Acer launches new Windows Mixed Reality Headset

Today at IFA in Berlin, Acer have launched a brand new Windows Mixed Reality headset. The new headset has detachable design, built in audio and adjustable IPD.

The front of the headset detaches so you can clean it, and here is a hard strap or soft washable head strap. For audio, there are integrated headphones and array microphone so no external headset is required. Plus there is a sound pipe design so you don’t need the closed headphones but will still be able to hear the sound.

The IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment wheel should mean you could adjust the headset for optimum viewing.

The screens are 2.89-inch, the resolution is 2880 x 1440 with a 100 degree field of view. This is a step up from 95 degree view of the previous Acer headset but not as much as the 105 degree view of the Lenovo Explorer.

The headset comes with two of the standard Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers and a 4 meter cable via HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 connections.

The headset will start at €499 and be available in November. While this will be great for consumers, to me this seems to be aimed by Acer at commercial customers, with the washable components and an option for commercial customers to have their logo and company colours on the front cover. Hopefully I will have one to review soon.

First Windows Mixed Reality Headset to Feature a Detachable Design

The Acer OJO 500’s unique design enables the lens and head strap to be individually removed, making the headset easy to store and clean. This is especially beneficial for businesses who want to provide customers with clean headwear for each use.

Available with either a hard or soft head strap, both provide a snug yet comfortable fit. The soft head strap is machine washable2, and the extra-large padding on the hard head strap helps the headset fit securely and firmly in place. In addition, the mask can be flipped up, eliminating the need to remove the entire headset to answer the phone or converse with people in the room.

IPD Wheel enables Customized Viewing

For maximum clarity, the Acer OJO 500 includes a built-in interpupillary distance (IPD) wheel and a patented smart phone app to measure IPD distance (the gap between the eye’s pupil and the display). The software-assisted IPD measurement app, Acer IPD Meter, along with Acer IPD Indicator software lets the wearer modify this distance for sharper, clearer images and a more enjoyable experience.

Two front-hinged 2.89-inch high-resolution liquid crystal displays provide a wide 100 degree field of view and deliver a 2880 x 1440 resolution. A fast refresh rate of up to 90Hz delivers clear and realistic images for an immersive mixed reality experience.

Integrated Audio System Eliminates the Need for Earphones

In a first for VR headsets, the integrated audio system uses a patented sound pipe design that directs sound from the built-in speakers toward the wearer’s ears. The unique design means users can hear audio without wearing earphones, enabling them to remain aware of the surroundings while still enjoying an immersive experience. This is ideal for use in public spaces where users may not want to be totally cut off from their surroundings. The integrated audio system consists of embedded speakers, a patented sound pipe, and a built-in mic array. For customers that require more privacy and deeper immersion, they can use the built-in earphones that come with the hard head strap, or an earphone of their own choice with the soft head strap.