In Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality News
September 18, 2024 – HTC VIVE, a provider of premium extended reality (XR) solutions, has today announced its newest XR headset with the launch of the ‘VIVE Focus Vision’ – a PCVR and standalone device with built-in eye-tracking that offers 5K resolution and up to 120-degrees field of view (FOV).
The new device is the latest in the company’s VIVE Focus Series and offers a range of improvements and new features that HTC stated will give both gamers and enterprise users the “best possible immersive experience for PCVR and standalone gaming.” The headset also has uses for Location-Based Experiences (LBE), industrial training, collaboration, and mixed reality applications, according to HTC VIVE.
“VIVE Focus Vision gives you the best of both worlds, with outstanding standalone capabilities, and DisplayPort mode support for visually lossless PCVR experiences,” said Shen Ye, Global Head of Product at HTC VIVE. “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.”
VIVE Focus Vision takes the company’s VIVE Focus 3 platform and expands upon it with significant updates in visuals and comfort, as well as improvements in operational efficiency and headset sharing for multi-user scenarios. HTC VIVE noted that such multi-user setups are popular with businesses like VR arcades, and employee training for healthcare, defense, finance, manufacturing, and other sectors.
VIVE Focus Vision also features DisplayPort mode for PCVR, which enables lossless visuals by connecting the headset directly to a PC graphics card. With DisplayPort, users can view content without degradation of quality, making the headset well-suited for PCVR gaming and enterprise use cases, according to HTC.
Additionally, the VIVE Focus Vision features auto interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment with integrated eye tracking, making it possible for users to more easily share the headset with other people. The headset can automatically adjust the IPD of the lenses to ensure clear visuals for different users each time they put the headset on. Auto-IPD also provides an ideal solution for high-user turnover environments, such as LBEs and training events.
The Focus Vision also comes with two front-facing color cameras that enable stereoscopic passthrough mixed reality (MR), allowing users to see the world with natural depth perception while wearing the headset.
Furthermore, VIVE Focus Vision features a revamped cooling system that HTC stated helps to enhance comfort, and a swappable battery for extended use sessions. It also has a built-in sub-battery to keep the device running for up to 20 minutes while changing batteries, meaning users never lose their place in an XR experience.
Highlighted features of the VIVE Focus Vision include:
- Built-in eye tracking and motorized auto-IPD adjustment;
- DisplayPort mode for visually lossless PCVR experiences;
- Dual 16MP color cameras for stereoscopic full color passthrough;
- Up to 120-degree FOV and 90Hz refresh rate. Support for 120Hz refresh rate via DisplayPort mode coming late 2024;
- Combined 5k resolution across both eyes;
- Depth sensor for scene recognition;
- Infra-red sensor for enhanced tracking in low-light conditions;
Pre-orders for VIVE Focus Vision are open starting today until October 17, 2024. Pre-orders will also receive a free VIVE Wired Streaming Kit for DisplayPort mode valued at USD $149, as well as a choice of one of three game bundles as a complimentary package.
The VIVE Focus Vision – Consumer Edition will come with the HMD, two controllers, a headset battery, a charger and charging cables, and will cost USD $999 (prices in other countries: UK £999 inc. VAT / DE/FR €1,199 inc. VAT / IT €1,219 inc. VAT / NO 14,990 NOK / DK 9,290 DKK / PL 5,299 PLN / A$ 1,899 inc. GST).
For more information on the HTC VIVE Focus Vision and to pre-order the headset, click here.
Image / video credit: HTC VIVE
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About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.