From Vision to Reality: Somnium VR1’s Milestone Moment

Written by Marc Demar, based on this Medium Post by Somnium Space.

After years of anticipation, hard work, and development, Somnium Space has achieved a landmark moment in 2024: the shipping of the first five batches of the VR1 headset. In Somnium Space’s latest Medium article, Artur Sychov, founder and CEO, shared what this means to him and the company:

It’s a bit surreal, to be honest, but we couldn’t be prouder. Not just of ourselves, but of everyone who stayed with us, waiting (sometimes impatiently) for the best PCVR headset out there.

It’s undeniably a groundbreaking achievement, and here at the Somnium Times, we’ve been closely following every step of this ambitious journey. Creating cutting-edge VR hardware—or any hardware, for that matter—is a monumental challenge. But striving to craft something that surpasses everything else on the market? That requires an audacity and drive most companies wouldn’t dare to embrace.

The fact that Somnium Space succeeded speaks volumes about their unyielding determination and unshakable faith in their vision. I say this with conviction because, after several weeks of diving deep into my own VR1 headset, I can confirm—it’s not just hype. It delivers in ways that truly set it apart, validating every bit of the hard work and passion poured into its creation.

Artur Sychov (Founder & CEO of Somnium Space) performs final Quality Assurance check before shipping customer headsets.

Streamlined Product Lineup

Somnium Space has made the strategic decision to streamline the VR1 lineup by reducing the number of available variants and concentrating on the most popular models. This approach is both practical and efficient—managing a lineup of eight different versions adds unnecessary complexity to the production process. By narrowing their focus to the top-performing variants, Somnium Space aims to optimize production, expedite delivery, and ensure uncompromising quality. The updated lineup now includes:

Visionary Edition – Featuring advanced eye tracking.

Titan Edition – Equipped with hand and eye tracking for seamless interactions.

Ultimate Edition – Combining mixed reality, hand tracking, and eye tracking.

Somnium Space is cancelling the 4 least popular variants of the VR1 headsets. New prices will be announced on the 16th of January. Until then, old prices apply.

For those who pre-ordered the discontinued models, there’s no need to worry—Somnium Space reassures customers that their orders will still be fulfilled, making these variants rare and potentially collectible items.

Price Adjustments on the Horizon

Quality comes at a cost, and Somnium Space has acknowledged that producing the VR1 is more complex than originally anticipated. As a result, prices for the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions will increase starting January 16, 2025.

Until then, customers can still purchase these headsets at the current pricing, offering an opportunity to secure one before the adjustment takes effect.

Somnium VR1 manufacturing line in Czeh Republic

Global Expansion: Shipping to the U.S. in 2025

In another exciting update, Somnium Space announced that they will begin shipping the VR1 to customers in the United States starting January 2025. With FCC certification secured, this expansion opens the door for VR enthusiasts in the U.S. to experience the headset firsthand.

Production capacity is also ramping up, with estimated shipping dates for new orders set for February-March 2025. This move demonstrates Somnium Space’s commitment to meeting growing global demand.

Customization and Open-Source Innovation

One of the standout features of the Somnium VR1 is its open-source design. The company has released 3D files for the headset, inspiring a wave of creativity within its community. From custom mounts to alternative head straps, users are tailoring their VR1 headsets to suit their individual preferences.

Additionally, the VR1 Tool software offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tweak every aspect of their headset for a truly personalized experience. A groundbreaking feature, exchangeable warping profiles, empowers users to modify visual settings directly within the headset, further enhancing its versatility.

What’s Next for Somnium VR1?

Looking ahead, Somnium Space has outlined exciting plans for 2025:

Spare Parts: Somnium Space plans to sell individual VR1 components, such as optical modules, main boards, electronics, cables, screens, and more, enabling advanced users to repair and modify their headsets.

Somnium VR1 parts and modules in their factory in the Czech Republic

YouTuber Collaborations: The company is reaching out to YouTubers to showcase authentic reviews of the VR1, ensuring transparency and building trust within the community.

Monthly Meetups in Prague: Somnium VR1 owners and guests will have the opportunity to connect at monthly events hosted at the Somnium Space office. These gatherings will feature gaming sessions, headset testing, and vibrant discussions about PCVR.

Each meetup will feature VR1 testing stations, gaming sessions with popular racing and flight simulators, and ample opportunities to discuss all things PCVR. Whether you’re trying out the headset for the first time or sharing your experiences as a VR1 owner, these events promise to be engaging, insightful, and, most importantly, enjoyable!

Somnium VR1 next to Somnium Space’s Prague office