Somnium VR1 Headset: A New Era in Virtual Reality
Somnium Space, the innovative Czechia-based company known for its immersive social platforms, has recently announced a important update to its flagship VR headset, the Somnium VR1. The company has introduced a price increase across its lineup, citing a commitment to maintaining “the highest quality standards.” This move comes as part of a broader strategy to streamline production and ensure top-tier performance for its users.
What’s Behind the Price Increase?
In a recent blog post, Somnium Space explained the rationale behind the price adjustments. The company emphasized the complexity of its production processes and its dedication to delivering an unparalleled PCVR experiance.The statement reads:
“These changes reflect the complex production processes and our unwavering commitment to delivering the best PCVR experience possible. High-quality materials, intricate designs, and rigorous quality control result in additional production costs, including the inevitable scrap of some expensive components to meet our standards. Our dedication to uncompromising quality ensures that each VR1 headset is a masterpiece, designed to exceed your expectations.”
This commitment to excellence has led to a price hike for all current editions of the VR1 headset. Additionally, Somnium Space has discontinued several older models, including the Classic, Striker, Specter, and translucent editions, to focus on its more advanced offerings.
Updated Pricing and Features
here’s a breakdown of the updated pricing for the remaining Somnium VR1 editions:
Edition | Features | Previous Price (EUR excl. taxes) | USD | New Price (EUR excl. taxes) | USD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Visionary Edition | VR, Eye-tracking | €2,499 | ~$2,600 | €2,999 | ~$3,090 |
Titan Edition | VR, Eye-tracking, Hand-tracking | €2,899 | ~$3,020 | €3,399 | ~$3,500 |
Ultimate Edition | VR, Eye-tracking, Hand-tracking, MR passthrough | €3,499 | ~$3,659 | €4,299 | ~$4,425 |
The classic Edition, which was previously the most affordable option at €1,900 (~$1,980 USD), has been discontinued. This model lacked eye-tracking, a feature that has become a standard in the latest VR technology.
what’s Next for the Somnium VR1?
Somnium Space is also revamping its delivery timelines. New orders placed in early 2025 are expected to arrive between March and April. the company is working diligently to reduce this window to just two weeks by mid-2025, ensuring faster shipping to regions including Europe, the UK, and the US.
For those eager to experience the cutting-edge capabilities of the Somnium VR1, the company’s annual Somnium connect event offered hands-on demonstrations last July.These events provide a glimpse into the future of virtual reality, showcasing the headset’s impressive features and next-gen technology.
Key Specifications
- Display: QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD – 2,880 × 2,880 per-eye
- Field of View: 130° horizontal, 105° vertical (up to 140° horizontal)
- Refresh Rate: 72 Hz, 90 Hz, upgradeable to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental)
- Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye
- eye Tracking: 120 Hz with open-sourced algorithms
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
- IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm
The Somnium VR1 is more than just a headset—it’s a gateway to a new dimension of virtual reality. With its state-of-the-art features and commitment to quality, it’s set to redefine the VR landscape in 2025 and beyond.