HTC Vive Focus Vision Announced As “Hybrid Standalone PCVR Headset”
HTC’s Vive Focus Vision has pre-order dates, a PCVR focus, Mixed Reality capabilities, eye-tracking, and more!
HTC just revealed its brand new standalone VR headset: The Vive Focus Vision—and it’s now available for pre-order.
Packed with premium specs and features, the Vive Focus Vision combines elements from some of HTC’s previous headset models to focus on an immersive PCVR and MR experience.
So, let’s check it out!
HTC Vive Focus Vision features and specs
The HTC Vive Focus Vision seems to provide a broad mashup of specs from their previous Vive Focus 3 and Vive Elite XR models—two great headsets aimed at two very different markets.
Indeed, many of the Focus Vision specs are recognizable from the Vive Focus 3, which was released in 2021 primarily for enterprise consumers. It uses the same high-quality 5k resolution LCDs (or 2,448 x 2,448 if you wanna get technical), the same rechargeable controllers, the same Fresnel optics, and will be compatible with all of the Focus 3 accessories for a wide range of customization options. So, it’s packing a lot of quality tech into it—while the Vive Focus 3 still carries a more premium price of around $1,300.
The Focus Vision also has a couple of features the Focus 3 notably does not: Stereo color passthrough, allowing for Mixed Reality experiences, and automatic Inter-Pupillary Distance (IPD) adjustment between 57–72mm—a feature that’ll be especially useful for VR arcades, training providers, and other enterprise-related use cases.
And speaking of passthrough, this feature, as well as the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset, can be found in another of HTC’s headsets: The Vive Elite XR, which is aimed less at the enterprise market and far more squarely at the prosumer/gamer market.
Moreover—and boosting its appeal for PCVR gamers even further—Focus Vision pre-orders ship with the new Vive Wired Streaming Kit for free (which will retail at $150 when sold separately), which includes a 5-meter cable and converter, both with DisplayPort compatibility. You’ll also be able to play PCVR games from Steam and Viveport as expected and it’s compatible with the Vive Ultimate Trackers (sold separately).
Here’s a quick glance at some of the Focus Vision key features:
- 12GB RAM
- 128GB internal storage
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset
- 5k dual LCD screens
- 2 hours battery life
- 90Hz refresh rate (120Hz via DisplayPort alt mode coming late 2024)
- Lossless graphics with the Vive Wired Streaming Kit (free with the device)
- Base station-free PCVR gaming
- Infrared floodlight for illuminated hand tracking
- Multiple floating re-sizable screens in your space
- Auto IPD adjustment between 57–72mm
- Stereo color passthrough with 2 RGB 16MP cameras
- Eye tracking!
If you want to learn more, you can find the full list of Vive Focus Vision specs right here.
Who is the HTC Vive Focus Vision for?
This hybrid mashup of features is interesting—and pretty much makes the Vive Focus Vision the best of both worlds, marrying top features from two very different headsets—perhaps in an effort to target the broadest market possible. After all, why specialize when you can do everything well? “A jack of all trades is master of none, but often better than a master of one.”
We’ve seen more and more XR manufacturers adopting this hybrid approach to gaming, productivity, and enterprise over the past couple of years, with Meta rolling out numerous updates in quick succession to bring more productivity features to Quest headsets—and compete with the Apple Vision Pro, which places entertainment and enterprise at the center of its offering.
However, since HTC is calling this a “A hybrid standalone PC VR headset”, it seems that the gamer market is the one they’re most aiming for with this suite of features. Also, that head strap looks perfect for providing comfort during long gaming sessions!
Indeed, when you pre-order, you’ll not only get the Vive Wired Streaming Kit mentioned above—you’ll also get 13 games: Metro Awakening VR, Bootrap Island, Breachers, The Pirate Queen, Taskmaster VR, Kayak VR: Mirage, Wanderer, Arizona Sunshine 2, Puzzling Places, Magic Keys, Toy Trains, Yuki, and Figmin XR.
We’re also keen to see how many PCVR gamers will upgrade to this new headset over time as, currently, the HTC Vive and the HTC Vive Pro occupy the no.4 and no.10 spots on Steam’s most-used hardware and software survey. Will the Focus Vision soon make this list?
Now, the $999 pre-order price tag is pretty hefty, but it looks like we’re getting a whole lot of headset for that price, plus a free Wired Streaming Kit cable, free games, and plenty of options for further customization. This ultimately means plenty of use cases within the gaming, productivity, and enterprise spheres, so, pick your poison!
Pre-orders are open right now — come with plenty of free goodies to enjoy—and will run until October 17, after which the HTC Vive Focus Vision will presumably launch.
Will you be picking one up?
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