ByteDance Unveils Advanced XR Headset: Pico 4 Ultra Set for Chinese Launch
ByteDance’s extended reality (XR) division, Pico Interactive, has officially announced its latest innovation in the XR space: the Pico 4 Ultra. This next-generation headset, built upon the foundation of the original Pico 4 platform, is scheduled to hit the Chinese market next month with a starting price of approximately £470.
Earlier this year, industry insiders hinted at Pico’s development of an enhanced XR device based on their existing Pico 4 architecture. The newly revealed Pico 4 Ultra confirms these speculations, boasting impressive features such as colour passthrough cameras and depth sensors for mixed and virtual reality experiences.
The device is powered by the second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chip, as found in the Quest 3 and similar modern headsets. Although Pico may make waves in China where the Quest is unavailable, there are obvious questions about how the Ultra will fare in the West.
Let’s take a look at what ByteDance’s new headset has to offer.
What Are the Pico 4 Ultra’s Specs?
The Pico 4 Ultra boasts an impressive array of specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
- Memory and Storage: 12 GB RAM and 256 GB Storage
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 support
- Mixed Reality Capabilities: Dual 32 MP colour passthrough cameras, single iToF depth-sensing camera, and four environment tracking cameras
- Display: Twin 2.56-inch screens, each with 2,160 × 2,160-pixel resolution and 1200 PPI
- Rendering Resolution: 1920 × 1920 per eye
- Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
- Lenses: Pancake lenses offering 105° field of view and 20.6 pixels per degree
- IPD Adjustment Range: 58 mm to 72 mm
- Audio: Dual stereo speakers, four microphones, and spatial audio recording support
- Battery: 5,700 mAh rated capacity (5774 mAh typical)
- Charging: QC 4.0 / PD 3.0 compatible, 45W fast charging
Pre-orders for the Pico 4 Ultra have already commenced in China, with the device priced at 4,300 RMB (roughly £470). The headset is due to hit the shelves on September 2nd.
Will the Pico 4 Ultra Be Available Outside China?
While the initial launch is focused on the Chinese market, there are indications that Pico may be considering expansion to other regions.
The device has reportedly received certification in South Korea, suggesting potential availability in other East Asian countries soon. Pico currently offers its original 2022 Pico 4 model in various East Asian and European markets, although it has yet to enter the United States.
ByteDance is currently blocked from entering the US market for political reasons. US Congress is concerned about how ByteDance and the Chinese government use TikTok data. As of earlier this year, the social media platform faces an outright ban unless it is sold.
As the launch approaches, industry observers and XR enthusiasts will closely monitor Pico’s global communications for any hints of a broader international release. The Pico 4 Ultra’s impressive specifications and competitive pricing could potentially shake up the XR market if it becomes more widely available.
