The phenomenally successful crowdfunding campaign for the Pimax 8K virtual reality (VR) headset continues to get bigger and bigger. Only a few days remain until the end of the Kickstarter, and the total pledged amount is now over $3 million (USD).
The Kickstarter campaign for the Pimax headset began in September, with Pimax announcing its intention to create a VR headset capable of 8K resolution display, a resolution higher than other commercial VR headsets currently available. The device was also planned to feature a wider field-of-vision than other VR headsets. This combination made it very attractive to VR enthusiasts and the Kickstarter community, and the campaign rapidly shot past its initial $200,000 goal, reaching the desired amount in only two hours.
The campaign has since moved along at a page, blowing past the $1.5 million mark which unlocked the option of a comfort kit and prescription visor for backers, something that was sure to be appreciated by VR users who wear glasses. The $2 million point unlocked a voucher for the upcoming wireless module, which would allow for high-resolution PC-based VR without any cumbersome cables. The $2.5 million point was also reached, unlocking another stretch goal that would let videogamers access three pieces of curated VR content for free, as well as letting Pimax create a developers conference.
Finally, the $3 million total unlocked the eye-tracking option. All backers will be getting the eye-tracking module once the device is ready. Eye-tracking technology allows for a number of useful techniques to be applied to improve the VR experience and save on PC resources, such as foveated rendering.
The Pimax team have said they have already ordered 12,000 screens along with other components ready to assemble and ship for when then Kickstarter campaign finishes on Friday, 3rd November, 2017. The team hopes to be able to begin shipping as of January 2018.
Though most of the Pimax 8K funding tiers have sold out, some are are still available in very limited amounts, such as the $499 tier, though this option does not come with controllers or tracking base stations. Several options for the lower-spec Pimax 5K are also available.
VRFocus will continue to bring you news on the Pimax 8K as it becomes available.
via Mint VR