The Bigscreen Beyond 2e, scheduled for release in May, will include an integrated eye-tracking system, which is a significant upgrade from the original Bigscreen Beyond. This feature is particularly useful for applications like VRChat, where it enhances social interactions by tracking eye movements and blinking. However, the impact of eye tracking on battery life is not explicitly detailed for the Bigscreen Beyond 2e.
In general, eye-tracking systems can consume additional power due to the need for cameras and processing resources. However, since the Bigscreen Beyond series is designed as a tethered PC VR headset, it does not rely on an internal battery for operation. Instead, it is powered via a connection to a PC, which means that the power consumption related to eye tracking would be handled by the computer rather than affecting a battery life.
For headsets that do have battery life concerns, such as standalone VR devices, eye tracking can increase power consumption. But for the Bigscreen Beyond 2e, the focus is on providing a seamless VR experience with features like eye tracking, without the constraints of battery life limitations.
It's worth noting that the Bigscreen Beyond 2e's eye-tracking system is integrated into the headset itself, eliminating the need for external mods or additional cables, which can sometimes introduce inefficiencies. This integration likely ensures a more streamlined and efficient use of resources, potentially minimizing any indirect impact on overall system performance.
In summary, while eye tracking can generally increase power consumption, the Bigscreen Beyond 2e's design as a tethered headset means that its eye-tracking system does not directly impact battery life, as it relies on external power from a PC.
Citations:
[1] https://store.bigscreenvr.com/blogs/beyond/eye-tracking-for-bigscreen-beyond-with-eyetrackvr
[2] https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Get-Help/battery-draining-1-per-minute-in-bigscreen-with-battery-saver/td-p/1169749
[3] https://www.uploadvr.com/bigscreen-beyond-2-hands-on-impressions/
[4] https://www.uploadvr.com/quest-pro-specs-features-details/
[5] https://www.roadtovr.com/bigscreen-beyond-hands-on-vr-headset-preview/
Can the eye-tracking mod be easily removed or disabled if needed
For the Bigscreen Beyond 2e, the eye-tracking system is integrated into the headset itself, which suggests that it is not designed to be easily removable like an external mod. However, the ability to disable or remove the eye-tracking feature if needed can depend on several factors:
1. Design and Integration: Since the eye-tracking system is integrated into the headset, physically removing it might not be straightforward or recommended. It could require technical expertise and might void the warranty.
2. Software Control: It's likely that the eye-tracking feature can be disabled through software settings. Many VR headsets allow users to toggle features like eye tracking on or off within their software interface. This would be a more practical and user-friendly approach.
3. Manufacturer Support: Bigscreen might provide options or tools for disabling the eye-tracking feature if users encounter issues or prefer not to use it. This could be through a software update or a specific setting within the headset's control panel.
4. Community Modifications: In some cases, the VR community might develop mods or hacks to disable or remove features like eye tracking. However, these modifications are typically unofficial and can void the warranty or cause compatibility issues.
In summary, while the eye-tracking system in the Bigscreen Beyond 2e is integrated and not easily removable, it is likely that users can disable it through software settings if needed. For more specific information, users should refer to the manufacturer's documentation or support resources.