Acer Introduces the Acer OJO 500 Windows Mixed Reality Headset

The new detachable design makes it easier than ever to experience Windows Mixed Reality

Editor's Summary:

• The Acer OJO 500 is the first Windows Mixed Reality headset and first Virtual Reality headset to feature a detachable design, patented built-in sound pipe technology, and software-assisted interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment technology
• The headset's unique detachable design makes it easy to clean and share among multiple users (family and friends, or in a business environment)
• Available with either a hard head strap or soft washable head strap; each provides a snug yet comfortable fit to keep the headset firmly in place
• An integrated audio system focuses sound on the ears, eliminating the need for headphones
• The patented IPD technology ensures the display is set at the optimal distance from the wearer's eyes
• Easy to set up with inside-out tracking and 6 degrees of freedom positional tracking
• Commercial customers^[1] can personalize the headset with a logo or company colors on the front cover

BERLIN, Aug. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the next@acer Global Press Conference at IFA, Acer announced its new Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset, the Acer OJO 500. The new headset features a one-of-a-kind detachable design that offers superior flexibility, comfort, and hygiene for consumers and businesses.

"The Acer OJO 500 brings several significant new features to this class of Windows Mixed Reality headsets," said Andrew Chuang, General Manager, Presence Computing, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. "We've improved the user experience with innovative visual and audio technologies and made the headset more comfortable and easier than ever to use."

The First Windows Mixed Reality Headset to Feature a Detachable Design

The Acer OJO 500's unique design enables the lens and head strap to be individually removed, making the headset easy to store and clean. This is especially beneficial for businesses who want to provide customers with clean headwear for each use.

Available with either a hard or soft head strap, both provide a snug yet comfortable fit. The soft head strap is machine washable^[2], and the extra-large padding on the hard head strap helps the headset fit securely and firmly in place. In addition, the mask can be flipped up, eliminating the need to remove the entire headset to answer the phone or converse with people in the room.

IPD Wheel Enables Customized Viewing

For maximum clarity, the Acer OJO 500 includes a built-in interpupillary distance (IPD) wheel and a patented smart phone app to measure IPD distance (the gap between the eye's pupil and the display). The software-assisted IPD measurement app, Acer IPD Meter, along with Acer IPD Indicator software lets the wearer modify this distance for sharper, clearer images and a more enjoyable experience.

Two front-hinged 2.89-inch high-resolution liquid crystal displays provide a wide 100 degree field of view and deliver a 2880 x 1440 resolution. A fast refresh rate of up to 90Hz delivers clear and realistic images for an immersive mixed reality experience.

Integrated Audio System Eliminates the Need for Earphones

In a first for VR headsets, the integrated audio system uses a patented sound pipe design that directs sound from the built-in speakers toward the wearer's ears. The unique design means users can hear audio without wearing earphones, enabling them to remain aware of the surroundings while still enjoying an immersive experience. This is ideal for use in public spaces where users may not want to be totally cut off from their surroundings. The integrated audio system consists of embedded speakers, a patented sound pipe, and a built-in mic array. Customers that require more privacy and deeper immersion can use the built-in earphones that come with the hard head strap, or an earphone of their own choice with the soft head strap. 

Easy Set Up with Inside-Out Tracking

Featuring inside-out tracking, the camera is on the headset so there is no need to drill holes in a wall or set up extraneous hardware. As soon as the headset connects to a Windows Mixed Reality-ready PC, it installs the required software. Setup is quick and easy taking about 10 minutes. The 6 degrees of freedom positional tracking includes forward/back, up/down, and left/right as well as pitch, yaw and roll. The headset comes with a 4 meter (13 feet) cable allowing a wide range of movement, and connects to a PC via HDMI 2.0, while a USB 3.0 connector downloads data.

Motion Controllers Included

The Acer OJO 500 comes in an optional configuration that includes two Bluetooth enabled motion controllers that sync with the headset; a Windows 10 button, touchpad, and grab button to let users interact with digital objects in mixed reality.

Windows Mixed Reality

As a Windows Mixed Reality headset, there are currently more than 2,500 games and applications available for the Acer OJO 500 between the Steam VR and the Microsoft Store platforms. It requires a compatible Windows-based PC; requirements can be checked here.

The Acer OJO 500 will be available in North America in November, starting at $399; and in EMEA in November, starting at €499.

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.

The new Acer OJO 500 was unveiled today at the next@acer press event held at IFA in Berlin, where the company announced a range of new devices and solutions for gamers, creators, families, students and professionals. For more information, visit www.acer.com/nextatacer.

About Acer
Founded in 1976, today Acer is one of the world's top ICT companies and has a presence in over 160 countries. As Acer looks into the future, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will infuse with one another to open up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. From service-oriented technologies to the Internet of Things to gaming and virtual reality, Acer's 7,000+ employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2018 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Windows is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.

[1] Minimum order quantity applies

[2] Strap can be washed by machine for a limited number of times

SOURCE Acer Incorporated