Lynx-R2 XR headset: wide field of view, data protection, openness
The European counterpart to Samsung Galaxy XR, Apple Vision Pro, and Meta Quest 3 aims to give users more freedom and not siphon off unnecessary data.
The Lynx-R2 aims to offer more openness and data protection than the XR competition from overseas.
(Image: Lynx)
French manufacturer Lynx has announced the Lynx-R2, a new standalone mixed reality headset that aims to significantly differentiate itself from international competitors like Apple Vision Pro, Samsung Galaxy XR, and Meta Quest 3. The R2 is intended to impress with an open operating system, high image quality, and comprehensive control over its sensor technology, primarily targeting industry, research, and professional users.
Wide Field of View and New Lens Technology
The core of the R2 is a particularly wide field of view: at 126 degrees horizontally, Lynx offers significantly more than comparable standalone headsets. The Vision Pro offers about 100 degrees, while Samsung states 109 degrees for the Galaxy XR, and the Quest 3 ranks at 110 degrees horizontally. This is made possible by a new lens technology resulting from a collaboration with the lens experts at Hypervision. These aspheric pancake lenses are also intended to ensure distortion-free vision in the periphery.
(Image:Â Lynx)
According to the manufacturer, the pixel density in the center is over 24 pixels per degree. This value is particularly relevant for medical and industrial applications, as it minimizes the so-called "screen door effect" and thus displays details more clearly. How these values actually affect image quality remains to be seen in tests. On paper, the Lynx-R2 lags behind the Galaxy XR (approx. 40 PPD) and Vision Pro (34 PPD), but is roughly on par with Meta's Quest 3 (25 PPD). The display is provided by two 2.3K LCDs.
Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Easy Repairs
Inside the R2 runs Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, which Lynx claims offers 2.5 times the graphics performance and eight times faster AI processing compared to its predecessor, the R1. Two quiet fans are intended to ensure constant cooling. For environmental sensing, four wide-angle cameras, a depth camera, and infrared LEDs are used. These enable not only room mapping and hand tracking but also applications such as 3D scans, Gaussian Splatting, and object-based tracking. All functions can be used via the OpenXR interface in engines like Unity, Unreal, or StereoKit.
The familiar flip-up design of the predecessor is retained: users can flip the visor up, allowing for quick switching between real and digital environments. The battery is housed in the rear of the headband and serves as a counterweight. Additionally, interpupillary distance and lens distance can be individually adjusted – even with glasses. Repairs are also intended to be easier: screw connections instead of adhesive, a replaceable battery, and official maintenance guides are planned.
No Android XR – but Open Source and Data Protection
Originally, the headset was supposed to be delivered with Google's Android XR platform. However, Google surprisingly ended the cooperation, as Lynx founder Stan Larroque explained to UploadVR late last year. Instead, Lynx is now relying on its own operating system called Lynx OS – an open-source variant of Android 14 with full support for OpenXR 1.1.
The source code, as well as electronic schematics and blueprints, are to be made publicly accessible. Developers will also receive direct access to camera and sensor data, which is not readily possible with Meta's or Apple's platforms. In terms of data protection, Lynx also intends to go its own way: the device functions completely offline, and there is no dependence on cloud services or social media accounts. This could be a significant advantage, especially in areas such as defense, healthcare, or industry.
(joe)
