Chinese VR hardware manufacturer, Pico Interactive, has received approval from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its Pico Neo 3 Link VR headset. This approval is noteworthy as the Neo 3 Link’s successor had already been launched in European and Asian markets last year.
Approval in the US is A Curious Case
The FCC’s approval is a necessary step for selling a device with wireless capabilities in the US market. However, it raises questions about the timing, given that the Pico Neo 3 Link was introduced as a “beta program” for consumers in Europe and Asia before the anticipated launch of Pico 4 later in the year. Pico even hinted at the imminent arrival of Pico 4 by offering discounts to Neo 3 Link buyers and suggesting a launch within 12 months.
While Pico 4 had received FCC approval in the past and was initially slated to launch in the US in March of this year, its release was reportedly halted due to concerns surrounding Chinese government access to TikTok user data; and its ability to influence content recommendation. Now, the approval of the Neo 3 Link, which uses the same chipset and is slightly cheaper than Pico 4, raises speculations about Pico’s intentions.
One possibility is that Pico might be considering the Neo 3 Link as a US consumer beta program, similar to its approach in Europe. Pico may still plan to launch Pico 4 in the US at a later date.
This move may potentially bring direct competition to Meta’s home market. However, Pico 4 would face a challenge, as it would be up against Meta’s powerful Quest 3, which is twice as capable.
Will Pico Perform Just as Well in the US?
Pico Interactive’s recent entry into the European market with the Neo3 Link has been met with favourable reviews. The headset matches Meta Quest 2 in terms of specifications, from processor and resolution to refresh rate and field of view. The unit’s comfort, aided by rear-mounted battery placement and an excellent facial interface, allows for extended play sessions with reduced lens fogging.
Reviewers also praised the Neo3 Link’s 3,664 x 1,920 ‘fast’ LCD screen with 773 pixels per inch. It provides crisp and bright graphics with minimal screendoor effect. However, the audio from the integrated speakers was noted to be less impressive, prompting the use of a headphone-out socket.
The Neo3 Link offers a range of titles through Pico’s own storefront for standalone use. Additionally, it comes with a link cable for PC VR, enabling compatibility with Steam VR titles, which reportedly look better on the Neo3 Link compared to similar rivals thanks to Pico’s use of a DisplayPort cable.
Pico Interactive’s entry into the VR market with the Neo3 Link presents consumers with an affordable and high-quality option. While Meta may have led the way with the Quest 2, Pico’s Neo3 Link is now a compelling option, offering better comfort, improved graphics on PC VR, and a more accessible price point.
