THE PCVR SCALING IS **NOW PARTIALLY FIXED*** I really don't know what other reviewers originally seen, tiny hands are obviously way different to its current issue, but the steam VR reported resolution is still incorrect as this video shows, ***read responses below-this has been patched but not perfect*** wireless PCVR is reporting a perfectly square render resolution which is odd and manually overriding driver file values reports backwards still but also breaks all distortion correction and fov, so wireless is not really tweak able past its set values. Unless someone can provide logs to prove otherwise, don't trust the impressions and opinions of reviewers claiming it's been fixed.
Its weird because Pico always told me "it was fixed in the last update" but its clearly not. Anyway . Waiting for the 15.june update for my final verdict.
15th June update did not fix it, there has been some barrel distortion correction changes within standalone and new driver but not so suit the vertical resolution
June 21st update also has no corrected steam vr render resolution reporting, no change from 15th June update. It's certainly more usable than it was before and most recent update should solve disconnect issues some people were having, but it still needs to be addressed as world scale and depth is incorrect
There is a beta update that's had driver corrections to swap width and height, along with increasing the distortion correction render resolution to 1.5x This has greatly increased clarity and fixed the strange scaling issues, it does not stop any nvapi errors as this isn't the panel that's been corrected, only driver. There are a few issues remaining, most notably chromatic aberration and some audio popping, but 1.1.4 update is the best so far, this is available linked in the beta discord and may get pushed to the app once further testing has been done.
Goodness this review is amazing. Lot's of detail. Pico might want to talk more about how their headset is open and unrestricted I don't think many people are aware of this. It's a dream for tinkering with emulators and android apps. One more thing I'm so hyped for Avatar 2 been watching the 3d trailers in a headset and the underwater scenes look especially great.
Can't you pretty much make/install whatever you want with sidequest? Haven really looked into sidequest yet but there's a bunch of fan made ports and shit.
I had the Quest Pro , Quest 3 , Pico 4 and Pico Neo 3 Link destroys all of them ! The clarity of this headset over display port is unbelievable . ❤ If you want to upgrade from a display port VR headset like Rift S or Valve index do not get streaming headsets like the ones above , it will looks like shit because of the compression . Pico Neo 3 link is the best PCVR headset price to performance. The best headset hands down for sim racing. Be aware that you will need to replace the default gasket with the Pico 4 AMVR one .
This is the best review on pico so far, with all those marketing and hundreds of influencer videos on pico neo, no one mentioned the portrait resolution bug at all. made me wonder if they are all get paid to only say good things
Nice to see a review on the pico 3 link as trying to find a decent one in the Microsoft flight sim 2020 community I have a quest 2 but would love to see a comparison with the quest 2 and the pico link with display port if it is a lot more clarity as there’s nothing out there at the moment with display port
Hey mate, cheers for this absolutely fantastic review. I also use a CV1 as my daily driver, and I'm really itching to replace it. I've bought and returned/resold a Rift S, Quest 2, Pimax 5K Super, and tried a Vive Pro. Every single one felt like a step back from the CV1 in some way or another. Right now the top contender for me is the Reverb G2, but I'm very likely to consider a Neo 3 Link as well once they fix all the various software issues. However, there's one big issue for me, which is my head shape. The CV1's facial interface is very narrow, and it's perfect for my head. No light leakage, and it doesn't squeeze my face. The first thing I noticed when I got the Quest 2 was that I could stick my thumbs between my temples and the interface. At 13:33 in your video, I can see that the Neo 3's interface is even wider than the Quest 2's, which would not work for me at all. Do you know if any companies will be working on facial interfaces for these headsets? 3D Printed interfaces likely wouldn't work due to the tiny fragile clips that hold the interface on, so I wouldn't be able to design a custom one. Oh, I forgot to mention this. If possible, please could you test and see if the Neo 3 works with 2m long DP and USB extension cables? I use a pulley system and require at least 6.5m of cable for an optimal setup
Hey will, I do not have any dp extension cables (only an active usb for my cv1 3rd sensor) With the DP cable being high bandwidth I'm not even sure it'll work unless they are spec to meet DSC, hopefully someone with existing extensions could confirm. As for replacing cv1, it's still going to be hard in some areas, inside out tracking while being ok and not really any worse than quest 2, is still inside out. The tracking on 3 sensor cv1 is miles better and something you don't even need to pay attention to, where as simple things like being lazy with hands down near your side or doing some crazy boneworks stuff like hanging on a rail and looking down to shoot, is crap with inside out tracking as it won't see the controller and will default to gyro in last known position. Faceplates are a common request and enough people have shouted about it that vrcover has now joined the Pico discord and are taking ideas, best one being a thin magnet adapter so you can reuse existing index or G2 faceplates and not risk breaking silly tabs constantly removing, should mean yoully be able to fashion your own then the cv1 is incredibly narrow/ curved compared to the Pico as I shown in my first video of this headset, that said I think once you are closer to lenses with this Pico I don't think it's width would be so much a problem, it's light enough on face not to need it super tight to seal around temples but clearly no way near as light as a cv1 (a cv1 with its full cable weighs less than the Pico) I've already got an oculus go amvr cover on the way to try out on the Pico, as I already use the middle ipd and the go faceplate does sort of fit the profile just using friction fit around the lenses, I will see how that goes so I can give feedback to vrcover too. It's certainly an interesting headset so far, but I'm in much the same way that I can't possibly give up my cv1 until the Pico is fit and ready, oculus bringing back cv1 with new screen specs would be the absolute dream.
@@virtuallyreal Thanks for the detailed reply! I think I'll just stick with my CV1 until VR returns to OLED. My eyes aren't very recessed in my head, so my eyelashes already touch the CV1 lenses. Sounds like the Pico wouldn't fit my face. I did a night race in AMS2 today and I wouldn't be able to give up those blacks.
@@xmxlyyy I know exactly what you mean, even screen door is also absolutely no issue on night races, cv1 looks incredible with night race in thunderstorm on ams2. I haven't delved too far into actually playing pcvr on the Pico just because of the distortion issue, starts to make me vr sick after 30 mins on beatsaber and I've pretty strong vr legs! Software update due next week so hopefully can really see what this Pico can do and give it a go for my sim racing.
Trust me, as a user of the Rift S I can tell you that in my personal experience with the G2 it is a horrible headset. If you'd like I can elaborate on the numerous problems I experience during my time with it.
My remix for the index speaker brackets can be found here: www.printables.com/model/226157-pico-neo-3-link-headstrap-clamps-index-speaker-rem www.thingiverse.com/thing:5411152 this is just the brackets for the pico, all other files are in the original design linked in my upload.
A very well rounded review and nice you included the information from the Discord channels ( Oishi here btw ). All parts that are important are handled and you don't shy from criticizing the flaws that still exist to better the development of the software. as positive remark, talk a bit slower, it kind of felt rushed. And for not first English language speakers it could be a bit hard to understand. Prefect English accent for YT video though :)
Appreciate it thanks, it's very rushed as was a nightmare editing and reshooting and recording due to file corruptions, also grew more than I expected and wanted to keep time down, if I ever do another in future I'll be more prepared with good software and have recordings done in one session to avoid differences
In standalone, my Pico is really solid. I've even had a blast watching some movies on it, some superhero stuff in proper stereoscopic 3D is great fun. There's an actual built in network browser that works great, so I can access my home NAS easily. The file browser functionality per se, sorting etc leaves a lot to be desired, but I can play any media I want off the wifi directly. Very cool stuff for me, at least. The PC DP experience... well, Pico needs to grind away at that during this beta release. My glasses fit great as well, but I hope VROptician steps up. I'd also hope for a thinner face gasket, I could ge a bit closer too, even with glasses for that matter.
I'm thinking on getting a Neo 3 so I'm wondering if some of these software issues have been fixed a year after the video's release. NTFS is supported? does that mean I can use SD cards as expansions? Alright than. Also Thanks for having a proper break down and not just a swift review. I wish more tech reviewers did things this way.
Yes, it's alot better now, still no capacitive touch when using DP mode which is annoying but has been mentioned many many times to Pico to address. Microphone quality increased, 120hz now when using virtual desktop, capacitive touch in standalone, streaming assistant (sideloaded) and virtual desktop. It's my main VR headset, I've covered a fair few videos on channel for neo 3 link. It even has an unlocked display port driver available now so you can further tune image and resolution to your liking.
File storage for accessing and transfering files is great, no problems there, but you can't 'run' Pico VR games from external storage, emulator ROMs, videos etc are all fine
@@virtuallyreal Very, very nice. I'll be sure to look for your newer videos now too. Wow, new hardware that allows the user to make custom adjustments is a pretty good find now days. Oh one more question. You mentioned it can use it's usb c for storage? Does this mean I can save money and get the extra ram instead of the bigger data storage? Thanks.
@@kairon156 not sure what version you are looking at but the neo 3 link only has the one spec. the neo 3 and neo 3 pro are not the same as what I reviewed (neo 3 link) You don't want to buy the wrong headset, the link is the one getting updates and has separate firmware, china version is also different and has different app store so you don't want to buy the wrong headset!
I tried upgrading to the Quest 2 from the Rift S and went through 9 of them with each having abhorrent lenses in one way or another, whether it be blurryness, glare, or chromatic aberration. From your experience are there any similar problems with the Pico?
Thankfully not 😂 I also had 3 quest 2s on release and caused a bit of a stir with the Reddit bunch with my faulty lenses video. I can't say every Pico is going to be perfect, from what I gather this is a VERY limited release compared to quest 2, where as quests are bombed out in the millions, I think the Pico beta release is only around 30k units for Europe. That said, so far everyone in the beta is being looked after, they suspect (not even proven) some people have bad display port cables, so they are replacing them, no questions asked. I couldn't get oculus to respond for a month asking for a replacement headset literally minutes after opening the box.
@@virtuallyreal I spoke a lot with customer support from oculus and the only thing they could say is to RMA it, however, the problem with that of course is that I would be stuck with a faulty headset if the one they sent me shared a similar problem. I'd also like to ask if you know when they plan to release in the US as I've been patiently waiting two years now for a new headset having gotten two quest 2s at launch which had lens problems and 7 more from two different retailers after they released the 128gb version.
@@virtuallyreal I'd also like to mention in this separate comment that MetaQuest/Oculus even after the release of the 128gb version of the headset continues to deliver barely functional lenses, and from my experience this seems to be on the majority of their headsets. I'm very disappointed that one of the most important pieces of the headset would be screwed up so terribly in a way that completely undermines every single other positive aspect.
Superb review, finally someone really getting all the little details right. Shame they can't send you all the headsets on the market. How are the bugs currently for the displays? VR Optician says their lenses are close, next week or one more. Once they're available I'd be interested getting a Neo 3 Link but I'm a bit wary considering that there are such glaring issues and they're not being addressed speedily.
To be fair to pico, there has been changes happening behind the scenes, with DP mode getting an update every week at one point for us in the beta discord channel but not pushed to the main pc app until now. It's now in a much better state, with the render resolution increased, scaling much better (although not 100% right yet) and no more uncomfortable distortions, but there is still chromatic aberration outside of the sweet spot to fix, but the good news there is when it is, it'll look massively better than quest 2 and certainly be a G2 killer visually as any blurriness on Pico on outer edges is currently due to the chromatic aberration, not the lenses themselves, forcing a reduction of the screens colour blue can show text super crisp right upto edge which is a huge step up from what I get on my quest and cv1. I've been meaning to get an update video uploaded but it's been hectic for me the past few weeks and now we have heatwave going on in UK stopping me going anywhere near my headsets lol. Vr optician now have the lenses made and I'll be placing my order after a fresh eye test and prescription.
As someone looking forward just for heavilly modded Skyrim VR, would the Neo3L with DP cable reduce the GPU usage? I mean, would using a Quest 2 for example while having to compress and uncompress the image give me less FPS and needing to have a REALLY expensive (outright impossible to budget) GPU like a RTX3080 just to run in 90fps? Someone said to me in the steam forums that while i would need a RTX3080 a dude said with a DP cable i could play it kinda nicely with just a 2080ti or 3070... Does it give that FPS difference from using the DP cable?
@virtuallyreal may I ask you a technical question. We got the newer release direct from China and it has just one USB C/thunderbolt 3/dp port but no link cable. We have the same standard port on a Dell G3 3590 configured to nVidia 1660ti in physX. Theoretically this should give us a fast pipeline cabled using just an Anker USB C thunderbolt cable. 40GB/sec theoretical bandwidth. Am I going about this the right way, or should we go USB C to display port cable and use an adaptor on the USB C/display port to get maximum bandwidth? Anyone? Thanks 🙂👍
When you say newer release are you referring to Pico 4? That does not support display port on it's type C connection.and has to stream either wirelessly or by usb
@@Prayer_warrior it may have it but will likely need picos own dp cable, on the 3 pro /eye/ link it is a separate port. Also China firmware is very different to what we have in EU neo 3 link headset so I don't know if the DP mode has had the same fixes. 1660ti desktop should be ok but at lower resolution in steam vr, mobile likely will not have the power or vram for VR especially in a high resolution headset such as neo 3
@@virtuallyreal thanks man. I'm from UK, but now in Brasil. We're all good with a quality AC/AX WiFi and fibre Internet here is fast. Low latency 600MB/sec down and 40MB/s up is easily attainable. Also, will build a beast games machine in due course, so I'm trying to figure out my best cable Solution that will have a future. The nipper's Dell G3 3590 is a challenge I saw coming when we ordered it, in that we have 1 x HDMI 2.0 port and a USB C/ display port 1.4 that's hardwired to the Intel graphics. - I'm astounded that these 'el cheapo' Chinese Pico neo 3 models even support thunderbolt/dp with their one port, however they certainly claim to do so! Looks legit. As regards firmware, we're all good there as we are well competent to flash straight to global 5.3.2 no problem. The device comes with a 5m USB C to USB A 3.1 cable from what I can see, that is screaming 5MB/s theoretical to me. So, my ideas initially revolved around; 1. Anker USB C thunderbolt to HDMI or similar. Theoretically 18GB 2. USB C to DP male and an adaptor or active converter at Dell end via our HDMI port. 25GB/s 3. Thunderbolt 3 USB C both ends. 40GB/s. Now I see we would really need to tap the HDMI to get anywhere with the current laptop. Absolutely agree, that for now, our nVidia won't be able to join the party. But for later on, we would still like to experiment with how much bandwidth we can push through the headset, when we get around to building a real PC. God Bless you for your time and interest! 🥰🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
@@virtuallyreal ok update for anyone interested in this cable thread for the Pico neo 3. We have been A/B'ing different cables we had on hand. A USB C to USB A 4 cable is far sharper than a USB C to USB C standard cable. About to plug in a USB C lightning ⚡ thunderbolt to USB A 3.2 and see how that goes! Ok 1. Wireless 6.1 2. Second place a USB 4 cable 3. Lightning to USB C. 4. Standard USB C to USB C That's the final results.
I think you are right, 16 series should have the support but worth checking before thinking of buying, I don't think anyone was aware of this requirement before release and few people wondering why they can't get 90hz to work.
Thanks for review! I work with youth groups and we have some Pico 3s - it might not be your thing but any Rec Room substitutes for the Pico. Our young people really like it.
There is rec room on the Pico, as for alternatives I'm not sure yet, the Pico world being developed may have similar activities, plenty of games that have sports/leisure activities bundled into the one app but I don't know if they are as social as rec room.
@@virtuallyreal Thanks so much for your quick response! New to VR so appreciate the help. I can see Rec Room as an option on the phone app but it is not in the menu on the headset - event when I'm logged into the same account.
I'm having issues getting 90Hz with the DP connection even though I'm on the latest firmware (installed 2 days ago) and using an RTX 3080. Did you do anything special to get 90Hz? The 90 Hz appears on wifi, but in DP I don't even have an option. Not sure what the hell I'm doing wrong. Appreciate any tips here, getting pretty frustrating :/
@@virtuallyreal i will triple check, but i believe so. Will post an update here if it fixes it. I'm starting to lean on some gou setting being off, but I don't know exactly what to check. Something about DSC or whatever it is, but should be always on by default (i could be wrong though)
@@ginraisama yeah I've changed nothing in GPU settings, DSC support is enabled by default, Pico is a bit confusing (beta) so needs 90hz set for streaming and dp inside the headset itself before you even connect it to pc, then again in the Pico pc software before you launch steam vr. One tip, once you've set whatever refresh and controllers in the Pico pc software, you no longer need it open before steam vr, it's only there to do the changes. Just start Pico link in the headset and launch steam vr yourself. One less program running 😁
@@virtuallyreal I just checked on the stand alone mode, I had 120Hz activated. Turned off 120 and got a message it would go to 72Hz default and restarted. Ok, so I keep going through the menus and don't find a single one mentioning 90Hz. Decided to connect again via DP thinking maybe the 120Hz was interfering somehow. Nope, still 72 in steamvr. Software was updated too as stand alone so I shouldn't be missing anything. Is there some secret menu i'm just not seeing where you pick 90? The visuals menu only lets me change brightness pretty much. This is really frustrating i have to be honest :(. But good tip on not having to turn on pico link, you are right, steam vr pops up immediately :)
Great review. I really appreciate your commitment to detail. With the software fixes (as far as they can fix these issues in software at least) rolled out so far, and presumably with more on the horizon, where do you think you stand on Pico Neo 3 Link vs waiting for the Pico 4, particularly for someone that could take advantage of the DP connection?
The neo 3 link is still the one to get for the display port connection and a few other things taken for granted like aux port, port placements themselves and buttons on the headset itself allowing use in darkness without Pico controllers for media or emulators or console game streaming for example. That said, the ipd range is still limited and if you don't fall within that, the Pico 4 will visually be better for you optically, it is focused on a wider audience being able to use it at the trade off on hardware feature set. Virtual desktop on the Picos will be interesting and I foresee the Pico 4 headset climbing up the steam vr charts, given the form factor, lenses, ipd adjustment and price. quality wise VD won't be very different to existing standalones like quest 2 but the form factor and lightness of the headset will lend itself to wanting to use that headset over something like a quest 2. Plenty of people are clearly happy using quest 2s with compression in every way it can connect, so ultimately it's a choice of absolutely pc clarity with display port or form factor and wireless or usb pc connection. Personally, I am getting a Pico 4 but I'm entirely unsure if the form factor alone will warrant keeping it, considering functionality in some ways is actually a step back from the neo 3 link I have already. If it still has all the great sideloading capabilities then it will take over that use case along with standalone gaming, given not many games actually use 120hz on standalone for the neo 3 link and the controllers seem much better on the Pico 4. (I have asked if they can be used with neo 3 link later on) I was just as concerned as anyone about the next headset coming so soon and it's part reason why I haven't done a follow up video, but the neo 3 link is getting the same new os and feature set as neo 4, with Pico claiming both headsets will co exist, with neo 3 link being the enthusiasts headset (120hz standalone and DP for better pc image and performance) With Pico 4 it's intention is for the grab and go vr users, simplistic design and form factor that you'd reach for to do a workout or just socialise in. Crucially, both will run standalone games exactly the same (apart from those that have 120hz on neo 3 link) so it really is down to if you want that display port feature, or a slimmer lighter headset again (neo 3 link is pretty light already) There is an update coming aiming to fix most remaining issues before the end of this month, I've not followed up this review even though I've had the voice over done for months now, with this Pico 4, it was a beta in a beta, I'm not exactly pleased about that as it meant silence for neo 3 link updates, when the update hits and I can see what has been improved this time I can really say what's been happening and how it's panned out.
@@virtuallyreal Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed reply. Your thoughts align with mine. I've ordered a Neo 3 Link and I'm really excited to get it :) Being able to swap between standalone and tethered is a killer combo in my home.
@@virtuallyreal Thought you might like an update! Unfortunately had to RMA my first headset due to a dead pixel issue, but SystemActive were excellent and very quick to remedy the situation. I'm now up and running and enjoying it greatly! Actually despite buying the Link, I haven't used the DP connection yet, been more than satisfied with Virtual Desktop (works a little better than Pico Link Wi-Fi mode in my experience so far). Thanks again for your efforts, helped me make a good choice that I'm really happy with.
@@EdgeGaming if it's any comfort, Im already considering selling my Pico 4 after a day. while VD looks great on it, battery life and optical anomalies really make me not want to use it. Have another sim league race tonight and looking forward to going back to neo 3 link display port. The visual jump you get on dp and the performance increase for same resolution should be very noticeable for you when you do try dp mode. The update that was due 15th is still in a QA process, here's hoping they have actually took on board the feedback we've been giving them and fix a fair few issues on neo 3 link.
i was almost going to buy a pico neo 3 to play together whit my gf(i already have a pico 4) i was baited by the dp cable but now that i know that the cable is capable onli to deliver 90 hz, i m out ! there are no way to reach the 120 hz whit the cable right ?
I'm planning to get my own vr and decide to use pico neo 3 but since i will be working soon i will use it for a while then decide to buy the meta quest 2 by then i would get the quest 3 instead
Great review! I've been using the Pico Link for a few days, when in steamvr mode the left display is lower than the right display, the vertical ipd offset is wrong and it causes me a lot of eyestrain, in my case is not only horizontally is also vertically, is it normal?
Not normal at all, Pico have released some distortion correction for standalone today and are due to release new pc driver software on the 15th. Worth trying the new version and if you still have problems after that get in touch with Pico, they also suspect some people may have bad display port cables and you can get a replacement until the end of this month.
Replied to other comment more in depth, but for others reading, the display port is way better as I've put in my pinned comments in this video. But it's due another update end of this month. Pico 4 can only do pcvr wirelessly or by usb cable, so performance and image quality is worse than the neo 3 link.
Thanks for this very detailed video, its such a hard choice for me to either buy the quest 2 or the pico cause I love all those little cool features the quest 2 has, however the dp port cable on the link and the open software and the ability to sideload android apps is such a huge advantage that i will probably get the neo especially when i use it for pcvr mainly. Whish i could have both.
Absolutely, should have said aggressive active cooling, the intake on quest 2 is incredibly small around the front face plate and exhausts at top rear near the headstrap, the exhaust temps and fan power on the Pico suggest it's running harder than quest 2 but I'll need to sideload some benchmarks and compare
Thank you for all this, and thank you for updating your comments with recent information. Apart from a 72Hz limitation due to my GPU not supporting DSC, I really like all these features. Is it possible to install a PS1 emulator, and and use a bluetooth controller without connecting to a PC?
You'll need to put the BIOS files and ROMs in the correct place, but no reason you couldn't use headset itself to download APK for emulator and a file manager and go from there
For display port it is direct mode in steam VR, so It'll use steam vr as the openxr runtime. Performance is still good this way, when I tested msfs with steam VR as openxr runtime it was equally as performant (or not performant being msfs) as VDXR by virtual desktop.
I think for Pico the China is the main market. I cannot imagine that Quest gets in China a solid market share (especially when you need to connect using VPN to use Facebook services). On the other hand I can imagine Pico might be able to grow in the west world. We will see...
now that few months went by, how's the pcvr software nowadays? I really don't like the quest 2 compression and honestly something like pico neo 3 link would be an upgrade for me.
I've just added to the pinned comment on this video, we have another update coming before the end of the month addressing the most known issues including remaining distortion and audio popping on display port, with another update to follow. As suspected, communication was radio silence while they've geared up for the announcement on new headset, but at least we now have word to expect another update.
@@virtuallyreal Hey, seeing your video is still not up, i'd like to ask : You mentioned PCVR can ONLY run through Steam. Is it possible to add a game via the "Add a Non-Steam Game" button in the bottom left of the library and play it on the Pico 3? I'm not even going to lie, I'm asking to see if you can launch pirated PCVR games.
@@akuoumaru7562 it's just steam and steam vr, I don't condone that use at all, but so long as it works using steam VR runtime it'll work on Pico headset.
@@virtuallyreal This will be my first headset, i don't know how it works. If you can test this out real quick, that would help me out immensely, it's the deciding factor in which headset to buy, really. You don't have to pirate something if you don't want to, if there's some free vr test or showcase software that isn't on steam, please try adding it to steam and seeing if it works with the pico. I'd be forever grateful.
Yea I returned my quest 2 TWICE(didn't wanna try again after that) thinking I had bad lenses, I came from a CV1 and yeah the resolution is lower but it's clear edge to edge for me, the lenses on the quest 2 are garbage imo, glad to see pico did better here, to bad this isn't available in the u.s.
Thank You for this comparison. Right now I have a question considering that some time passed, I would like to use Pico 3 for PCVR, for working with Office as well, but I have 1070 Ti, which lacks DSC. Is it fixed now? Thank You again :)
DSC support still required for 90hz, there has been improvements made early on to resolution issue but it still has work needing to be done. No VR is really high enough resolution for office work just yet, while you could do it here it's not ideal
Is getting a Pico Neo 3 Link worth it as a replacement for the Quest 2 for PCVR? I really hate the compression that USB streaming puts on the display of the Quest 2 when using it for PCVR, far away objects look like crap, and it has artifacts on lighting... Is the Pico neo 3 link vastly superior in that matter to the Quest 2? Are there any issues with tracking when comparing it to the Quest 2?
If you have the GPU that will do 90hz on DP cable, it's a much cleaner image, the sky simply doesn't have banding, wall textures don't look like bad video streams the further you are away, distance details are only limited by your resolution, not compression, it's generally always better on a proper video cable, if you do A and B comparisons you'll wonder why the hell every says to get quest 2 for pc. Honestly depends what you want from pcvr though, sadly the neo 3 link still isn't perfect, controllers do have capacitive touch but have yet to get the driver update to use them! This can cause binding issues in some games needing some steam vr thumbstick bindings to get playing again. There is also the matter of distortion (although it's way way better now then release) it's not 100% perfect, that depends how sensitive you are to it and with how the lenses don't blur but distort, you also need to be really in line with lenses to mitigate that- a 3d printed faceplate is a must and wear the front of the headset low is my tips there. Chromatic aberration is it's biggest weakness, it's better on DP than it is standalone, but it's still the main thing hurting the image, the lenses are really clear compared to quest 2, but that means you see the Chromatic Aberration on edges instead, again Pico need to fix this. Performance wise, games run better and you won't have any stutter problems like you get with streaming, if your steam frametimes show a good solid performance, that's what you get, not random hitches or whatever from network or usb, it just feels so smooth by comparison, of course there is none of that latency and you'll feel that, 90hz on DP is smoother than 120hz on quest link/vd Entirely your call though, as it's still a work in progress really even though it's out of beta, the standalone aspect is getting updates now and on the new os, so it functions just like a Pico 4 in that regard and games like red matter 2 run at a higher resolution than quest 2, even the same resolution as Pico 4 which actually makes the game look better when played on neo 3 link than the Pico 4. Capacitive touch is working on standalone, the controllers do have them, VD can use it, Pico are dragging heels working on pc software but I'm still hopeful. If you have a standalone library on quest 2, that obviously won't transfer across to Pico, you'll have to buy games again. For oculus PC games, you can use revive on steam vr and they'll work fine. Controllers are not as well built as quest 2, you'll notice that straight away but functionality in tracking is near the same, maybe not as good when holding them directly on the headset Infront of you, but I've no complaints on tracking, on display port it feels way better than quest 2 over link or VD in response. If you want to have some idea on headset comparison on pc, please see my headset comparison video, that'll show how much difference there is visually
@@virtuallyreal Yeah, I'll definitely get a pico neo 3 link then I have a RX7900XT, more than capable of doing 90Hz, capacitive touch is not really an issue for most games and I can also get the faceplate 3d printed, hopefully there's still some available on XRSHOP by the middle of April, What would be your advice? buy now or wait a little bit longer?
@@alexn572 no rush mate, shouldn't be going anywhere as it's planned to be sold along side Pico 4, it's more the 'enthusiast's ' headset while Pico 4 is the grab and go standalone offering. There's a Pico discord you could join, I'm fairly active there and you'll get some grasp on neo 3 link situation. Few mods and tweaks logged by us lot aswell if you do end up getting one. discord.gg/picoxr-community-978568111693385738
Urgent, Christmas is coming and I’m wondering if I can use the pico controllers on quest 2, I’m also wondering what other vr controllers can be used on quest 2
Nope. You can setup valve index controllers but needs Vive trackers and seperate dongles and a bit of farting about pairing it all together on steam vr PC. But outside of that on PC, you can't mix and match controllers in standalone.
@@LuhBrady vr ready standards have changed, for quest 2 you need what would be considered a mid range gaming pc right now. Quest 2 doesn't need a pc to play games though, same with Pico headsets, they are still standalone headsets with their own store and games. Connecting to PC is the bonus.
@@LuhBrady valve index is top end pc vr enthusiast hardware, it's not made in same quantity or with compromise like quest 2 which has millions made then sells at a loss. Valve index has held its price because it still doesn't have competition as an all round package, it still has the best tracking, refresh rate and controls of any system.
@@tonystovepipe5935 I'm probably the wrong person to ask, my enthusiasm isn't there for Pico 4 as I'm yet to see a push to fix issues that were already known, which are still present and then more in Pico 4. Upto pico to step up here and work with the community to fix things. Hardware wise, both are solid headsets. The Pico 4 isn't there pc focused option though, so again down to you to decide if you wanted the display port or new lenses and form factor
I am trying to do the OTG charging of my Neo 3 link. I assume it is to increase battery life whilst playing. Do you have a guide that explains this? Thanks for your videos BTW, very helpful :)
otg is just for usb devices, for media or wired controllers for android apps, the PD charge otg adapter is so you can still do those things and still charge at same time.
Damn I didn't know I would not be able to run 90hz with the 1080ti. I took it for granted. And Pico 4 doesn't have DP at all. Sigh...have to wait for reverb G3 then....
halo virtually real thank you for the videos that you upload you are the best. if you can help me please wat vr headset I'm need to buy quest 2 vs pico 3 I don't have headset until now that I wont to buy so wat are you recommend me to buy?????
Due to the postive reviews i purchased a Pico neo 3 link to use with msfs 2020. Problem is: i can't use it because i have the boxed (dvd) version. People who own msfs 2020 on Steam have no problem.
Ah that's unknown to me, maybe worth reaching out to the games support and seeing if you can be sent a digital license or if there is a patch to add VR support.
Great review. The issues with distortion are bloody annoying. I really hope they fix it soon as my Rift S's controller has developed severe drifting and can't get a replacement so looking for a new headset. I do have a quest 2 but find the quality via the link cable to be quite poor. the Rift S looked much better to me.
Yeah link takes a heavy performance and visual hit, as well as added latency. Rift s certainly looked better at first glance to my cv1 and better than link, but 80hz jitter and halo design let it down for me so stuck with my CV1. Pico have just released an update to address distortion in the standalone side of headset, with the pc drivers being updated tomorrow. Hopefully they have tweaked all the right things, unfortunately my right eye has been injured over the weekend so I'll probably be late to testing the improvements, but I will be able to see any changes through the nerdy driver log files. I checked the wifi streaming which also has incorrect Res reported after the update today and that's still same, so at least I know any PC stuff is kept separate of standalone updates, meaning if it did get any bad updates like quest standalone gets alot, it won't actually knock onto PC use like oculus link does
@@virtuallyreal Thank you for the detailed response. I actually found the Rift S to be the most comfortable headset I've used (compred to the G2, CV1, Quest 2, Index and Vive) but each to their own. Did the PC drivers get updated? I'm right on the trigger with buying the Neo 3 link but still seeing some new impressions complaining about things. I have no intention of using wireless. I don't care about it and prefer having the maximum fidelity possible.
The neo controllers need a lot of work on design and build quality. I really want to see a proper competitor to Quest 2. I really hate Zuckerberg and knowing that if I buy a Quest 2 I would be supporting him. I really feel like Nintendo could make a great vr set given a good amount of dedication that could rule the VR world. I'm a big indie supporter and like the Switch for this reason. Edit: I also don't like that the Neo needs a funky app to download games and link it to the system. As well, the Neo needs a lower gb options for more affordability. Ultimately I feel like the Quest and Neo lack in a big way. Both systems not having a gb chip that you can swap out is a super poor move. It makes no sense at all.
There's no need for an app, maybe to make the initial Pico account by email if you do want to purchase games from the store, but from then on you can do it in headset. Also the storage is fine, unless your transfering 3d Blu-ray's, the games are relatively small same as quest even the biggest ones on quest are about 12gb, but average anywhere from 1gb-5gb 256gb is plenty and if you do have a giant collection of movies or emulator games, you can keep them on a usb stick and just run it from that with the Pico headset
@@virtuallyreal my issue regarding space is that I would want to buy a cheaper version like 64gb then buy more space if I need it. Currently the Pico offers a $400 plus option. The Quest offers a 64gb+
@@WitchDoctor87 64gb isn't what you get though, you'd only really have around 45gb usable space and that goes fast. Always worth spending more for stuff that's locked storage, as people who bought the 64gb versions found out when you could only just get 2 new games installed and that's it, they discontinued those models and only offer 128gb and 256gb now. Games will get bigger the more they push the hardware, 256gb is a sweet spot honestly and you'd struggle to fill 512gb with games you actually play.
@@WitchDoctor87 there are some great ones coming to standalone on quest, already has resident evil 4, getting San Andreas too, the library is very impressive on quest, something for everyone even if your not interested in the name brand games you most likely already know of.
Not that I'm aware of yet, the Pico has just beat quest 2 to the punch for releasing the game 'against' before it's even on quest store though. Be interesting to see if it even needs to rely on framerate trickery if we see a port of something like green hell come to Pico.
not really a difference, the edge to edge clarity is better in pico 3, meaning you can read text with your eyes outside of where you are looking with your head. the faceplate on the pico 3 sits you very far from the lenses, without a glasses spacer, im still no way near lenses and dont have a single scratch on lenses despite having used with glasses and having headset crushing my face. so fov, isn't as simple as chucking on quest 2 with those vr covers getting you scratching the lenses you are that close, compared to being miles away on pico which doesnt have aftermarket faceplates right now, getting closer improves fov. for me, quest 2 sweet spot is easier to find, but only because its incredibly blurry if you are not in it, so you guide yourself naturally to the clear point, with pico 3, its still clear outside sweetspot, but will be distorted, so you need a bit more care fitting it which seems like it takes longer by comparison, doesn't mean its smaller. for me, pico lenses are way better than quest 2, while it could very well have a better fov with quest if doing the app tests, if i can't read text without turning my head, then its a step back from pico neo 3 lenses which I can. for what its worth, people have been hyping this pico 4, but my video uploading now is a more depressingly realistic first impression- having multiple headsets here already.
It was terrible on release but has improved but it's not 100% perfect still. The main thing causing it was the incorrect resolution, but no reviewers said that..... Few of us spotted it pretty much immediately and then some absolute legend hacked the driver to correct it before Pico, making things way better and then Pico also improved the distortion correction factor at my request. Compared to what reviewers seen on release, it's miles better, it's usable but if you are super sensitive to distortion then you'll notice it, I've been using it nearly every day so it's not game breaking. The lenses do need to you also be in that sweet spot, as it'll still be clear if you are out of it, but be distorted. Getting closer to lenses helps massively and honestly, the image even though not 100% perfect yet, is fantastic on display port.
@Virtually Real I can get a P3 non link version for $260 from Walmart. Wondering if visuals are better enough to justify compared to Q2. The OTG and sideloading seem enticing.
@@rushmore3927 completely different device really just as a heads up. I believe that is a third party seller which means it will be a China region headset. Store is different (and does not have virtual desktop) and firmware is different to neo 3 link, so it will not have the same improvements it has received since release. In my opinion, it is not worth the risk, worth finding an EU version neo 3 link instead There is also China version neo 3 link too, so again you need to be careful where you buy from- the apparent ways you can change regions and firmware do not always work and can stop working any time, really not worth the risk. The main selling point of the neo 3 link is the display port cable which is included in the box
@@rushmore3927 yeah, I'm not preordering though, I barely use my quest 2 and if there's no display port, ill likely pass on it and look to the bigscreen beyond as next pc headset.
Cheers, it's changed alot since review too, Pico fixed up most of the display port mode with the community in the months after release and a few months back shared an unlocked display port driver, my own custom presets I've already shared in the community posts on this channel
I knew it was going to be a long video so did talk pretty quick, this was read from script so also edited which made it sound faster again, will know next time to slow down 😁
shame that there is no pico neo link 4 and there wont will be one after pico 5 was canned. too bad, pcvr has really become enthusiast market only for people willing to spend 1600+ on a setup with current gen devices. everything else is standalone with pcvr as an afterthought and with compression. the neo link is an exeption here, but i dont think i will be happy with the lenses, sweetspot and resolution
Things have changed since this video, I don't think anyone can say what Pico 4 is like because retail versions are not in people's hands yet. Next big update for neo 3 link is now 15th Oct aiming to address alot of issues. For what it's worth, I have a cv1 here (my pc headset of choice for years) an oculus go (for movies and sideload) and oculus quest 2. I've not touched any of them since getting the neo 3 link, I've recently turned on my quest 2, went to buy bonelabs only to find payments were not working and I couldn't add any new ones for the whole day, this is one of the huge reasons I do not use my quest 2 anymore, every time I do an update has caused issues. While quest 2 has a more feature rich is right now, I wouldn't say it's king, over 70 games have been added to Pico in 3 months alone, so standalone game library is growing fast and games play exactly the same if not better on the Pico headset due to its better cooling and faster running chip. I've no bias between either but just letting you know as someone who's had every oculus headset, I've not used any of them since getting the Pico, if that makes it trash for you then that's your opinion, but don't knock it until you try it.
calling it "Enthusiast Reviews" it literally lie , you literally passed on a main quest 2 power , it OS is multiple time better , from portal, keyboard tracking , same avatar in multiple games, AppSW and similar stuff , neo 3 is not quest competition, it a g2 competition , for stand alone feature set quest 2 is multiple time better
This isn't a review of the quest 2, that undoubtedly has more software features right now after 1.5 years of release, the Pico neo 3 link isn't even supposed to be with people and start it's beta until mid June, that would be a completely unfair comparison and a complete time sink chucking in every single feature of quest with nothing to compare to. I didn't even cover battery life as that would be unfair given my quest is old and tired and Pico is new and fresh The one thing that is yet to be seen is any spacewarp implementation, however, I am not a fan of running half the framerate of the display refresh, even asw2.0 still has visible motion artifacting and jello hands that takes away from any feeling of immersion I get, green hell is running at 36fps for example. The Pico may actually be able to run those same games without halving the framerate given the better cooling, we are yet to see this even begin to push what it can do, I wouldn't dismiss it just yet, like I've summarised, it has potential. And os being better is your opinion, so far I much prefer the open approach where I can actually do more things I actually want to with the Pico, I'd have to do an equally long list of things the quest 2 can't do in regards to the various emulators and controller support Also not sure how my title is a lie, I am an enthusiast and I've done a review. ''i'm an enthusiast and here is my first review of x'' if you'd like the long version
@@virtuallyreal @Virtually Real AWS 2.0 sux for me too and SSW is better, and AppSW is sooo much better, i personally did not see any artifact on AppSW well like it or not, you need to compare features set , i do agree this is not fare, quest os is over 3 years old now, but this is super important if you try to look at stand alone features , if you do not mentioned quest 2 i will say fine, but you mentioned and compared to quest 2 a lot btw like it or not it does not change how good quest 2 OS is and how advance feature set is , yes you maybe do not like how it operate, and it does have some problems, but it still best in class
@@FanTaz1986 it would be an hour long video and even worse to try capture as I can't show any reprojection artifacts as they don't show in recordings only headset. I'm not sure if you watched all of the video but I do say it can't replace my quest 2, not yet. As this is beta, there will be more features added, comparing quest 2 on release to how it is now is a big enough change, just need to give Pico time, beta means it's not final, oculus was final and they pushed beta experimental features before actually implementing them. If you'd like to do a review please do as I would watch but this took 4 full days alone to do, I'm testing headset, helping quake port and having to do video, it's hard work lol
@@FanTaz1986 asw was pc version, quest has its own version, they both function pretty much the same, quest version being direct from app render helps artifacts in render motion but it's still noticeable (say a tree bending when strafing) and especially noticeable in hand tracking. I'd much prefer a higher native refresh and worse graphics, unless there was a genuine case where it doesn't matter about 'feel' like getting Google earth onto the quest or something like that
THE PCVR SCALING IS **NOW PARTIALLY FIXED*** I really don't know what other reviewers originally seen, tiny hands are obviously way different to its current issue, but the steam VR reported resolution is still incorrect as this video shows, ***read responses below-this has been patched but not perfect***
wireless PCVR is reporting a perfectly square render resolution which is odd and manually overriding driver file values reports backwards still but also breaks all distortion correction and fov, so wireless is not really tweak able past its set values.
Unless someone can provide logs to prove otherwise, don't trust the impressions and opinions of reviewers claiming it's been fixed.
+1 - this!
Its weird because Pico always told me "it was fixed in the last update" but its clearly not. Anyway . Waiting for the 15.june update for my final verdict.
15th June update did not fix it, there has been some barrel distortion correction changes within standalone and new driver but not so suit the vertical resolution
June 21st update also has no corrected steam vr render resolution reporting, no change from 15th June update.
It's certainly more usable than it was before and most recent update should solve disconnect issues some people were having, but it still needs to be addressed as world scale and depth is incorrect
There is a beta update that's had driver corrections to swap width and height, along with increasing the distortion correction render resolution to 1.5x
This has greatly increased clarity and fixed the strange scaling issues, it does not stop any nvapi errors as this isn't the panel that's been corrected, only driver.
There are a few issues remaining, most notably chromatic aberration and some audio popping, but 1.1.4 update is the best so far, this is available linked in the beta discord and may get pushed to the app once further testing has been done.
Goodness this review is amazing. Lot's of detail. Pico might want to talk more about how their headset is open and unrestricted I don't think many people are aware of this. It's a dream for tinkering with emulators and android apps. One more thing I'm so hyped for Avatar 2 been watching the 3d trailers in a headset and the underwater scenes look especially great.
Can't you pretty much make/install whatever you want with sidequest? Haven really looked into sidequest yet but there's a bunch of fan made ports and shit.
I had the Quest Pro , Quest 3 , Pico 4 and Pico Neo 3 Link destroys all of them ! The clarity of this headset over display port is unbelievable . ❤ If you want to upgrade from a display port VR headset like Rift S or Valve index do not get streaming headsets like the ones above , it will looks like shit because of the compression . Pico Neo 3 link is the best PCVR headset price to performance. The best headset hands down for sim racing. Be aware that you will need to replace the default gasket with the Pico 4 AMVR one .
This is the best review on pico so far, with all those marketing and hundreds of influencer videos on pico neo, no one mentioned the portrait resolution bug at all. made me wonder if they are all get paid to only say good things
Finally someone that knows how REVIEWS of products must be made, not Kinder garden kids talking about it lol. Thanks! keep your good work.
Thanks for the thourough review!
A really good video. Makes the Pico even more interesting for me. If they fix that problems with the Patch next week, I'm near to order one.
Great first review, very in depth!
nice video dude, hope your channel grow fast, your work is pro
Quake3neo: mindblown, how fluid it runs, thx for the link :))))
Great quality review, looks professional, needs more views
Bro this review is absolutely great, very informative. You got my subscription
Nice to see a review on the pico 3 link as trying to find a decent one in the Microsoft flight sim 2020 community I have a quest 2 but would love to see a comparison with the quest 2 and the pico link with display port if it is a lot more clarity as there’s nothing out there at the moment with display port
Check out my other video called pcvr comparison.
@@virtuallyreal thanks will do
Hey mate, cheers for this absolutely fantastic review.
I also use a CV1 as my daily driver, and I'm really itching to replace it. I've bought and returned/resold a Rift S, Quest 2, Pimax 5K Super, and tried a Vive Pro. Every single one felt like a step back from the CV1 in some way or another.
Right now the top contender for me is the Reverb G2, but I'm very likely to consider a Neo 3 Link as well once they fix all the various software issues. However, there's one big issue for me, which is my head shape. The CV1's facial interface is very narrow, and it's perfect for my head. No light leakage, and it doesn't squeeze my face. The first thing I noticed when I got the Quest 2 was that I could stick my thumbs between my temples and the interface.
At 13:33 in your video, I can see that the Neo 3's interface is even wider than the Quest 2's, which would not work for me at all. Do you know if any companies will be working on facial interfaces for these headsets? 3D Printed interfaces likely wouldn't work due to the tiny fragile clips that hold the interface on, so I wouldn't be able to design a custom one.
Oh, I forgot to mention this. If possible, please could you test and see if the Neo 3 works with 2m long DP and USB extension cables? I use a pulley system and require at least 6.5m of cable for an optimal setup
Hey will, I do not have any dp extension cables (only an active usb for my cv1 3rd sensor)
With the DP cable being high bandwidth I'm not even sure it'll work unless they are spec to meet DSC, hopefully someone with existing extensions could confirm.
As for replacing cv1, it's still going to be hard in some areas, inside out tracking while being ok and not really any worse than quest 2, is still inside out. The tracking on 3 sensor cv1 is miles better and something you don't even need to pay attention to, where as simple things like being lazy with hands down near your side or doing some crazy boneworks stuff like hanging on a rail and looking down to shoot, is crap with inside out tracking as it won't see the controller and will default to gyro in last known position.
Faceplates are a common request and enough people have shouted about it that vrcover has now joined the Pico discord and are taking ideas, best one being a thin magnet adapter so you can reuse existing index or G2 faceplates and not risk breaking silly tabs constantly removing, should mean yoully be able to fashion your own then
the cv1 is incredibly narrow/ curved compared to the Pico as I shown in my first video of this headset, that said I think once you are closer to lenses with this Pico I don't think it's width would be so much a problem, it's light enough on face not to need it super tight to seal around temples but clearly no way near as light as a cv1 (a cv1 with its full cable weighs less than the Pico)
I've already got an oculus go amvr cover on the way to try out on the Pico, as I already use the middle ipd and the go faceplate does sort of fit the profile just using friction fit around the lenses, I will see how that goes so I can give feedback to vrcover too.
It's certainly an interesting headset so far, but I'm in much the same way that I can't possibly give up my cv1 until the Pico is fit and ready, oculus bringing back cv1 with new screen specs would be the absolute dream.
@@virtuallyreal Thanks for the detailed reply! I think I'll just stick with my CV1 until VR returns to OLED.
My eyes aren't very recessed in my head, so my eyelashes already touch the CV1 lenses. Sounds like the Pico wouldn't fit my face.
I did a night race in AMS2 today and I wouldn't be able to give up those blacks.
@@xmxlyyy I know exactly what you mean, even screen door is also absolutely no issue on night races, cv1 looks incredible with night race in thunderstorm on ams2.
I haven't delved too far into actually playing pcvr on the Pico just because of the distortion issue, starts to make me vr sick after 30 mins on beatsaber and I've pretty strong vr legs!
Software update due next week so hopefully can really see what this Pico can do and give it a go for my sim racing.
@@virtuallyreal I'm interested to see what you think of it
Trust me, as a user of the Rift S I can tell you that in my personal experience with the G2 it is a horrible headset. If you'd like I can elaborate on the numerous problems I experience during my time with it.
My remix for the index speaker brackets can be found here:
www.printables.com/model/226157-pico-neo-3-link-headstrap-clamps-index-speaker-rem
www.thingiverse.com/thing:5411152
this is just the brackets for the pico, all other files are in the original design linked in my upload.
Really good review. Somes up my opinion. I wanted to make a similar review in german but my Headset is currently in RMA.
Are the issues with of the Pico Neo 3 display port and steam vr solved now?
A very well rounded review and nice you included the information from the Discord channels ( Oishi here btw ).
All parts that are important are handled and you don't shy from criticizing the flaws that still exist to better the development of the software.
as positive remark, talk a bit slower, it kind of felt rushed. And for not first English language speakers it could be a bit hard to understand. Prefect English accent for YT video though :)
Appreciate it thanks, it's very rushed as was a nightmare editing and reshooting and recording due to file corruptions, also grew more than I expected and wanted to keep time down, if I ever do another in future I'll be more prepared with good software and have recordings done in one session to avoid differences
really good review, hope to get a follow up and same time comparison to pico4 in the near future
Best VR hardware review video i've seen on youtube.
In standalone, my Pico is really solid. I've even had a blast watching some movies on it, some superhero stuff in proper stereoscopic 3D is great fun. There's an actual built in network browser that works great, so I can access my home NAS easily. The file browser functionality per se, sorting etc leaves a lot to be desired, but I can play any media I want off the wifi directly. Very cool stuff for me, at least. The PC DP experience... well, Pico needs to grind away at that during this beta release. My glasses fit great as well, but I hope VROptician steps up. I'd also hope for a thinner face gasket, I could ge a bit closer too, even with glasses for that matter.
I emailed vr opticians early on and they are in the process of making them for the neo 3 link😁
I'm thinking on getting a Neo 3 so I'm wondering if some of these software issues have been fixed a year after the video's release.
NTFS is supported? does that mean I can use SD cards as expansions? Alright than.
Also Thanks for having a proper break down and not just a swift review. I wish more tech reviewers did things this way.
Yes, it's alot better now, still no capacitive touch when using DP mode which is annoying but has been mentioned many many times to Pico to address.
Microphone quality increased, 120hz now when using virtual desktop, capacitive touch in standalone, streaming assistant (sideloaded) and virtual desktop.
It's my main VR headset, I've covered a fair few videos on channel for neo 3 link.
It even has an unlocked display port driver available now so you can further tune image and resolution to your liking.
File storage for accessing and transfering files is great, no problems there, but you can't 'run' Pico VR games from external storage, emulator ROMs, videos etc are all fine
@@virtuallyreal Very, very nice. I'll be sure to look for your newer videos now too.
Wow, new hardware that allows the user to make custom adjustments is a pretty good find now days.
Oh one more question. You mentioned it can use it's usb c for storage? Does this mean I can save money and get the extra ram instead of the bigger data storage?
Thanks.
@@virtuallyreal Good to know. Thanks very much. 😄
@@kairon156 not sure what version you are looking at but the neo 3 link only has the one spec.
the neo 3 and neo 3 pro are not the same as what I reviewed (neo 3 link)
You don't want to buy the wrong headset, the link is the one getting updates and has separate firmware, china version is also different and has different app store so you don't want to buy the wrong headset!
Can't wait for these to come to the US, love to upgrade from my quest 1
I tried upgrading to the Quest 2 from the Rift S and went through 9 of them with each having abhorrent lenses in one way or another, whether it be blurryness, glare, or chromatic aberration. From your experience are there any similar problems with the Pico?
Thankfully not 😂 I also had 3 quest 2s on release and caused a bit of a stir with the Reddit bunch with my faulty lenses video.
I can't say every Pico is going to be perfect, from what I gather this is a VERY limited release compared to quest 2, where as quests are bombed out in the millions, I think the Pico beta release is only around 30k units for Europe.
That said, so far everyone in the beta is being looked after, they suspect (not even proven) some people have bad display port cables, so they are replacing them, no questions asked.
I couldn't get oculus to respond for a month asking for a replacement headset literally minutes after opening the box.
@@virtuallyreal I spoke a lot with customer support from oculus and the only thing they could say is to RMA it, however, the problem with that of course is that I would be stuck with a faulty headset if the one they sent me shared a similar problem. I'd also like to ask if you know when they plan to release in the US as I've been patiently waiting two years now for a new headset having gotten two quest 2s at launch which had lens problems and 7 more from two different retailers after they released the 128gb version.
@@virtuallyreal I'd also like to mention in this separate comment that MetaQuest/Oculus even after the release of the 128gb version of the headset continues to deliver barely functional lenses, and from my experience this seems to be on the majority of their headsets. I'm very disappointed that one of the most important pieces of the headset would be screwed up so terribly in a way that completely undermines every single other positive aspect.
Great vid!
Superb review, finally someone really getting all the little details right. Shame they can't send you all the headsets on the market. How are the bugs currently for the displays? VR Optician says their lenses are close, next week or one more. Once they're available I'd be interested getting a Neo 3 Link but I'm a bit wary considering that there are such glaring issues and they're not being addressed speedily.
To be fair to pico, there has been changes happening behind the scenes, with DP mode getting an update every week at one point for us in the beta discord channel but not pushed to the main pc app until now.
It's now in a much better state, with the render resolution increased, scaling much better (although not 100% right yet) and no more uncomfortable distortions, but there is still chromatic aberration outside of the sweet spot to fix, but the good news there is when it is, it'll look massively better than quest 2 and certainly be a G2 killer visually as any blurriness on Pico on outer edges is currently due to the chromatic aberration, not the lenses themselves, forcing a reduction of the screens colour blue can show text super crisp right upto edge which is a huge step up from what I get on my quest and cv1.
I've been meaning to get an update video uploaded but it's been hectic for me the past few weeks and now we have heatwave going on in UK stopping me going anywhere near my headsets lol.
Vr optician now have the lenses made and I'll be placing my order after a fresh eye test and prescription.
I want this, should I wait for the release of their next version though?
Great review, I can now thankfully retire my rift s. Plenty of rift s spares coming to eBay 😁
As someone looking forward just for heavilly modded Skyrim VR, would the Neo3L with DP cable reduce the GPU usage? I mean, would using a Quest 2 for example while having to compress and uncompress the image give me less FPS and needing to have a REALLY expensive (outright impossible to budget) GPU like a RTX3080 just to run in 90fps?
Someone said to me in the steam forums that while i would need a RTX3080 a dude said with a DP cable i could play it kinda nicely with just a 2080ti or 3070... Does it give that FPS difference from using the DP cable?
Great vid
@virtuallyreal may I ask you a technical question. We got the newer release direct from China and it has just one USB C/thunderbolt 3/dp port but no link cable. We have the same standard port on a Dell G3 3590 configured to nVidia 1660ti in physX. Theoretically this should give us a fast pipeline cabled using just an Anker USB C thunderbolt cable. 40GB/sec theoretical bandwidth.
Am I going about this the right way, or should we go USB C to display port cable and use an adaptor on the USB C/display port to get maximum bandwidth?
Anyone?
Thanks 🙂👍
When you say newer release are you referring to Pico 4? That does not support display port on it's type C connection.and has to stream either wirelessly or by usb
@@virtuallyreal definitely a Pico Neo 3. Vrcompare has it as well as the CN Pico website.
@@Prayer_warrior it may have it but will likely need picos own dp cable, on the 3 pro /eye/ link it is a separate port.
Also China firmware is very different to what we have in EU neo 3 link headset so I don't know if the DP mode has had the same fixes.
1660ti desktop should be ok but at lower resolution in steam vr, mobile likely will not have the power or vram for VR especially in a high resolution headset such as neo 3
@@virtuallyreal thanks man. I'm from UK, but now in Brasil. We're all good with a quality AC/AX WiFi and fibre Internet here is fast. Low latency 600MB/sec down and 40MB/s up is easily attainable. Also, will build a beast games machine in due course, so I'm trying to figure out my best cable Solution that will have a future.
The nipper's Dell G3 3590 is a challenge I saw coming when we ordered it, in that we have 1 x HDMI 2.0 port and a USB C/ display port 1.4 that's hardwired to the Intel graphics.
- I'm astounded that these 'el cheapo' Chinese Pico neo 3 models even support thunderbolt/dp with their one port, however they certainly claim to do so! Looks legit.
As regards firmware, we're all good there as we are well competent to flash straight to global 5.3.2 no problem. The device comes with a 5m USB C to USB A 3.1 cable from what I can see, that is screaming 5MB/s theoretical to me.
So, my ideas initially revolved around;
1. Anker USB C thunderbolt to HDMI or similar.
Theoretically 18GB
2. USB C to DP male and an adaptor or active converter at Dell end via our HDMI port.
25GB/s
3. Thunderbolt 3 USB C both ends.
40GB/s.
Now I see we would really need to tap the HDMI to get anywhere with the current laptop.
Absolutely agree, that for now, our nVidia won't be able to join the party. But for later on, we would still like to experiment with how much bandwidth we can push through the headset, when we get around to building a real PC.
God Bless you for your time and interest!
🥰🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
@@virtuallyreal ok update for anyone interested in this cable thread for the Pico neo 3.
We have been A/B'ing different cables we had on hand.
A USB C to USB A 4 cable is far sharper than a USB C to USB C standard cable.
About to plug in a USB C lightning ⚡ thunderbolt to USB A 3.2 and see how that goes!
Ok
1. Wireless 6.1
2. Second place a USB 4 cable
3. Lightning to USB C.
4. Standard USB C to USB C
That's the final results.
for what i know the 16 series gpus also have dsc, at least my 1660ti supports it
I think you are right, 16 series should have the support but worth checking before thinking of buying, I don't think anyone was aware of this requirement before release and few people wondering why they can't get 90hz to work.
Thanks for review! I work with youth groups and we have some Pico 3s - it might not be your thing but any Rec Room substitutes for the Pico. Our young people really like it.
There is rec room on the Pico, as for alternatives I'm not sure yet, the Pico world being developed may have similar activities, plenty of games that have sports/leisure activities bundled into the one app but I don't know if they are as social as rec room.
@@virtuallyreal Thanks so much for your quick response! New to VR so appreciate the help. I can see Rec Room as an option on the phone app but it is not in the menu on the headset - event when I'm logged into the same account.
I'll try some of the sports apps too just to see.
I'm having issues getting 90Hz with the DP connection even though I'm on the latest firmware (installed 2 days ago) and using an RTX 3080. Did you do anything special to get 90Hz? The 90 Hz appears on wifi, but in DP I don't even have an option. Not sure what the hell I'm doing wrong.
Appreciate any tips here, getting pretty frustrating :/
Have you selected 90 Hz in the Pico link app on the standalone side first?
Hi @setsuna, 7:05 onwards shows the Pico link app in headset, check the DP settings there and the little cog icon top right that 90hz is selected
@@virtuallyreal i will triple check, but i believe so. Will post an update here if it fixes it. I'm starting to lean on some gou setting being off, but I don't know exactly what to check. Something about DSC or whatever it is, but should be always on by default (i could be wrong though)
@@ginraisama yeah I've changed nothing in GPU settings, DSC support is enabled by default, Pico is a bit confusing (beta) so needs 90hz set for streaming and dp inside the headset itself before you even connect it to pc, then again in the Pico pc software before you launch steam vr.
One tip, once you've set whatever refresh and controllers in the Pico pc software, you no longer need it open before steam vr, it's only there to do the changes.
Just start Pico link in the headset and launch steam vr yourself.
One less program running 😁
@@virtuallyreal I just checked on the stand alone mode, I had 120Hz activated. Turned off 120 and got a message it would go to 72Hz default and restarted. Ok, so I keep going through the menus and don't find a single one mentioning 90Hz. Decided to connect again via DP thinking maybe the 120Hz was interfering somehow. Nope, still 72 in steamvr. Software was updated too as stand alone so I shouldn't be missing anything. Is there some secret menu i'm just not seeing where you pick 90? The visuals menu only lets me change brightness pretty much. This is really frustrating i have to be honest :(. But good tip on not having to turn on pico link, you are right, steam vr pops up immediately :)
Great review. I really appreciate your commitment to detail. With the software fixes (as far as they can fix these issues in software at least) rolled out so far, and presumably with more on the horizon, where do you think you stand on Pico Neo 3 Link vs waiting for the Pico 4, particularly for someone that could take advantage of the DP connection?
The neo 3 link is still the one to get for the display port connection and a few other things taken for granted like aux port, port placements themselves and buttons on the headset itself allowing use in darkness without Pico controllers for media or emulators or console game streaming for example.
That said, the ipd range is still limited and if you don't fall within that, the Pico 4 will visually be better for you optically, it is focused on a wider audience being able to use it at the trade off on hardware feature set.
Virtual desktop on the Picos will be interesting and I foresee the Pico 4 headset climbing up the steam vr charts, given the form factor, lenses, ipd adjustment and price.
quality wise VD won't be very different to existing standalones like quest 2 but the form factor and lightness of the headset will lend itself to wanting to use that headset over something like a quest 2.
Plenty of people are clearly happy using quest 2s with compression in every way it can connect, so ultimately it's a choice of absolutely pc clarity with display port or form factor and wireless or usb pc connection.
Personally, I am getting a Pico 4 but I'm entirely unsure if the form factor alone will warrant keeping it, considering functionality in some ways is actually a step back from the neo 3 link I have already.
If it still has all the great sideloading capabilities then it will take over that use case along with standalone gaming, given not many games actually use 120hz on standalone for the neo 3 link and the controllers seem much better on the Pico 4. (I have asked if they can be used with neo 3 link later on)
I was just as concerned as anyone about the next headset coming so soon and it's part reason why I haven't done a follow up video, but the neo 3 link is getting the same new os and feature set as neo 4, with Pico claiming both headsets will co exist, with neo 3 link being the enthusiasts headset (120hz standalone and DP for better pc image and performance)
With Pico 4 it's intention is for the grab and go vr users, simplistic design and form factor that you'd reach for to do a workout or just socialise in.
Crucially, both will run standalone games exactly the same (apart from those that have 120hz on neo 3 link) so it really is down to if you want that display port feature, or a slimmer lighter headset again (neo 3 link is pretty light already)
There is an update coming aiming to fix most remaining issues before the end of this month, I've not followed up this review even though I've had the voice over done for months now, with this Pico 4, it was a beta in a beta, I'm not exactly pleased about that as it meant silence for neo 3 link updates, when the update hits and I can see what has been improved this time I can really say what's been happening and how it's panned out.
@@virtuallyreal Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed reply. Your thoughts align with mine. I've ordered a Neo 3 Link and I'm really excited to get it :) Being able to swap between standalone and tethered is a killer combo in my home.
@@virtuallyreal Thought you might like an update! Unfortunately had to RMA my first headset due to a dead pixel issue, but SystemActive were excellent and very quick to remedy the situation. I'm now up and running and enjoying it greatly! Actually despite buying the Link, I haven't used the DP connection yet, been more than satisfied with Virtual Desktop (works a little better than Pico Link Wi-Fi mode in my experience so far). Thanks again for your efforts, helped me make a good choice that I'm really happy with.
@@EdgeGaming if it's any comfort, Im already considering selling my Pico 4 after a day.
while VD looks great on it, battery life and optical anomalies really make me not want to use it.
Have another sim league race tonight and looking forward to going back to neo 3 link display port.
The visual jump you get on dp and the performance increase for same resolution should be very noticeable for you when you do try dp mode.
The update that was due 15th is still in a QA process, here's hoping they have actually took on board the feedback we've been giving them and fix a fair few issues on neo 3 link.
i was almost going to buy a pico neo 3 to play together whit my gf(i already have a pico 4)
i was baited by the dp cable but now that i know that the cable is capable onli to deliver 90 hz, i m out !
there are no way to reach the 120 hz whit the cable right ?
I'm planning to get my own vr and decide to use pico neo 3 but since i will be working soon i will use it for a while then decide to buy the meta quest 2 by then i would get the quest 3 instead
Great review! I've been using the Pico Link for a few days, when in steamvr mode the left display is lower than the right display, the vertical ipd offset is wrong and it causes me a lot of eyestrain, in my case is not only horizontally is also vertically, is it normal?
Not normal at all, Pico have released some distortion correction for standalone today and are due to release new pc driver software on the 15th.
Worth trying the new version and if you still have problems after that get in touch with Pico, they also suspect some people may have bad display port cables and you can get a replacement until the end of this month.
Have they fixed the displayport bug?Pico4 Doea not support PCVR port and i looking for pico3
Replied to other comment more in depth, but for others reading, the display port is way better as I've put in my pinned comments in this video. But it's due another update end of this month.
Pico 4 can only do pcvr wirelessly or by usb cable, so performance and image quality is worse than the neo 3 link.
Thanks for this very detailed video, its such a hard choice for me to either buy the quest 2 or the pico cause I love all those little cool features the quest 2 has, however the dp port cable on the link and the open software and the ability to sideload android apps is such a huge advantage that i will probably get the neo especially when i use it for pcvr mainly. Whish i could have both.
FYI, both the Quest 1 and 2 have active cooling with fans too. It's not unique to the Pico Neo 3.
Absolutely, should have said aggressive active cooling, the intake on quest 2 is incredibly small around the front face plate and exhausts at top rear near the headstrap, the exhaust temps and fan power on the Pico suggest it's running harder than quest 2 but I'll need to sideload some benchmarks and compare
if it doesnt make zuck any richer im sold
Thank you for all this, and thank you for updating your comments with recent information.
Apart from a 72Hz limitation due to my GPU not supporting DSC, I really like all these features. Is it possible to install a PS1 emulator, and and use a bluetooth controller without connecting to a PC?
You'll need to put the BIOS files and ROMs in the correct place, but no reason you couldn't use headset itself to download APK for emulator and a file manager and go from there
I can’t see this anywhere online, does it work with non-steam games? I want to use it for iracing but all I see is that it only works with steam vr?
For display port it is direct mode in steam VR, so It'll use steam vr as the openxr runtime.
Performance is still good this way, when I tested msfs with steam VR as openxr runtime it was equally as performant (or not performant being msfs) as VDXR by virtual desktop.
I think for Pico the China is the main market. I cannot imagine that Quest gets in China a solid market share (especially when you need to connect using VPN to use Facebook services). On the other hand I can imagine Pico might be able to grow in the west world. We will see...
now that few months went by, how's the pcvr software nowadays? I really don't like the quest 2 compression and honestly something like pico neo 3 link would be an upgrade for me.
I'm 2 months overdue editing my follow up, it's much better now but not perfect.
This weekend I'll make an effort to get the video done
I've just added to the pinned comment on this video, we have another update coming before the end of the month addressing the most known issues including remaining distortion and audio popping on display port, with another update to follow.
As suspected, communication was radio silence while they've geared up for the announcement on new headset, but at least we now have word to expect another update.
@@virtuallyreal Hey, seeing your video is still not up, i'd like to ask :
You mentioned PCVR can ONLY run through Steam. Is it possible to add a game via the "Add a Non-Steam Game" button in the bottom left of the library and play it on the Pico 3?
I'm not even going to lie, I'm asking to see if you can launch pirated PCVR games.
@@akuoumaru7562 it's just steam and steam vr, I don't condone that use at all, but so long as it works using steam VR runtime it'll work on Pico headset.
@@virtuallyreal This will be my first headset, i don't know how it works. If you can test this out real quick, that would help me out immensely, it's the deciding factor in which headset to buy, really.
You don't have to pirate something if you don't want to, if there's some free vr test or showcase software that isn't on steam, please try adding it to steam and seeing if it works with the pico. I'd be forever grateful.
Yea I returned my quest 2 TWICE(didn't wanna try again after that) thinking I had bad lenses, I came from a CV1 and yeah the resolution is lower but it's clear edge to edge for me, the lenses on the quest 2 are garbage imo, glad to see pico did better here, to bad this isn't available in the u.s.
They are, I went through 9 and I use a Rift S
Thank You for this comparison. Right now I have a question considering that some time passed, I would like to use Pico 3 for PCVR, for working with Office as well, but I have 1070 Ti, which lacks DSC.
Is it fixed now? Thank You again :)
DSC support still required for 90hz, there has been improvements made early on to resolution issue but it still has work needing to be done.
No VR is really high enough resolution for office work just yet, while you could do it here it's not ideal
Is getting a Pico Neo 3 Link worth it as a replacement for the Quest 2 for PCVR?
I really hate the compression that USB streaming puts on the display of the Quest 2 when using it for PCVR, far away objects look like crap, and it has artifacts on lighting...
Is the Pico neo 3 link vastly superior in that matter to the Quest 2?
Are there any issues with tracking when comparing it to the Quest 2?
If you have the GPU that will do 90hz on DP cable, it's a much cleaner image, the sky simply doesn't have banding, wall textures don't look like bad video streams the further you are away, distance details are only limited by your resolution, not compression, it's generally always better on a proper video cable, if you do A and B comparisons you'll wonder why the hell every says to get quest 2 for pc.
Honestly depends what you want from pcvr though, sadly the neo 3 link still isn't perfect, controllers do have capacitive touch but have yet to get the driver update to use them! This can cause binding issues in some games needing some steam vr thumbstick bindings to get playing again.
There is also the matter of distortion (although it's way way better now then release) it's not 100% perfect, that depends how sensitive you are to it and with how the lenses don't blur but distort, you also need to be really in line with lenses to mitigate that- a 3d printed faceplate is a must and wear the front of the headset low is my tips there.
Chromatic aberration is it's biggest weakness, it's better on DP than it is standalone, but it's still the main thing hurting the image, the lenses are really clear compared to quest 2, but that means you see the Chromatic Aberration on edges instead, again Pico need to fix this.
Performance wise, games run better and you won't have any stutter problems like you get with streaming, if your steam frametimes show a good solid performance, that's what you get, not random hitches or whatever from network or usb, it just feels so smooth by comparison, of course there is none of that latency and you'll feel that, 90hz on DP is smoother than 120hz on quest link/vd
Entirely your call though, as it's still a work in progress really even though it's out of beta, the standalone aspect is getting updates now and on the new os, so it functions just like a Pico 4 in that regard and games like red matter 2 run at a higher resolution than quest 2, even the same resolution as Pico 4 which actually makes the game look better when played on neo 3 link than the Pico 4.
Capacitive touch is working on standalone, the controllers do have them, VD can use it, Pico are dragging heels working on pc software but I'm still hopeful.
If you have a standalone library on quest 2, that obviously won't transfer across to Pico, you'll have to buy games again.
For oculus PC games, you can use revive on steam vr and they'll work fine.
Controllers are not as well built as quest 2, you'll notice that straight away but functionality in tracking is near the same, maybe not as good when holding them directly on the headset Infront of you, but I've no complaints on tracking, on display port it feels way better than quest 2 over link or VD in response.
If you want to have some idea on headset comparison on pc, please see my headset comparison video, that'll show how much difference there is visually
@@virtuallyreal Yeah, I'll definitely get a pico neo 3 link then I have a RX7900XT, more than capable of doing 90Hz, capacitive touch is not really an issue for most games and I can also get the faceplate 3d printed, hopefully there's still some available on XRSHOP by the middle of April, What would be your advice? buy now or wait a little bit longer?
@@alexn572 no rush mate, shouldn't be going anywhere as it's planned to be sold along side Pico 4, it's more the 'enthusiast's ' headset while Pico 4 is the grab and go standalone offering.
There's a Pico discord you could join, I'm fairly active there and you'll get some grasp on neo 3 link situation.
Few mods and tweaks logged by us lot aswell if you do end up getting one.
discord.gg/picoxr-community-978568111693385738
Any news on release time frame for Virtual PC for Neo 3 Link?
Not yet for release date but it is being worked on
Will order 2 now!
Urgent, Christmas is coming and I’m wondering if I can use the pico controllers on quest 2, I’m also wondering what other vr controllers can be used on quest 2
Nope.
You can setup valve index controllers but needs Vive trackers and seperate dongles and a bit of farting about pairing it all together on steam vr PC. But outside of that on PC, you can't mix and match controllers in standalone.
@@virtuallyreal does my pc have to be vr ready with oculus software?
@@LuhBrady vr ready standards have changed, for quest 2 you need what would be considered a mid range gaming pc right now.
Quest 2 doesn't need a pc to play games though, same with Pico headsets, they are still standalone headsets with their own store and games.
Connecting to PC is the bonus.
@@virtuallyreal why is Valve Index so expensive any way I can get them for a lower price? Also thanks for helping me out.
@@LuhBrady valve index is top end pc vr enthusiast hardware, it's not made in same quantity or with compromise like quest 2 which has millions made then sells at a loss.
Valve index has held its price because it still doesn't have competition as an all round package, it still has the best tracking, refresh rate and controls of any system.
Is the Pico 3 link fixed and worth a buy-over of the pico 4 for PCVR only? Thanks.
The update we were all hoping for is apparently here, it's not fixed......
@@virtuallyreal oh no thats sad, do you think it's wise buying pico 4 if they can't fix the p3?
@@tonystovepipe5935 I'm probably the wrong person to ask, my enthusiasm isn't there for Pico 4 as I'm yet to see a push to fix issues that were already known, which are still present and then more in Pico 4.
Upto pico to step up here and work with the community to fix things.
Hardware wise, both are solid headsets.
The Pico 4 isn't there pc focused option though, so again down to you to decide if you wanted the display port or new lenses and form factor
I am trying to do the OTG charging of my Neo 3 link. I assume it is to increase battery life whilst playing. Do you have a guide that explains this? Thanks for your videos BTW, very helpful :)
otg is just for usb devices, for media or wired controllers for android apps, the PD charge otg adapter is so you can still do those things and still charge at same time.
@@virtuallyreal Thx I think I get it now lol :)
Damn I didn't know I would not be able to run 90hz with the 1080ti. I took it for granted. And Pico 4 doesn't have DP at all. Sigh...have to wait for reverb G3 then....
Worth double checking if your model GPU has support for it, maybe different aibs included it somehow.
@@virtuallyreal I will but I doubt it. It's an ROG strix. And ironically my 6600XT does support DSC but it is still a much weaker card.
Очень хорошее и крутое видео! Спасибо😄
halo virtually real thank you for the videos that you upload you are the best.
if you can help me please wat vr headset I'm need to buy quest 2 vs pico 3 I don't have headset until now that I wont to buy so wat are you recommend me to buy?????
I don't have or care about a pc games I'm only want play games on the vr headset..............so you can answer me please about the question????
If wanting to buy right now, the quest 2 is much more feature rich and stable and has a much larger library of games.
@@virtuallyreal you are the best thank you thank you thank you you are the best thank you thank you thank you ❤
Thank you!
Due to the postive reviews i purchased a Pico neo 3 link to use with msfs 2020. Problem is: i can't use it because i have the boxed (dvd) version. People who own msfs 2020 on Steam have no problem.
Ah that's unknown to me, maybe worth reaching out to the games support and seeing if you can be sent a digital license or if there is a patch to add VR support.
Great review. The issues with distortion are bloody annoying. I really hope they fix it soon as my Rift S's controller has developed severe drifting and can't get a replacement so looking for a new headset. I do have a quest 2 but find the quality via the link cable to be quite poor. the Rift S looked much better to me.
Yeah link takes a heavy performance and visual hit, as well as added latency.
Rift s certainly looked better at first glance to my cv1 and better than link, but 80hz jitter and halo design let it down for me so stuck with my CV1.
Pico have just released an update to address distortion in the standalone side of headset, with the pc drivers being updated tomorrow.
Hopefully they have tweaked all the right things, unfortunately my right eye has been injured over the weekend so I'll probably be late to testing the improvements, but I will be able to see any changes through the nerdy driver log files.
I checked the wifi streaming which also has incorrect Res reported after the update today and that's still same, so at least I know any PC stuff is kept separate of standalone updates, meaning if it did get any bad updates like quest standalone gets alot, it won't actually knock onto PC use like oculus link does
@@virtuallyreal Thank you for the detailed response. I actually found the Rift S to be the most comfortable headset I've used (compred to the G2, CV1, Quest 2, Index and Vive) but each to their own.
Did the PC drivers get updated? I'm right on the trigger with buying the Neo 3 link but still seeing some new impressions complaining about things.
I have no intention of using wireless. I don't care about it and prefer having the maximum fidelity possible.
@@Treebsquire update for pc due today/tomorrow so will report back,nice also gone with this for the cable
The neo controllers need a lot of work on design and build quality. I really want to see a proper competitor to Quest 2. I really hate Zuckerberg and knowing that if I buy a Quest 2 I would be supporting him. I really feel like Nintendo could make a great vr set given a good amount of dedication that could rule the VR world. I'm a big indie supporter and like the Switch for this reason.
Edit: I also don't like that the Neo needs a funky app to download games and link it to the system. As well, the Neo needs a lower gb options for more affordability. Ultimately I feel like the Quest and Neo lack in a big way. Both systems not having a gb chip that you can swap out is a super poor move. It makes no sense at all.
There's no need for an app, maybe to make the initial Pico account by email if you do want to purchase games from the store, but from then on you can do it in headset.
Also the storage is fine, unless your transfering 3d Blu-ray's, the games are relatively small same as quest even the biggest ones on quest are about 12gb, but average anywhere from 1gb-5gb 256gb is plenty and if you do have a giant collection of movies or emulator games, you can keep them on a usb stick and just run it from that with the Pico headset
@@virtuallyreal my issue regarding space is that I would want to buy a cheaper version like 64gb then buy more space if I need it. Currently the Pico offers a $400 plus option. The Quest offers a 64gb+
@@WitchDoctor87 64gb isn't what you get though, you'd only really have around 45gb usable space and that goes fast.
Always worth spending more for stuff that's locked storage, as people who bought the 64gb versions found out when you could only just get 2 new games installed and that's it, they discontinued those models and only offer 128gb and 256gb now.
Games will get bigger the more they push the hardware, 256gb is a sweet spot honestly and you'd struggle to fill 512gb with games you actually play.
@@virtuallyreal I wonder what kind of stand alone titles we can expect. It interests me because I don't have a VR set yet.
@@WitchDoctor87 there are some great ones coming to standalone on quest, already has resident evil 4, getting San Andreas too, the library is very impressive on quest, something for everyone even if your not interested in the name brand games you most likely already know of.
does Pico have any kind of motion reprojection?
Edit: BTW, Best review so far... Thank you
Not that I'm aware of yet, the Pico has just beat quest 2 to the punch for releasing the game 'against' before it's even on quest store though.
Be interesting to see if it even needs to rely on framerate trickery if we see a port of something like green hell come to Pico.
Other people say that PICO 3 has bad FOV compare to Q2 and also sweet spot is smaller, could you comment this please?
not really a difference, the edge to edge clarity is better in pico 3, meaning you can read text with your eyes outside of where you are looking with your head.
the faceplate on the pico 3 sits you very far from the lenses, without a glasses spacer, im still no way near lenses and dont have a single scratch on lenses despite having used with glasses and having headset crushing my face.
so fov, isn't as simple as chucking on quest 2 with those vr covers getting you scratching the lenses you are that close, compared to being miles away on pico which doesnt have aftermarket faceplates right now, getting closer improves fov.
for me, quest 2 sweet spot is easier to find, but only because its incredibly blurry if you are not in it, so you guide yourself naturally to the clear point,
with pico 3, its still clear outside sweetspot, but will be distorted, so you need a bit more care fitting it which seems like it takes longer by comparison, doesn't mean its smaller.
for me, pico lenses are way better than quest 2, while it could very well have a better fov with quest if doing the app tests, if i can't read text without turning my head, then its a step back from pico neo 3 lenses which I can.
for what its worth, people have been hyping this pico 4, but my video uploading now is a more depressingly realistic first impression- having multiple headsets here already.
Confused, since every other review points out old school barrel distortion when looking around. That is a bad thing for visuals.
It was terrible on release but has improved but it's not 100% perfect still.
The main thing causing it was the incorrect resolution, but no reviewers said that..... Few of us spotted it pretty much immediately and then some absolute legend hacked the driver to correct it before Pico, making things way better and then Pico also improved the distortion correction factor at my request.
Compared to what reviewers seen on release, it's miles better, it's usable but if you are super sensitive to distortion then you'll notice it, I've been using it nearly every day so it's not game breaking.
The lenses do need to you also be in that sweet spot, as it'll still be clear if you are out of it, but be distorted.
Getting closer to lenses helps massively and honestly, the image even though not 100% perfect yet, is fantastic on display port.
@Virtually Real I can get a P3 non link version for $260 from Walmart. Wondering if visuals are better enough to justify compared to Q2. The OTG and sideloading seem enticing.
@@rushmore3927 completely different device really just as a heads up.
I believe that is a third party seller which means it will be a China region headset.
Store is different (and does not have virtual desktop) and firmware is different to neo 3 link, so it will not have the same improvements it has received since release.
In my opinion, it is not worth the risk, worth finding an EU version neo 3 link instead
There is also China version neo 3 link too, so again you need to be careful where you buy from- the apparent ways you can change regions and firmware do not always work and can stop working any time, really not worth the risk.
The main selling point of the neo 3 link is the display port cable which is included in the box
@Virtually Real Will hold out for Q3 then. Had the QP and loved it, but $1,060 with taxes looming to pay was too much, so returned. Visuals rocked.
@@rushmore3927 yeah, I'm not preordering though, I barely use my quest 2 and if there's no display port, ill likely pass on it and look to the bigscreen beyond as next pc headset.
I will be buying the neo 4
I love my pico 3 link.Its give me a lot of fun.I have hp g2-htc pro 2.Buth the pico wil be my daily driver.No vr bril are perfect.
This review is THE best on Pico 3 Link on RUclips. Wish I have 100 like votes.
Cheers, it's changed alot since review too, Pico fixed up most of the display port mode with the community in the months after release and a few months back shared an unlocked display port driver, my own custom presets I've already shared in the community posts on this channel
How do you talk so quickly and why?
I knew it was going to be a long video so did talk pretty quick, this was read from script so also edited which made it sound faster again, will know next time to slow down 😁
@@virtuallyreal i actually enjoyed the speed and straightforwardness. Its very refreshing and straight to the point, compared to other videos.
@@DenGladeSpiller thanks 😁
shame that there is no pico neo link 4 and there wont will be one after pico 5 was canned. too bad, pcvr has really become enthusiast market only for people willing to spend 1600+ on a setup with current gen devices. everything else is standalone with pcvr as an afterthought and with compression. the neo link is an exeption here, but i dont think i will be happy with the lenses, sweetspot and resolution
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By the time Pico fix all the problems highlighted in this video the Quest 3 will be out.
I’m sorry but the pico controllers look ugly
bottom line, pico is all trash the same with pico 4 while quest 2 is still the king
Things have changed since this video, I don't think anyone can say what Pico 4 is like because retail versions are not in people's hands yet.
Next big update for neo 3 link is now 15th Oct aiming to address alot of issues.
For what it's worth, I have a cv1 here (my pc headset of choice for years) an oculus go (for movies and sideload) and oculus quest 2.
I've not touched any of them since getting the neo 3 link, I've recently turned on my quest 2, went to buy bonelabs only to find payments were not working and I couldn't add any new ones for the whole day, this is one of the huge reasons I do not use my quest 2 anymore, every time I do an update has caused issues.
While quest 2 has a more feature rich is right now, I wouldn't say it's king, over 70 games have been added to Pico in 3 months alone, so standalone game library is growing fast and games play exactly the same if not better on the Pico headset due to its better cooling and faster running chip.
I've no bias between either but just letting you know as someone who's had every oculus headset, I've not used any of them since getting the Pico, if that makes it trash for you then that's your opinion, but don't knock it until you try it.
Pico Neo 3 = NO ^^
calling it "Enthusiast Reviews" it literally lie , you literally passed on a main quest 2 power , it OS is multiple time better , from portal, keyboard tracking , same avatar in multiple games, AppSW and similar stuff , neo 3 is not quest competition, it a g2 competition , for stand alone feature set quest 2 is multiple time better
This isn't a review of the quest 2, that undoubtedly has more software features right now after 1.5 years of release, the Pico neo 3 link isn't even supposed to be with people and start it's beta until mid June, that would be a completely unfair comparison and a complete time sink chucking in every single feature of quest with nothing to compare to.
I didn't even cover battery life as that would be unfair given my quest is old and tired and Pico is new and fresh
The one thing that is yet to be seen is any spacewarp implementation, however, I am not a fan of running half the framerate of the display refresh, even asw2.0 still has visible motion artifacting and jello hands that takes away from any feeling of immersion I get, green hell is running at 36fps for example.
The Pico may actually be able to run those same games without halving the framerate given the better cooling, we are yet to see this even begin to push what it can do, I wouldn't dismiss it just yet, like I've summarised, it has potential.
And os being better is your opinion, so far I much prefer the open approach where I can actually do more things I actually want to with the Pico, I'd have to do an equally long list of things the quest 2 can't do in regards to the various emulators and controller support
Also not sure how my title is a lie, I am an enthusiast and I've done a review.
''i'm an enthusiast and here is my first review of x'' if you'd like the long version
@@virtuallyreal @Virtually Real AWS 2.0 sux for me too and SSW is better, and AppSW is sooo much better, i personally did not see any artifact on AppSW
well like it or not, you need to compare features set , i do agree this is not fare, quest os is over 3 years old now, but this is super important if you try to look at stand alone features , if you do not mentioned quest 2 i will say fine, but you mentioned and compared to quest 2 a lot
btw like it or not it does not change how good quest 2 OS is and how advance feature set is , yes you maybe do not like how it operate, and it does have some problems, but it still best in class
@@FanTaz1986 it would be an hour long video and even worse to try capture as I can't show any reprojection artifacts as they don't show in recordings only headset.
I'm not sure if you watched all of the video but I do say it can't replace my quest 2, not yet.
As this is beta, there will be more features added, comparing quest 2 on release to how it is now is a big enough change, just need to give Pico time, beta means it's not final, oculus was final and they pushed beta experimental features before actually implementing them.
If you'd like to do a review please do as I would watch but this took 4 full days alone to do, I'm testing headset, helping quake port and having to do video, it's hard work lol
@@virtuallyreal are you sure you do not mix SSW /AWS and appSW ?
@@FanTaz1986 asw was pc version, quest has its own version, they both function pretty much the same, quest version being direct from app render helps artifacts in render motion but it's still noticeable (say a tree bending when strafing) and especially noticeable in hand tracking.
I'd much prefer a higher native refresh and worse graphics, unless there was a genuine case where it doesn't matter about 'feel' like getting Google earth onto the quest or something like that