HTC has revealed a new VIVE headset aimed at the enterprise and high-end gaming markets.
The VIVE Focus Vision is the latest device to join the VIVE stable, joining the VIVE XR Elite, VIVE Focus 3 and Vive Pro headsets, as well as the VIVE Flow augmented reality glasses.
The VIVE Focus Vision consumer edition will cost $999, with the enterprise edition at $1,299, making it the second most expensive in HTC’s line-up behind the VIVE Focus 3 (The XR Elite was previously $1,099 but has since been knocked down to $899).
Shen Ye, Global Head of Product at HTC VIVE, said: “VIVE Focus Vision gives you the best of both worlds, with outstanding standalone capabilities and DisplayPort mode support for visually lossless PCVR experiences.
“We’re taking everything to the next level with built-in eye-tracking, stereo colour passthrough cameras for depth-correct Mixed Reality, and even an infra-red sensor for enhanced hand tracking in low-light conditions.”
HTC said the new headset brings “a wealth of improvements” to its VIVE Focus 3 headset, improving industrial training, immersive collaboration and mixed reality applications.
Its enhancements are particularly valuable for industries like VR arcades, employee training in healthcare, defence, manufacturing, and more, where seamless headset sharing is crucial, HTC said.
HTC also highlighted the device’s DisplayPort mode for PCVR, which allows XR professionals to experience lossless, high-fidelity visuals by directly connecting the headset to a PC’s graphics card. This ensures enterprise users see content precisely as developers intended, preserving the highest visual standards, HTC added.
The headset’s two front-facing colour cameras enable stereoscopic passthrough, providing natural depth perception for a more immersive mixed reality experience.
Additionally, the upgraded cooling system and integrated secondary battery enable longer, more comfortable sessions and uninterrupted XR experiences, even during battery replacements.
HTC highlighted other features, including:
- Built-in eye-tracking and motorised auto-IPD adjustment
- DisplayPort mode for stunning, visually lossless PCVR experiences
- Dual 16MP colour cameras for stereoscopic full-colour 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
VIVE Focus Vision Preorders will ship on 18 October.
Where Does the HTC VIVE Focus Vision Sit in the Market?
The Focus Vision becomes HTC’s second most expensive XR headset, ahead of the VIVE Pro 2 and VIVE XR Elite, but slightly cheaper than the Focus 3.
But where does it fit in the HTC portfolio and broader market?
The Focus 3 remains the top headset in the HTC stable, likely because of HTC’s strong business-centric approach.
The Focus Vision is also being pushed towards the enterprise, although this is diluted slightly with a gaming angle, which is heavily featured in HTC’s promotional material. There are also two clear packages: Consumer and Business.
Pre-orders of the consumer edition come with game bundles and the kit needed for wired gaming.
HTC did not go into detail regarding the business edition in its press release, but a glance at the HTC VIVE business shows it includes various business warranties and services.
Outside of HTC, the Focus Vision sits closer to the Meta Quest Pro headset ($999.99) than it does to the flagship Quest 3 ($499.99) and Quest 2 entry-level device ($199.99).
Meta is expected to release a light version of the Quest 3 at its upcoming Connect event.
The Apple Vision Pro, of course, sets a lofty price bar at $3,499, up there with Microsoft’s HoloLens 2.
