When comparing the Bigscreen Beyond 2 and the Apple Vision Pro, several key differences emerge in terms of design, functionality, and intended use.
Design and Weight
- Bigscreen Beyond 2: This headset is remarkably lightweight, weighing only 107 grams, making it one of the lightest VR headsets available. It features adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) using a manual tool, which allows for precise lens positioning without adding significant weight[1][2]. The Beyond 2 is designed as a PC VR peripheral, requiring external computing and tracking.
- Apple Vision Pro: In contrast, the Apple Vision Pro is a standalone device with a much higher weight of approximately 478 grams. It includes advanced features like mixed reality capabilities and automatic IPD adjustment, making it more versatile but also more expensive[1][4].
Display and Optics
- Bigscreen Beyond 2: It uses micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 2560 x 2560 per eye. The new pancake lenses offer a wider field of view (108° horizontal, 96° vertical) and improved clarity with reduced glare. The headset operates at either 75Hz or 90Hz, though the latter involves upscaling from a lower resolution[1][5].
- Apple Vision Pro: This headset also employs micro-OLED displays but with a higher resolution of 3660 x 3200 per eye. It is designed for both VR and mixed reality experiences, allowing users to interact with virtual objects in their physical space[4].
Functionality and Use Cases
- Bigscreen Beyond 2: Primarily focused on VR experiences, it is ideal for gaming and watching movies. It supports SteamVR tracking and requires a VR-ready PC for operation. The Beyond 2e version includes optional eye-tracking features[1][5].
- Apple Vision Pro: Beyond VR, it offers mixed reality capabilities, allowing users to work in VR and interact with their physical environment. It integrates well with Apple devices and is positioned as a more comprehensive computing platform[4].
Pricing
- Bigscreen Beyond 2: Priced at $1,019, with a discount available for previous owners of the original Beyond. The Beyond 2e, which includes eye-tracking, costs $1,219[1][5].
- Apple Vision Pro: Significantly more expensive at around $3,500, reflecting its advanced features and standalone capabilities[4].
In summary, the Bigscreen Beyond 2 is designed for VR enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, high-clarity experience with PC-based VR, while the Apple Vision Pro is a more comprehensive device offering mixed reality and standalone computing capabilities at a higher price point.
Citations:
[1] https://www.uploadvr.com/bigscreen-beyond-2-and-beyond-2e-announced/
[2] https://www.uploadvr.com/bigscreen-beyond-2-hands-on-impressions/
[3] https://store.bigscreenvr.com/products/bigscreen-beyond
[4] https://hugo.blog/2024/03/11/vision-pro/
[5] https://www.roadtovr.com/pc-vr-bigscreen-beyond-2-fov-boost-release-date-price/
How does the field of view of Bigscreen Beyond 2 compare to Apple Vision Pro
The Bigscreen Beyond 2 offers a field of view (FoV) of 108° horizontally and 96° vertically. This is a notable improvement over its predecessor and provides a wide viewing experience despite its compact size.
In contrast, specific details about the Apple Vision Pro's field of view are not widely documented in the available sources. However, it is designed for both VR and mixed reality experiences, which typically require a broader field of view to seamlessly integrate virtual elements into the real world. The Vision Pro's advanced features and higher resolution suggest it might offer a comparable or slightly wider field of view, but exact figures are not provided.
Overall, while the Bigscreen Beyond 2 provides a clear and wide field of view for VR enthusiasts, the Apple Vision Pro's capabilities in mixed reality might offer a different kind of immersive experience that is not strictly comparable in terms of traditional VR field of view metrics.
What are the main differences in lens technology between Bigscreen Beyond 2 and Apple Vision Pro
The Bigscreen Beyond 2 and the Apple Vision Pro differ significantly in their lens technology, despite both using micro-OLED displays.
Bigscreen Beyond 2
- Pancake Optics: The Beyond 2 employs pancake optics, which are known for their compact size and lightweight design. These optics use a combination of refractive and reflective elements to reduce the overall size of the headset while maintaining image quality. Bigscreen claims these lenses offer "total edge-to-edge clarity," a large sweet spot, and reduced glare compared to previous models.
- Adjustable IPD: The Beyond 2 allows for independent adjustment of lens placement using a manual tool, which is beneficial for users with asymmetric interpupillary distances (IPD). However, this adjustment requires manual input into the PC software, as the headset lacks sensors to automatically report IPD settings.
Apple Vision Pro
- Advanced Optics: The Apple Vision Pro also uses micro-OLED displays but with a different optical design. While specific details about its lens technology are not extensively documented, it is known for providing high-quality visuals with automatic IPD adjustment, which enhances user comfort and convenience.
- Brightness and Clarity: The Vision Pro is noted for its high picture quality, with some users finding it clearer than other headsets like the Meta Quest 3. However, there are reports that its optics might be blurrier and have lower contrast compared to some competitors.