Lynx-R1 is now shipped but no longer aimed at consumers

The Lynx-R1 Mixed Reality Headset has started shipping. As for pricing, the startup doesn’t seem to be targeting consumers anymore.

Lynx-R1 has a long history of development and delays. The headset was first announced in January 2020. In October 2021, a successful Kickstarter campaign took place, bringing in the startup around $775,000. The initial goal was to provide equipment to supporters in April 2022. After many delays, the first headphones have finally shipped.

More than 1,200 enthusiasts and companies have backed the project on Kickstarter. Lynx CEO Stan Larroque confirmed during his recent live Youtube session that Kickstarter backers and pre-orders will be served first, chronologically.

It is not yet clear when the final group will receive their packages. The first batch that is currently shipping includes “several hundred devices”. Deliveries may be further affected when the team makes a manual quality control on each unit.

Unboxing for the first time: Here’s what’s in the box

Larroque unboxed the first box during the live broadcast on Youtube (see video below).

In addition to the headset, the box also has two accessories: one optional top strap for better weight distribution and facial interface for VR users, can be easily attached and removed thanks to the magnetic brackets. A USB-C cable and instruction card are also included.

Dedicated controller Not included and still under development. The final update on the state of the controller came at the end of July. At the time, it was said that the controller would have a unique design and would “probably” be shown in the fall. The Lynx-R1, like the Apple Vision Pro, relies heavily on hand tracking and has a great third-party solution from Ultraleap.

Lynx-R1: No longer a consumer-facing headset?

It is currently unclear when the Lynx-R1 will be available in the market. new customers. I have asked Stan Larroque but have yet to receive a response.

It’s also not clear if Lynx is still available consumption strategy. Initially, the Lynx-R1 will be sold to businesses for $1,500. In July 2021, just before the Kickstarter campaign, the startup took a step back and announced that it was instead targeting consumers with a “several hundred dollars” price tag. . USD.”

Now the startup seems to have changed course again, saying that the Lynx-R1 will cost 1,299 euros. The only alternative is a developer toolkit, which isn’t cheap either. The latest FAQ says: “We currently have several developer kits available for 849 Euros, which will be discontinued soon.”

The only difference between the Developer and Enterprise Editions is the license. Companies are allowed to resell the latter along with their software solutions. In addition, the Pro version offers direct support from the Lynx team.

Strong competition from Meta and Apple

The fact that Lynx is taking another turn in strategy is not surprising. The product landscape has changed due to the Lynx-R1 being delayed multiple times. The next few weeks will see the launch of the consumer-facing Meta Quest 3 for $499, which is also a mixed reality headset, but unlike the Lynx-R1, includes a next generation chips as well as a depth sensor. Also, Apple made a bet in June and launched the Vision Pro. It is slated for release in early 2024.

Despite this strong competition, Lynx-R1 still needs to find a solid customer base: Small businesses, government or cultural institutions, developers and tinkerers who don’t want to buy into the ecosystem existing state is controlled by large corporations and wants more freedom in terms of hardware and software access. Lynx is also working on a second generation devicethis can be interesting.