TechCrunch spent some time with the $1,119 Vive XR Elite portable headset that had Meta’s Quest Pro firmly in its sights. The new Vive Focus Vision, which was announced on Wednesday, is a fair bit larger and $1,000 less expensive than that system.
A Mixed Reality Headset for Both Gamers and Enterprise
The new headset looks to swim in similar waters as Apple’s Vision Pro, Microsoft’s HoloLens, and the Magic Leap 2. It’s a mixed reality headset, meaning it offers VR and passthrough-style AR experiences. It’s also mixed use, aiming at both gamers and enterprise firms.
Enterprise Focus
Much like Magic Leap, HTC understands that enterprise is where the money is — especially now that Meta’s loss-leading Quest headsets have come to dominate the casual market. That said, along with its enterprise bona fides, the Vive Focus Vision has enough firepower under the hood to appeal to PC gamers tethered via the DisplayPort.
Global Head of Product Shen Ye on the Vive Focus Vision
"Vive Focus Vision gives you the best of both worlds, with outstanding standalone capabilities, and DisplayPort mode support for visually lossless PCVR experiences," says Global Head of Product Shen Ye. "Now, PC gamers can bring the same high-end headsets used in VR arcades into their homes. We’re taking everything to the next level with built-in eye-tracking, stereo color passthrough cameras for depth-correct mixed reality, and even an infra-red sensor for enhanced hand tracking in low-light conditions."
A Kitchen Sink Approach
The headset takes a kitchen sink approach to the category. Along with DisplayPort support, it features:
- Built-in Eye Tracking: provides accurate and precise eye-tracking capabilities
- Dual 16-Megapixel Camera: enables full-color passthrough and depth sensing
- Stereo Color Passthrough Cameras: for depth-correct mixed reality experiences
- Infra-Red Sensor: enhances hand tracking in low-light conditions
Specifications
The display has a 120-degree field of view and can support up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The cooling system has been upgraded — a must for the aforementioned lossless PCVR sessions. There’s also an onboard backup battery that keeps it alive when swapping out the main battery.
Availability and Pricing
Preorders open Wednesday, and the system should start shipping in mid-October. The price tag is $1,119, which is a fair bit less than some of its competitors.
Gaming
The Vive Focus Vision has enough firepower under the hood to appeal to PC gamers tethered via the DisplayPort. With features like built-in eye-tracking and stereo color passthrough cameras, it’s clear that HTC is targeting both gamers and enterprise firms with this headset.
Enterprise
HTC understands that enterprise is where the money is — especially now that Meta’s loss-leading Quest headsets have come to dominate the casual market. The Vive Focus Vision has enough features to appeal to both gamers and enterprise firms, making it a versatile option for businesses and individuals alike.
Mixed Reality
The Vive Focus Vision is a mixed reality headset, meaning it offers VR and passthrough-style AR experiences. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to experience both worlds without having to switch between devices.
Display and Performance
The display has a 120-degree field of view and can support up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The cooling system has been upgraded, making it suitable for lossless PCVR sessions. There’s also an onboard backup battery that keeps it alive when swapping out the main battery.
Conclusion
The Vive Focus Vision is a powerful mixed reality headset that appeals to both gamers and enterprise firms. With its built-in eye-tracking, dual 16-megapixel camera, and infra-red sensor, it’s clear that HTC is targeting high-end applications with this device. The price tag of $1,119 may seem steep for some, but considering the features and capabilities, it’s a fair trade-off.
Recommendation
The Vive Focus Vision is recommended for those who want a powerful mixed reality headset that can handle both gaming and enterprise tasks. It’s ideal for PC gamers who want to experience high-end VR without having to invest in separate equipment. Enterprise firms may also find this device suitable for their needs, considering its robust features and capabilities.
Final Thoughts
The Vive Focus Vision is a significant player in the mixed reality headset market. With its powerful features and capabilities, it’s clear that HTC is targeting high-end applications with this device. The price tag may seem steep for some, but considering the features and capabilities, it’s a fair trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Vive Focus Vision?
- A mixed reality headset that offers VR and passthrough-style AR experiences.
- Who is the target audience for the Vive Focus Vision?
- Both gamers and enterprise firms.
- What are some of the key features of the Vive Focus Vision?
- Built-in eye-tracking, dual 16-megapixel camera, infra-red sensor, and more.
Additional Resources
For more information on the Vive Focus Vision, please visit the official HTC website or check out the following resources:
