The startup Lynx markets the Lynx R1, the first mixed reality headset of French origin. A product that aims to stand out from competitors’ devices, especially Apple and Meta.
It was last June. Apple used its WWDC conference to unveil the Vision Pro, its first mixed reality headset. Meta, in turn, responded a few weeks later with the Meta Quest 3. While the American tech giants are investing heavily in this area, the French startup Lynx also offers its mixed reality mask solution: the Lynx R1, available in two models.
The latter embed cameras that recreate reality on screens to add virtual elements to the real world. A concept similar to that of the Apple Vision Pro, but which the French company can be proud of being among the first to implement it. “Mixed reality is a bet that we have been pursuing at Lynx since 2017,” emphasizes Stan Larroque, founder and CEO of Lynx, guest of the Tech&Co virtual reality special show on Monday, October 30th.
A helmet that offers its own concept
For composer Jean-Michel Jarre, who is also present at this show, the Lynx mixed reality headset stands out from competing models on a conceptual level. “It brings other features that, for many reasons, interest me as a developer more than the headsets that are on the market. The Lynx is a concept that has its own identity. The interesting thing is that it’s about showing that.” “There is an opportunity to install a building block of sovereignty in this area. Be it in terms of software or hardware,” explains the musician, who leads the “Immersive Creation” commission of the National Cinema Center (CNC).
While the Apple Vision Pro will be closed and equipped with a cable, the Lynx is characterized by being open on the sides and without cables. “Many people feel restricted and have clostrophobia. The Lynx is the only helmet that avoids this problem,” notes Jean-Michel Jarre. The French company has no plans to blush in the face of the American tech giants. On the contrary, Stan Larroque explains that he was reassured about Lynx’s trajectory after trying Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
“I was reassured by the fact that it’s not much different from our helmet. At 4,000 euros it is simply very high quality and equipped with more expensive components.” […] If we had had specifications for making a $4,000 helmet, we probably would have come to the same result or a slightly different result.”