What is Passthrough mode and how do I enable it on the Pico Neo 3 Enterprise/Pro (Eye)?

Passthrough mode allows you to see the real environment through the headset’s cameras without removing the Pico Neo 3. It is a real-time video display, mainly used for safety and comfort reasons when transitioning between the real world and virtual reality.

1. What is Passthrough mode on the Pico Neo 3?

On the Pico Neo 3, Passthrough relies on the headset’s front tracking cameras.

It allows you to:

• View the real environment to avoid collisions.
• Quickly find your way around the room.
• Move safely before or after a VR session.

The Pico Neo 3’s Passthrough is a black and white display, intended for safety. It is not mixed reality or interactive color Passthrough.

2. When Passthrough mode activates automatically

Passthrough mode may activate automatically in certain situations:

• When you approach the boundaries of the play area.
• When configuring or redefining the safety zone.
• If the system detects a risk of exiting the defined space.

In these cases, the display temporarily switches to the real environment.

3. Manually activating Passthrough mode

Depending on the software version of the headset, Passthrough can be activated manually:

1. Turn on the headset and open Settings.
2. Go to the “LAB” section and enable the “Fast Transparent Mode” option.
3. Tap twice on the right side of the headset to switch to Passthrough mode. Repeat the action to return to the virtual world.

On some versions, Passthrough is only accessible via safety mechanisms and does not have a dedicated permanent switch.

4. Limitations of Passthrough mode

The Passthrough mode on the Pico Neo 3 has several limitations:

• Black and white display.
• Reduced image quality compared to direct vision.
• No AR interactions or virtual element overlays.

It is designed as a safety feature and not as a mixed reality working mode.

The Passthrough mode on the Pico Neo 3 allows you to view the real environment through the headset’s cameras, mainly for safety reasons. It activates automatically near the boundaries of the play area and, depending on the software version, can be activated from the settings. This mode remains a utility black and white display, without advanced mixed reality features.