The Bigscreen Beyond 2e introduces eye-tracking capabilities, setting it apart from other VR headsets in several ways. Here are the main differences:
Bigscreen Beyond 2e Eye Tracking
- Technology and Efficiency: The Beyond 2e features what Bigscreen claims is "the world's smallest eye-tracking suite," with sensors the size of a grain of sand. This technology is designed to run efficiently on the GPU, unlike some other PC VR eye-tracking solutions that can heavily tax the CPU[1]. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining smooth performance during VR experiences.
- Initial Use Cases: Initially, the primary use of eye tracking in the Beyond 2e will be for driving avatar eye movements in VRChat. While foveated rendering, which optimizes graphics performance by focusing on the area where the user is looking, is not supported at launch, it is planned for later in the year. Bigscreen is collaborating with Valve and Nvidia to develop this feature[1].
- Future Developments: The eye-tracking system may also be used to measure Interpupillary Distance (IPD), potentially simplifying the process of adjusting the headset's lenses for optimal fit[1].
Comparison with Other VR Headsets
- Meta Quest Pro: The Meta Quest Pro offers well-exposed APIs for eye tracking, particularly useful for developers. It supports both standalone and PCVR modes, making it versatile for various applications. However, its eye-tracking capabilities are primarily focused on avatar rendering and social interactions.
- HTC Vive Pro Eye and Vive Focus 3: These headsets have built-in eye tracking but face challenges in terms of latency and peripheral accuracy. The Vive Pro Eye, for example, has a latency of around 58 milliseconds, which can impact its usability in certain applications[3]. The Vive Focus 3's eye tracking is considered comparable to the Quest Pro but may not be as well-documented for developers.
- Pico 4 Enterprise and 3 Pro Eye: These headsets offer eye tracking but are criticized for lacking comprehensive documentation and API support, making them less appealing for developers seeking robust eye-tracking functionality.
- Varjo Aero and Pimax Crystal: These headsets are known for their high-end features, including advanced eye tracking. The Varjo Aero, in particular, is praised for its high-quality eye tracking, though it is more expensive and targeted at professional applications.
EyeTrackVR Mod for Bigscreen Beyond
Before the introduction of the Beyond 2e, the Bigscreen Beyond did not have native eye tracking. However, a community-driven mod called EyeTrackVR provided an open-source solution using off-the-shelf components. This mod, while not as polished as integrated solutions, demonstrates the potential for eye tracking on the Beyond series and supports applications like VRChat[2]. The mod is relatively inexpensive and accessible but requires some technical expertise to set up.
Overall, the Bigscreen Beyond 2e's eye-tracking feature is notable for its efficiency and future potential, especially with planned collaborations with major industry players. However, it enters a market where other headsets have established themselves with varying degrees of success in eye-tracking technology.
Citations:
[1] https://www.uploadvr.com/bigscreen-beyond-2-and-beyond-2e-announced/
[2] https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/eye-tracking-for-bigscreen-beyond-with-eyetrackvr
[3] https://www.florianweidner.de/content/paper/VRW2024-unveilingvariations.pdf
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/14bd85p/whats_the_best_vr_with_eye_tracking/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/1jfro9m/optimum_review_of_the_bigscreen_beyond_2_lenses/
How does the eye tracking feature in Bigscreen Beyond 2e impact VR performance
The eye-tracking feature in the Bigscreen Beyond 2e can impact VR performance in several ways, both positively and potentially negatively. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Positive Impact
1. Foveated Rendering: Although not available at launch, the planned integration of foveated rendering will significantly enhance performance. By focusing GPU resources on the area where the user is looking, foveated rendering can reduce the computational load, leading to smoother frame rates and lower latency. This technique optimizes graphics rendering by allocating more processing power to the central part of the visual field, where the user's gaze is focused, and reducing detail in the periphery.
2. Efficient Resource Allocation: The eye-tracking technology is designed to run efficiently on the GPU, which means it should not significantly impact CPU performance. This efficiency helps maintain overall system performance and ensures that other VR tasks are not compromised.
3. Enhanced Immersion: Eye tracking can enhance the sense of presence and immersion in VR by allowing for more realistic interactions. For example, avatars can mimic the user's eye movements, creating a more lifelike experience in social VR environments like VRChat.
Potential Negative Impact
1. Initial Performance Overhead: While the eye-tracking system is designed to be efficient, there might be an initial performance overhead as the system adjusts to the new technology. This could manifest as slight delays or increased power consumption until the system stabilizes.
2. Calibration Requirements: Eye-tracking systems often require calibration to ensure accurate tracking. If the calibration process is not straightforward or if the system frequently loses calibration, it could lead to frustration and impact the overall VR experience.
3. Software Support: The full benefits of eye tracking depend on software support. If developers do not integrate eye-tracking features into their applications, the technology's impact on performance and immersion will be limited. However, Bigscreen's collaboration with major industry players like Valve and Nvidia suggests that robust software support is on the horizon.
4. Latency Concerns: While the Beyond 2e's eye-tracking technology is designed to be efficient, any additional latency introduced by the eye-tracking system could affect the VR experience. However, Bigscreen's focus on minimizing latency should mitigate this concern.
Future Developments
As the technology matures and more applications integrate eye tracking, the positive impacts on VR performance are likely to grow. The ability to dynamically adjust graphics quality based on where the user is looking will become increasingly important for maintaining high frame rates and reducing the load on VR hardware.
In summary, the eye-tracking feature in the Bigscreen Beyond 2e has the potential to significantly enhance VR performance, particularly with the planned integration of foveated rendering. However, the actual impact will depend on how well the technology is implemented and supported by both hardware and software developers.