The standout feature for Samsung’s new Odyssey+ headset is its so-called “anti-SDE” display, but beyond that it appears that the headset has actually seen minor adjustments in a handful of areas. With the first Odyssey headset having poor ergonomics, we’re hoping that these adjustments will make the headset more comfortable for a wider range of users.
We previously knew that the Odyssey+ would feature a larger nose cavity and wider face interface (the foam that rests against the face around the eyes), but now having our hands on detailed photos to look side-by-side with the original headset shows that much of the headset has gotten a good once-over. Drag the sliders on each image below to compare the headsets (note: images are not perfectly to scale).
Above we can see the most notable adjustment to the Odyssey+ which is a redesign of the display housing with a simplified composition, now looking more like a singular unit than two distinct pieces.
Samsung says that the weight of the headset has been slightly reduced (from 820 grams to 798 grams, cable included).
Above we can see the clearest changes to the nose cavity. The opening is not only much wider (Samsung says from 32mm from 40mm), but the rubber flaps have been adjusted to point away from the face instead of perpendicular to it. Both changes will hopefully reduce that mildly infuriating feeling of having your nostrils pinched slightly while using the headset, though ideally this won’t come at the expense of too much light leakage through the nose cavity. The lenses almost look different here as well, but most likely it’s just a difference in the way the images were rendered.
The images above again show the changes to the display housing, which previously had a distinct ‘outside’ with an inset piece that culminated in the face interface. The outside housing on the Odyssey+ is now continues further toward the face and the inset piece appears largely eliminated. We can also see minor adjustments to the buttons on the bottom of the housing, including a slight tweak to the microphone placement. The headphones also get a little red flourish on the inside to highlight the AKG branding.
This view above gives us the best look at the changes to the headset’s padding. Samsung says that the Odyssey+ is using new foam which should allow for more airflow and reduce fogging. The face interface is also now removable and washable, which will be deeply appreciated by anyone using the headset for games that lead to a good workout.
Samsung says the overall width of the face interface has been increased from 138mm to 146mm, which may make it easier to fit glasses inside. The section of foam along the brow has also been beefed up on the Odyssey+ whereas on the original it thinned above the nose. Hopefully the increased surface area will better distribute pressure and improve long term comfort.
From this angle it almost looks like the headphone connection point has been slightly adjusted from the Odyssey to the Odyssey+, but it’s tough to say if that’s really the case or if it’s just a subtle difference in the rendering. We hope it was in fact adjusted, as on the original Odyssey the headphones could be hard to get in just the right spot without adjusting the headset in a way which would be detrimental to visual quality.
It’s also worth noting that the Odyssey+ controllers are identical to the original Odyssey controllers, though even the original ones were slightly tweaked compared to the controllers used by all the other Windows VR headsets.
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Samsung announced and launched the Odyssey+ this week. Priced at $500, the headset is said to be available now in the US from Samsung and Microsoft websites (though we’ve yet to see a page where it can be ordered), and the company plans to launch it “soon” in Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Brazil. As a Windows VR headset, the Odyssey+ works with VR apps from the Windows Store and SteamVR. Check out this article for more information about the headset’s features.
