PICO 4 Ultra Review – Mixing virtual and reality
PICO 4, with its impressive hardware, extensive content library, and PCVR capabilities, has undoubtedly captured the hearts of many VR enthusiasts. Its competitive pricing further solidified its position as one of the most popular VR headsets in recent years.
This year PICO launch a refined version of the PICO 4, the PICO 4 Ultra. This new flagship model aims to deliver a premium VR experience, rivaling the top-tier offerings from competitors, all while maintaining a competitive price point.
PICO 4 Ultra Overview
Visor
The PICO 4 Ultra shares a similar design language with its predecessor, the PICO 4. This familiar design offers a comfortable and highly flexible fit, allowing users to enjoy a full range of motion without compromising comfort or head tension.
A notable addition to the PICO 4 Ultra is the integration of two extra 32MP cameras and an iToF depth sensors on the visor. These advanced sensors enable the device to deliver immersive Mixed Reality (MR) experiences, blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds.
PICO has adopted a “Pancake optical design” for the camera modules, resulting in a more compact and lightweight device. This design is similar to the camera island on phones, has reduces the overall volume of the headset and contributes to its comfortable weight distribution.
The PICO 4 Ultra maintains the balanced design of its predecessor, with the front unit weighing in at 304 grams and the rear unit at 276 grams. This near-even weight distribution ensures a comfortable and stable wearing experience, minimizing fatigue during extended VR sessions.
Controller
The controllers for the PICO 4 Ultra have undergone design refined. They are now larger overall, with textured handles for improved grip. The front plate has been substantially enlarged, doubling the surface area, addressing the previous issue of limited placement on the PICO 4 controllers.
The new design provides dedicated space for the thumb, complete with a shallow crevice for comfortable resting.
Another notable change is the removal of the protective rings. I find this decision to be a great one, as the rings could often obstruct the visor, leading to accidental contact. By eliminating these rings, PICO has streamlined the design and improved the overall user experience.
Last month, PICO added hand tracking, allowing users to control their devices with hand movements and gestures. Once enabled, the PICO system tracks the real-time position of the user’s hand and its 26 points of articulation. When used as the primary input source, different finger movements can trigger various actions, such as selecting, clicking, or closing.
PICO Motion Tracker
To further improve motion tracking, PICO includes PICO Motion Tracker with the Ultra edition. It is a nifty little gadget that straps to your leg. Weighing in at just 27 grams, users would barely feel it’s there.
It uses a combo of sensors and lights to track your movements super accurately. This means users can run, jump, and dance around in VR without any weird glitches or delays.
PICO 4 Ultra Hardware
| Feature | Pico 4 Ultra | Pico 4 |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Display | 4K+ resolution (2160 x 2160 per eye) | 2K+ resolution (2160 x 2160 per eye) |
| Cameras | Dual 32MP color passthrough cameras | Single 16MP color passthrough camera |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Additional Features | iTOF depth sensing technology, enhanced hand tracking | – |
The Ultra edition boasts significant hardware upgrades across the board, from the powerful new SoC to the increased RAM and improved network capabilities. These enhancements are designed to deliver superior VR experience, especially when considering the demands of MR applications.
While the core VR experience of the PICO 4 remains solid and smooth, these hardware upgrades are specifically tailored to handle the more complex requirements of MR, ensuring smooth and immersive experiences in this emerging field.
The dual 4K screen
The PICO 4 Ultra boasts impressive dual 4K+ displays with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. Factory color calibration ensures accurate and consistent color reproduction. The increased rendering resolution of 1,920 x 1,920 brings the visuals even closer to the physical resolution of the screens, resulting in a more detailed and immersive experience. PICO has also optimized color and distortion, further enhancing the realism and reducing edge effects.
While the display technology is impressive, I did encounter some minor issues with glare and reflections from the lenses. These can be somewhat mitigated by adjusting the fit of the face cushion to minimize light leakage.
PICO 4 Ultra User experience
Using the PICO 4 Ultra
I initially had reservations about the MR experience, expecting it to be laggy and underwhelming. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The 90Hz display and 4K resolution contribute to a sharp, crisp, and lifelike experience. The performance is smooth and responsive, making the transition between VR and MR modes seamless.
The cross-platform compatibility is another highlight. Whether you’re using a PC or Mac, the PICO 4 Ultra can connect to it all. This versatility makes it a powerful tool for productivity, entertainment, and creativity.
The PICO 4 Ultra seamlessly transitions between VR and MR modes with a simple button press. Where VR mode offers a fully immersive experience, replacing the real world with a virtual desktop. MR mode, on the other hand, overlays virtual applications onto the real world, creating a hybrid experience where digital content interacts with your physical surroundings.
PICO 4 Ultra Conclusion – This is the one
This VR headset is a significant leap forward in VR technology, offering a compelling blend of immersive VR and groundbreaking MR experiences. With its powerful hardware, advanced display technology, and innovative features like PICO Connect and AI-powered spatial computing, it redefines the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual reality. While minor issues like lens glare and reflections persist, the overall user experience is remarkably smooth and intuitive.
At a price of RM2899, the PICO 4 Ultra offers exceptional value for money. Additionally, PICO Connect elevates the gaming experience by enabling seamless cross-platform gaming, further solidifying its position as a top-tier VR headset.
We highly recommend the PICO 4 Ultra as the to go choice for VR headset, specially for those seeking a cutting-edge VR headset that pushes the limits of immersive technology, the PICO 4 Ultra is a strong contender. It’s a device that not only entertains but also empowers users to work, create, and connect in unprecedented ways.
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PICO 4 Ultra
The PICO 4 Ultra is a remarkable VR headset that delivers a compelling blend of performance, innovation, and value. Its impressive features and intuitive design make it a top choice for VR enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Positives
- Better hardware and a stunning 4K display.
- PICO Connect feature allows seamless integration with PC and other devices.
- Transition between MR and VR seamlessly
- AI-powered spatial computing
Negatives
- Minor lens glare and reflections
