PICO today officially unveiled its next-generation operating system, PICO OS 6, and offered an early preview of its upcoming flagship XR hardware, internally codenamed Project Swan. PICO OS 6 represents more than just an incremental update; it is a complete reconstruction of the spatial operating system. By redesigning its architecture from the ground up, it addresses persistent challenges in XR experiences, enabling seamless coexistence of 2D apps, 3D content, virtual environments, and physical reality. To complement the software, PICO plans to launch a new headset that combines upgraded hardware with this enhanced operating system, delivering a more integrated spatial computing experience.
At the core of PICO OS 6 is the PICO Spatial Engine, a unified rendering architecture that fundamentally changes how graphics are processed. Unlike previous approaches where rendering was isolated at the app level, the Spatial Engine moves the pipeline to the OS level. This allows 2D apps, 3D objects, virtual environments, and physical reality to render simultaneously with high responsiveness, ensuring multiple 3D apps and 2D windows operate harmoniously and enabling virtual elements to blend naturally into the real world.
Building on this foundation, PICO OS 6 introduces spatial multitasking, allowing users to collaborate on complex 3D models with colleagues represented as avatars while keeping browsers, notes, and other productivity tools active in floating windows above physical surfaces. The system adapts to multiple input methods, from gaze and pinch gestures to XR controllers for gaming, or even traditional keyboard and mouse setups for professional workflows. For the 2,600+ enterprise institutions PICO serves, this provides a stable, responsive digital workspace for professional spatial collaboration.
Openness is a key principle of PICO OS 6. The operating system supports a wide variety of app ecosystems, including Spatial apps, OpenXR, WebXR, Android apps, Web apps, and PC VR streaming, treating all platforms as equal contributors. By lowering barriers for developers, PICO unites disparate ecosystems into a seamless user experience, fostering an inclusive environment for spatial computing.
To empower developers, PICO has introduced a comprehensive suite of tools. The PICO Spatial SDK (Kotlin) and UI system simplify design with component-based APIs and unified runtime adaptation. The PICO Spatial Plugin for Android Studio and the new desktop-based PICO Emulator enable rapid development, coding, and testing without requiring a headset. Additionally, the open-source WebSpatial framework allows developers to use standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and React to create install-free, cross-platform spatial apps that run across PICO OS, VisionOS, and AndroidXR. PICO OS 6 also deepens support for Unity and Unreal Engine, enabling mixed reality games to run alongside 2D and 3D apps, unlocking multitasking that allows gaming while simultaneously video chatting or browsing. All tools are available at developer.picoxr.com.
While PICO OS 6 lays the software foundation, Project Swan represents the next step in hardware innovation. Project Swan introduces a new generation of MicroOLED displays with nearly 4000 PPI, offering a center sweet spot exceeding 45 pixels per degree for crisp text and professional workflows. The headset features a dual-chip design that manages complex mixed reality pipelines, including a custom XR chip that fuses data from multiple sensors to create realistic representations of physical spaces with just 12 milliseconds of latency. The flagship SoC doubles CPU and GPU performance compared to the XR2 Gen 2. Project Swan is scheduled for a global launch in late 2026.
PICO has also launched the “PICO Global Early Access Program,” inviting experienced users to participate in a closed beta test for Project Swan and PICO OS 6. By gathering feedback from high-end device users, PICO aims to ensure seamless integration between the new OS and hardware. Interested participants can apply at picoxr.com.
Founded in 2015, PICO is a leading innovator in all-in-one VR and MR technology, committed to connecting people, enriching lives, and unlocking possibilities. The company continues to build an integrated XR platform that empowers creators, developers, and businesses while inspiring global communities. For more information, visit PICO’s official website.
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