind narrowing down their offerings: "By focusing on the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions, we can enhance our efficiency and promptly deliver these products while maintaining the exceptional quality our customers expect from us."

Somnium Space is also planning to adjust the prices of the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions soon, although the exact figures remain undisclosed as of now. The existing prices will hold until January 16th, 2025. Post this date, the new pricing structure will be implemented.

As it stands today, here’s a quick snapshot of the existing variants and their pricing (excluding tax):

• Visionary Edition (featuring VR and eye-tracking): €2,499 (about $2,600 USD)
• Titan Edition (equipped with VR, eye-tracking, and hand-tracking): €2,899 (around $3,020 USD)
• Ultimate Edition (offering VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and MR passthrough): €3,499 (approximately $3,659 USD)
• Military Edition (details yet to be disclosed).

Somnium Space emphasizes their commitment to quality: "While we aim to keep Somnium VR1 as economically accessible as possible, we won’t sacrifice our standards. The complexity involved in producing these headsets has exceeded our initial expectations, prompting us to raise the prices for Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions."

Orders placed now are expected to arrive between February and March 2025, covering shipping regions across most of Europe, the UK, and the US. Looking ahead to 2025, Somnium Space plans to offer spare parts for the Somnium VR1, including optical modules, main boards, electronics, cables, screens, and more.

Somnium VR1 Specifications

• Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD at 2,880 × 2,880 per eye
• Field of View: 130° horizontally, 105° vertically (though capable of rendering up to 140° horizontally, the actual field of view might slightly differ based on individual facial and eye shape)
• Refresh Rate: Default at 72 Hz and 90 Hz, with experimental upgrades available to 120 and 144 Hz
• Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye
• Eye Tracking: Operating at 120 Hz, the feature includes an open-sourced algorithm adaptable for various applications
• Connectivity Options: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack
• IPD Range: Ranges from 57 to 76 mm

For those interested in a detailed review, don’t miss our hands-on feature from July 2024 to get an insider look at the Somnium VR1 experience.