- Bigscreen Beyond’s Audio Strap is set to begin shipping in August after facing significant production delays.
- Customised for the buyer’s face and eyes, every headset is tailored fit to deliver unparalleled comfort and immersion.
OUR TAKE
Although its release has been delayed, this advanced accessory is expected to significantly enhance the Bigscreen Beyond headset, making it more competitive in the VR market. The extended wait underscores the complexities of customising VR devices for optimal user comfort and immersion, achieved through personalised fitting based on 3D face scans.
–Dolly Huang, BTW reporter
What happened
Bigscreen has faced delays in launching its latest accessory, the Audio Strap, for its compact SteamVR headset, Bigscreen Beyond. Initially planned for release in June, the Audio Strap’s timeline was pushed back due to a supplier issue.
It has now stated that full production of the Audio Strap will begin on July 29, with the first orders scheduled to be mailed to consumers in mid-August and all current preorders distributed by the end of October, about a year later than previously estimated.
The headset itself was also affected by the Audio Strap delay. While the startup had previously announced a 1-2 week delivery time for the headset in May, it later failed to do that. Still, Bigscreen is confident it will be able to ship within a week of mid-August, roughly the same time the Audio Strap ships.
Bigscreen suggests that customers with IPDs between 55-58mm may receive their orders sooner due to simpler customisation process for these sizes.
The reason is that each headset is specifically tailored to the buyer’s face and eyes. The customisation process enhances comfort and fit but adds complexity to production.
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Why it’s important
Despite the delays encountered, the Audio Strap underscores the pivotal role of accessory development in advancing VR hardware. By integrating built-in speakers and a rigid strap, it directly addresses user concerns, significantly enhancing audio clarity and overall stability during VR sessions.
While its launch has been postponed, this sophisticated accessory will undoubtedly elevate Bigscreen Beyond to a new level of completeness and competitiveness within the VR market.
For avid VR enthusiasts and early adopters, the extended wait time serves as a testament to the intricacies involved in producing customised VR devices.
Each Beyond headset is uniquely crafted to fit the wearer’s facial and ocular features, based on a 3D face scan. The process ensures unparalleled comfort and immersion but also introduces complexities into the manufacturing process.
This dedication to delivering tailored VR sessions that are both comfortable and immersive underscores Bigscreen’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of VR technology.