HTC’s New Vive Focus Vision Headset Looks Like The Real Deal
by Matt Gardner · ForbesA new contender has entered the VR and XR space, and it looks like the real deal–especially for long, high-end gaming sessions. HTC Vive finally unveiled its latest headset: the Vive Focus Vision, which hopes to please gamers and high-tech productivity fans alike, and with a midpoint price for its range.
The Vive Focus Vision targets PCVR and standalone gaming as well as location-based experiences, workplace applications like industrial training and collaboration, and mixed reality. Scheduled to start shipping on October 18, for $999–slightly more expensive than the recently reduced XR Elite, but $400 cheaper than the Focus 3–its specs are impressive for its pricetag, and might be one of the most flexible headsets out there.
VIVE Focus Vision core features and specifications
- “Combined 5k resolution” across both eyes (2448 x 2448 pixels per eye; 4896 x 2448 pixels combined);
- Up to 120-degree FOV and 90Hz refresh rate, (with 120Hz refresh rate support via DisplayPort mode planned for late 2024);
- 12 GB LPDDR5 RAM;
- 128GB built-in storage, expandable up to 2TB with a MicroSD card;
- Battery life of around two hours, with a quick-swapping continuity mode;
- Dual 16MP color cameras for stereoscopic full-colour passthrough;
- DisplayPort mode for “visually lossless PCVR experiences”;
- Built-in eye-tracking and motorized auto-IPD adjustment;
- Depth sensor for scene recognition; and
- Infra-red sensor for enhanced tracking in low-light conditions.
HTC Vive has based the Focus Vision on the Focus 3 platform and has given it “significant updates in visuals and comfort,” while also making it easier to keep the hardware running for longer sessions and across multi-user scenarios such as VR arcades and employee training. A built-in sub-battery can keep the device running for up to 20 minutes while batteries are changed out.
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The Vive Focus Vision also has auto IPD adjustment with integrated eye tracking, which automatically adjusts the distance of the lenses for each user, again targeting multi-user situations.
On the gaming side of things, the Focus Vision’s PCVR DisplayPort mode promises “lossless visuals” for SteamVR players who prefer to keep themselves directly connected to their graphics card for high-powered experiences. There’s also a reworked cooling system for more comfortable playing sessions.
Pre-orders are now open, with an added incentive of a free Vive Wired Streaming Kit for DisplayPort mode (usually $149). Buyers will also have their choice of one of three popular game bundles as a complimentary package–one confirmed today by Maru VR Productions, the “Wild Pack” Bundle, includes its title Bootstrap Island alongside the upcoming Metro Awakening, the superb Arizona Sunshine 2, and Breachers.