Of all the VR headsets I've tried, I've yet to experience the Bigscreen Beyond. The form factor is one that really stands out amongst the rest, but from what I've read, the optics weren't the best even though it had some great microOLED displays.
Well, Bigscreen might just have fixed all the things that have made me hesitant on buying one as today, they announced the Bigscreen Beyond 2. It's the next iteration of their small form factor VR headset and it sounds pretty amazing.
The screens are the same as the previous Beyond, but the optics on top of the screen that have changed. We're now talking edge to edge clarity, brighter picture, and bigger FOV. They tout 116degrees FOV on the diagonal, which would be larger than the likes of the Pimax Crystal and the Quest 3. Another great addition is the mechanical IPD adjustment. You can now really dial the Beyond 2 to not only your own face, but for others as well.
Whereas the first one only had the custom facial gasket, the Beyond 2 will offer a silicon light blocker that will let you easily share the Beyond 2 with friends of different head shapes and sizes. You can still get the custom face cushion if you so desire, but it's great to see an option that's available to make it accessible to more than just the purchaser of the HMD.
There's a new Halo style strap that Bigscreen is introducing that should make it more comfortable to wear for those who can't do the single strap around the head. It even lets you flip up the Beyond 2 out of the way should you want to look around.
And something that's going to really be great is the ability to add eye tracking to the Beyond 2. Bigscreen has developed a really small add-on for this and if it works as well as other solutions, I can't wait to see programs take advantage of it such as offering foveated rendering.
You can order the Bigscreen Beyond 2 right now for $1019 and add eye tracking to the setup for an additional $200. It also comes in three colors with the clear shell being the one I'd opt into if I decide to purchase it. Orders look to start shipping in June and a great gesture by the company is that those who have ordered the first Bigscreen Beyond in the past few weeks will get the Beyond 2 instead.
