At the CES 2019, Pico Interactive launched the very first all-in-one VR headset with a 4K display, the Pico G2 4K. When designing the successor to the Pico G2, Pico has taken extra account of its business use.
That’s why we think it’s time for a comprehensive review. Is this the best all-in-one VR headset for business applications? We assess the Pico G2 4K in 5 areas: image quality, ease of use, content, operating system and battery, weight, price.
Image quality
To be able to give an opinion on the image quality of the Pico G2 4K, we compare it to other all-in-one VR headsets (3dof). What immediately stands out is that the Pico G2 4K is the first all-in-one headset in its category with a 4K screen either. Pico have not compromised on quality in other parts of the screen. For example, the field of view and the refresh rate are the same or better than the other all-in-one VR headsets.
The higher resolution leads to significantly better image quality while the VR continues to run smoothly and the viewing angle remains large. You especially notice the superior image quality when you play high-resolution 360-degree videos.
The LCD screen ensures that the colors look good and are comparable with the quality of the Oculus Go. In conclusion, the image quality is clearly a big plus for the Pico G2 4K!
Screen
Pico G2 4K
Pico G2
Oculus Go
Lenovo Mirage
Resolution
3840 x 2160
2880 x 1600
2560 x 1440
2560 x 1440
PPI (pixels per inch)
818
615
538
534
Type of screen
LCD
LCD
LCD
LCD
Refresh Rate
75HZ
90HZ
75HZ
75HZ
FOV
101
100
100
100
Ease of use
When unpacking the Pico G2 4K you immediately notice that you can get started right away without having to create an account (an account is needed if you want to download or purchase applications from the Pico Store). No need to create an account is especially useful with large numbers of VR headsets, because creating many accounts can be a time-consuming job.
In addition, you can choose to use the Pico G2 4K headset without a controller, you then control the headset by looking. This is great for events. Unlike the Oculus Go, it is not necessary to calibrate it every time you put on the Pico G2 4K.
This allows you to prepare Pico G2 4K and let people use it without having to give them instructions. Do you want to calibrate anyway? This is possible trough a button on the side of the headset. A smart invention!
That Pico has thought carefully about the ease of use is also reflected in the face mask made of soft plastic (pu). This makes the headset comfortable and easy to clean.
A wipe with a cleaning cloth and the VR headset is clean again! A big plus if several people put on the headset consecutively.
No account needed to get started
Possible to control by looking instead of the controller
No need to calibrate every time
Easy to clean
Ease of use
Pico G2 4K
Pico G2
Oculus Go
Lenovo Mirage
Account Required
No
No
Yes
Yes
Control without controller
Yes
Yes
No
No
Calibration screen required
No
No
Yes
No
Calibration button on headset
Yes
Yes
No
No
Calibration button on controller
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Plastic cover (PU)
Yes
Yes
No
No
Content
Available content seems to be the least strong point of the Pico G2 4K. The Pico Store is located on the headset itself. Due to the clear business focus of the Pico G2 4K, this store is only moderately filled. Enough business applications can be found, but few fun entertainment experiences.
Therefore, carefully consider what you want to play on the Pico G2 4K before you get started. Because Pico G2 4K has an open Android system, converting existing applications is relatively easy. Furthermore, most business applications support the Pico G2 4K headset.
Little entertainment content available in the Pico Store
Content
Pico G2 4K
Pico G2
Oculus Go
Lenovo Mirage
Store
Pico Store + Viveport
Pico Store + Viveport
Oculus Store
Google Play store
VR-sync.com
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Lookandplay.io
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Operating system
The menu and navigation of the Pico G2 4K are not very special and are very similar to that of the Oculus Go. The Pico G2 4K runs on Android 8.1, making the headset easily accessible to developers. A custom layer from Pico runs on top of the Android operating system.
There are software development kits available for Unity and Unreal Engine, documentation about which can be found here . The documentation is not always complete but a lightly experienced VR developer can handle it without any problems.
Kiosk Mode
Furthermore, the Pico G2 4K supports kiosk mode for VR. This means that the VR headset can be set up in such a way that the desired application is opened immediately upon start-up. This is very useful for business use because it ensures that users cannot get lost. This reduces the support that is needed in the rollout. The Android operating system also allows you to easily implement remote device management.
Android operating system which gives developers easy access.
Kiosk mode
Documentation can still be improved
Pico G2 4K
Pico G2
Oculus Go
Lenovo Mirage
OS
Open android 8.1 + Custom UI
Open android 6.0
Oculus GO OS
Daydream
CPU
Snapdragon 835
Snapdragon 835
Snapdragon 821
Snapdragon 835
DOF
3 dull
3 dull
3 dull
3 dull
Unity SDK
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Unreal SDK
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Battery, weight & Price
The battery of the Pico G2 4K lasts approximately 2.5 hours. This is comparable to other all-in-one VR headsets. Charging takes approximately 60-70 minutes. Interestingly, the Pico G2 4K has incorporated the battery in the headstrap. This makes the headset at the front of your head a lot lighter. Because the battery is on the back of your head, the weight is also much better distributed, which gives a better user experience. The disadvantage of this choice is that it is not possible to use the Pico G2 4K without a headband.
The standard price of the Pico G2 4K is higher than the Pico G2 and the Oculus Go . For business use, however, this is quickly recovered because it is much easier to use and offers the sharpest image quality. Also, there is no need to purchase a VR cover (€ 35 EUR) because the face mask is already removable.
Battery life approximately 2.5 hours
Headset feels much lighter because the battery is incorporated in headstrap
Pico G2 4K
Oculus Go
Lenovo Mirage
Battery
3500 mAh (2-2.5 hours)
2600 mAh (2 hours)
4000 mAh (2.5 hours)
Weight
278 grams
468 grams
645 grams
Price
€ 299
€ 220
€ 580
Conclusion
In all aspects of the Pico G2 4K you will find that it is made for business use. The ease of use in combination with the high resolution makes the Pico G2 4K VR headset worth to buy for all-in-one vr headset in the market for business use. Training, events, experience centers, onboarding, it will all be a lot easier with the Pico G2 4K. The headset is absolutely worth its money!