Play for Dream MR headset makes global debut, arriving in Malaysia this October 2024

When it comes to mixed reality headsets, Apple’s Vision Pro comes to mind but spatial entertainment technology outfit Play for Dream Technology based in Shanghai is looking to shake things up with the launch of their first Android-based mixed reality headset that they’ve designated as the Play for Dream MR headset in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan in the following months.

Mr. Huang Feng, Founder and CEO of Play for Dream Technology at the Play for Dream MR headset launch in Singapore

What is the Play for Dream MR headset

For the uninitiated, the Play for Dream MR headset consists of a wearable headset that covers with an array of cameras and sensors along with two hand controllers to interact with mixed reality content. Up front, the Play for Dream MR headset hosts an 8K Micro-OLED display with a collective 3,882 ppi that integrates a pancake lens in tandem with software to enable a stereoscopic 3D effect, with about 4K resolution per eye. 

To ensure a superior VR experience, the Play for Dream MR headset integrates 11 high-performance cameras, 7 different types of sensors and 22 infrared LEDs to offer precise and efficient head, hand and eye motion tracking with a VST latency as low as 14ms which is fast enough to be in real time. In a live field test, a product representative managed to toss a ball at me while I donned the headset and catching it wasn’t an issue.

The display also has 92% DCI-P3 and can offer up to 45 pixels per degree of vision with a 103-degree field of view; all of which edge ahead of the Apple Vision Pro. The headset is also TUV Rheinland certified for Low Blue Light eye protection along with customised lenses for those with myopia.

On top of improved hardware, the Play for Dream MR headset also hosts a pair of 32-MP 3D cameras to enable users to create 3D footage in tandem with EIS stereo 3D video stabilisation for judder free video.

According to Play for Dream Technology, it has a more refined, better fitting curvature that fits the face better compared to the Apple Vision Pro with sides and a chassis that’s 20.6% thinner than the Vision Pro. Interestingly enough, the headset is sheathed in one-way glass with users able to peer out, but non-users are unable to see where you’re pointing your peepers at.

Powering all the hardware is a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, the world’s first MR headset to utilise this powerful new processor along with a new spatial input method which involves creating virtual keyboards within the the view of the headset itself developed in collaboration with outfit Sogou Input Method.

Along with the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, the Play for Dream MR headset comes with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 3.1 storage. The headset has a built-in battery that lasts for a couple of hours of use and has support for an external battery pack too for extended play.

At the launch, Play for Dream Technology are also embarking on a strategic partnership with IMAX to obtain their IMAX Enhanced certification for selected content which also integrates DTS:X Ultra; the secret sauce that ensures IMAX Enhanced content has its immersive, rich sound with a simulated 7.1-channel experience with a 360-degree surround soundscape.

Each controller weighs just 108g, with shoulder triggers and to navigate menus along with haptic feedback to make games even more immersive though the Play for Dream MR headset does support user hand gestures to manipulate content. 

A demo session with a prototype of the Play for Dream MR headset

As you’d likely surmise, the Play for Dream MR headset makes enjoying 3D movies and games a more entertaining, immersive saffair with access to content on the Steam VR app store though the integration of the aforementioned 32MP 3D cameras makes creating 3D content a cinch along with its capability to support up to 5 multiscreens; offering immense possibilities especially for work related scenarios where users can open up multiple tabs such as Excel spreadsheets, documents and more for more efficient multitasking.

Play for Dream MR headset price and launch date

At present, Play fort Dream Technology hinted at the price of the Play for Dream MR headset, stating that it will be US$1X99 and up with options for a 512GB and 1TB model though this and its specifications can be subject to change.

At the launch, the brand stated that the headset will make its official debut in the market with Singapore and Malaysia being the first to get the headset in October 2024 and Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan slated to get it sometime in 2025.

For more details, check out Play for Dream Technology’s official page at https://www.pfdm.cn/