Bigscreen Beyond 2, the successor to the world's smallest and lightest PC VR headset, is set to launch next month, with considerable enhancements over its predecessor. This new version comes with clearer and wider pancake lenses, an adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) system, and an optional eye-tracking variant called Beyond 2e.
Enhanced Visual Experience
Beyond 2's most significant upgrade is its next-generation pancake lenses, which offer a wider field of view (108° horizontal and 96° vertical), increased edge-to-edge clarity, less glare, and a larger sweet spot. These advancements bring Beyond 2's field of view up to par with that of the Meta Quest 3, despite its significantly smaller and lighter physical factor.
The display is the same as the old version, with two micro-OLED screens and a resolution of 2560 x 2560 pixels per eye. However, while resolution is obtained at 75 Hz, the 90 Hz option still requires upscaling from 1920x1920, leading to minor sharpness reduction in text-heavy content.
Adjustable IPD for Better Fit
The addition of adjustable IPD is a significant upgrade over the original Beyond headset. Previously, users received a fixed lens separation based on their submitted measurements.
Beyond 2 now supports independent horizontal lens adjustments with an insertable tool, enhancing comfort for users with asymmetric IPD. However, because the headset lacks an IPD sensor, users should manually enter their settings into the PC software tool.
Halo Mount for Versatility
Initially, Beyond 2 still requires an iPhone face scan for its custom-fit face pad. However, later this year, Bigscreen will release the Halo Mount accessory, which eliminates the need for a custom scan.
Halo Mount can be configured in three ways: with the face pad, with a universal light shield, or with an open-face design. It will be compatible with both the standard strap and the separately sold $129 Audio Strap.
Optional Eye Tracking with Beyond 2e
Beyond 2e, launching in May, includes an ultra-light eye-tracking device that allows for realistic avatar eye movement in VRChat. While foveated rendering isn't available at launch, Bigscreen is collaborating with Nvidia and Valve to introduce this feature later in the year.
Future updates may also leverage eye tracking for automatic IPD measurement, simplifying the set-up process.
Pricing and Availability
Bigscreen Beyond 2 is priced at $1019 and scheduled to arrive in April, while the Beyond 2e, with eye tracking, costs around $1219 and will be available in May. Unlike the previous Beyond, which only came in black, Beyond 2 will be available in crystal clear, nuclear orange, and black. Customers who recently purchased Beyond 1 will receive an offer to upgrade to Beyond 2 at a discount.
With its enhanced optics, adjustable IPD, and future accessories, Bigscreen Beyond 2 positions itself as an appealing option for PC VR enthusiasts seeking a high-performance, ultra-lightweight headset.