PICO Major Update 4 improves hand tracking, adds automatic system updates, and more

ByteDance旗下品牌PICO的最新一次操作系统更新带来了一系列改进。PICO OS 5.7提高了头戴式VR头盔的无线手部追踪质量，具体包括减少抖动，提高准确性和稳定性。我在新版本的操作系统中体验了家庭环境下的手部追踪，发现与Meta Quest上的手部追踪相比，延迟仍然明显较高。不过，PICO的手部追踪仍被标记为试验性功能，可能会在未来发生改变。

The headset's positional tracking has also been improved, PICO says, "reducing slight head-tracking judder issues that can occur in dark and spacious scenes or when the head is stationary". The company also claims that playback space drift issues should be mitigated so you don't have to redraw boundaries as often.

The update also adds the ability to record natively in a 9:16 aspect ratio, designed for posting videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Image stabilization for recording is now enabled by default, and similar to the feature on the Quest, a pop-up notification will appear when you stop recording so you can quickly preview your clip.

PICO OS 5.7 also increases the system automatic update function. Previously, you needed to manually check for and initiate system updates, but if automatic updates are enabled, the headset will automatically download and install updates when the headset is in standby and the battery is above 50%.

The update also adds sharpening to the built-in PC VR streaming functionality, though based on our review, if you're gaming wirelessly, we recommend using the third-party app Virtual Desktop for better smoothness and quality.

Finally, the update also adds the ability to scan and link bank cards using a real-world perspective view. It's the first time we've seen such a feature in a headset from a major platform company, and promises to be far more convenient than typing long card details on a VR keyboard. The feature should reduce the friction involved in buying your first VR game, but it may raise eyebrows for the privacy-conscious.

Ten months after its launch, the PICO 4 still hasn't been sold in North America. It was originally planned to launch in the U.S. in March, but that plan was put on hold due to congressional hearings about the possible Chinese government access to TikTok user data and influence on content recommendation algorithms, according to reports.