Somnium VR1: New Editions and Price Hike on the Horizon
Somnium Space, the Prague-based company behind the popular social VR platform, has announced some meaningful changes to its eagerly-anticipated Somnium VR1 headset. While the headset itself is rolling out in the US market, a streamlining of available versions and price increases are on the way for some models.
To focus on delivering the highest quality experience, Somnium Space is simplifying the Somnium VR1 lineup.The company will now offer just three consumer-focused versions: Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions. Those who already pre-ordered one of the discontinued editions shouldn’t worry, as Somnium space assures them their orders are safe and will be fulfilled as planned.
“In fact, owning one of thes variants will make your headset even more exclusive and unique,” the company stated in a recent proclamation.
This shift allows the company to concentrate its resources on delivering these three editions faster and more efficiently, maintaining the high standards of quality users expect.
speaking of resources, Somnium Space has also announced that the prices of the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions will be increasing soon.While the exact price points haven’t been revealed yet,the company is highly likely to release more details in the coming weeks.
Somnium VR1: A High-End VR Headset with a Price Tag to Match
Somnium Space,the company behind the enterprising Somnium Space metaverse platform, has announced a price increase for its much-anticipated Somnium VR1 headset. While the company is holding current prices until January 16th, 2025, it’s preparing for a price hike for its Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions. This news comes amidst rising production costs and a more intricate manufacturing process than initially anticipated.
Pricing and Availability
As of now, the Somnium VR1 is offered in four variants, each catering to different user needs and budgets.
- Visionary Edition (VR, eye-tracking): €2,499 (~$2,600 USD)
- Titan Edition (VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking): €2,899 (~$3,020 USD)
- ultimate Edition (VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, MR passthrough): €3,499 (~$3,659 USD)
- Military Edition (VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, MR passthrough): Price TBD
Somnium Space emphasizes its commitment to quality, stating: “While we strive to make Somnium VR1 as affordable as possible, we also refuse to compromise on quality.”
Orders placed today are expected to ship between February and March 2025, with delivery targeting most of Europe, the UK, and the US.
Future plans and Specs
Looking ahead, Somnium Space aims to provide spare parts for the Somnium VR1, including essential components like optical modules, main boards, electronics, cables, screens, and more. This move signals the company’s dedication to long-term user support and the longevity of its VR headset.
The Somnium VR1 boasts remarkable specs, designed to deliver a truly immersive VR experience.
Somnium VR1 Technical Specifications:
- Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD – 2,880 × 2,880 per-eye
- Field of view: 130° horizontal, 105° vertical. The VR1 can render up to 140° horizontally,though actual FOV may vary depending on face and eye shape.
- Refresh rate: 72 Hz, 90 Hz, upgradeable to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental)
- Local dimming zones: 576 per eye
- Eye tracking: 120 Hz, with an open-sourced algorithm that can be used and modified for any use case
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
- IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm
For a more in-depth look at Somnium VR1, check out our hands-on preview from July 2024 to learn about our impressions.
What specific technical advantages does the Somnium VR1 offer over competing VR headsets on the market?
Interview wiht Dr.Elena Vasquez, VR Technology Expert and Consultant
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Vasquez. As a leading expert in VR technology, what are your thoughts on Somnium Space’s decision to streamline its Somnium VR1 lineup into three editions: Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan?
Dr. Elena Vasquez: Thank you for having me.I think this is a strategic move by Somnium Space. By focusing on three distinct editions, they can allocate their resources more effectively, ensuring that each version meets the highest standards of quality. This simplification allows them to cater to different consumer needs—whether it’s the Visionary for enthusiasts, the Ultimate for power users, or the Titan for those seeking the absolute best in VR technology.It’s a smart way to balance innovation with practicality.
archyde news: Somnium Space has also mentioned that pre-orders for discontinued editions will still be fulfilled. How do you think this decision impacts early adopters and the company’s reputation?
Dr. Elena Vasquez: This is a crucial point. By honoring pre-orders for discontinued editions, Somnium Space is demonstrating a commitment to its customers. Early adopters are often the most passionate and vocal members of any tech community, and their trust is invaluable. Fulfilling these orders not only maintains goodwill but also adds a layer of exclusivity to those discontinued models, as the company mentioned. This could even increase their value over time, both functionally and as collector’s items.
Archyde News: The company has hinted at upcoming price increases for the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions. What might be driving this decision, and how do you think it will affect consumer interest?
Dr. Elena Vasquez: Price increases in the tech industry are frequently enough tied to rising production costs,advancements in technology,or the need to sustain high-quality manufacturing processes. In this case, it’s likely a combination of these factors. Somnium Space is positioning itself as a premium VR brand, and the price hike could reflect the enhanced features and performance of these new editions. While some consumers might be hesitant, those who value cutting-edge technology and a superior VR experience will likely see the investment as justified. It’s a delicate balance,but if the quality matches the price,the market will respond positively.
Archyde News: Somnium Space has emphasized its focus on delivering a high-quality experience. From a technical standpoint, what do you think sets the Somnium VR1 apart from other VR headsets on the market?
Dr. Elena Vasquez: The Somnium VR1 seems to be pushing the boundaries in several key areas. First, its modular design allows for customization, which is a meaningful advantage for users who want to tailor their experience. Second, the integration with Somnium Space’s social VR platform suggests a seamless blend of hardware and software, creating a more immersive ecosystem. the emphasis on high-resolution displays, low latency, and ergonomic comfort indicates that somnium Space is prioritizing user experience at every level. These factors collectively make the VR1 a strong contender in the premium VR market.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what do you think this move means for the future of VR technology and Somnium Space’s role in the industry?
Dr. Elena Vasquez: This is an exciting time for VR, and Somnium Space is positioning itself as a key player. By streamlining its product lineup and focusing on quality,the company is setting a standard for what consumers can expect from high-end VR devices. I believe this approach will encourage other manufacturers to innovate and refine their offerings, ultimately benefiting the entire industry. As for Somnium Space, if they continue to deliver on their promises, they could become a benchmark for premium VR experiences, driving the technology forward in meaningful ways.
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Vasquez, for your insights. It’s clear that Somnium Space’s decisions are shaping up to be a significant progress in the VR landscape.
Dr. Elena Vasquez: Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the future of VR, and I’m eager to see how Somnium Space’s strategy unfolds in the coming months.
