May 11, 2021 – HTC VIVE, a provider of premium virtual reality (VR) solutions, has today announced at its VIVECON 2021 global VR conference its newest business VR headset with the introduction of the VIVE Focus 3 device, alongside its announcements for its VIVE Business platform and the consumer-focused VIVE Pro 2 headset.
The new All-In-One VIVE Focus 3 features a 5K resolution thanks to its dual 2.5K displays, a 90Hz refresh rate and an ultra-wide 120-degree field of view. These new visuals mean that fine details like writing and overall fidelity are clearer, allowing for software design and user interaction to be more natural, according to the company.
The VIVE Focus 3 also comes with a new strap design, balanced weight distribution, and a curved battery pack that can be quickly changed, allowing for all-day VR sessions. Plus, its quick charge functionality apparently provides 50% battery from just 30 minutes of charging, with an LED indicator that shows how much power is left.
The device is housed in a magnesium alloy frame that is 20% lighter and 500% stronger than traditional plastics. VIVE Focus 3 also has a fine-adjustable inter-pupillary distance (IPD) range, as well as a quick-release button and easily removable magnetic front and rear face gaskets – allowing for quick and effortless swapping and cleaning – something that is important on days when there are lots of different users.
For audio, the VIVE Focus 3 has new open-back speakers featuring a pair of dual drivers, delivering immersive and true-to-life audio. They are contact-free, which means users can still maintain environmental awareness while staying immersed in VR. Furthermore, for peace of mind in VR meetings, a special audio privacy setting dramatically reduces the risk of sound being overheard by people nearby.
VIVE Focus 3 uses an AI powered inside-out tracking algorithm for precise tracking, with privacy at the forefront as all tracking data is stored in an encrypted format on the headset. The redesigned 6DoF controllers are easy and intuitive to use and supposedly last for 15 hours on a single charge. HTC VIVE added that hand tracking support will be released in the future in order to enable operation of the headset without the need for the controllers.
Powering VIVE Focus 3 is a specially optimised Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform, combined with a copper heat pipe and cooling fan. Featuring the all-new VIVE Reality System 2.0 which delivers a more streamlined and professional environment, VIVE Focus 3 will be on sale from 24 June, for GBP £1060 / USD $1300 / EUR €1180. These prices also include 24 months of VIVE Business Warranty and Services (but exclude VAT).
For more information on the VIVE Focus 3, please visit HTC VIVE’s website.
Full specs can be found below:
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Headset Specs
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| Screen |
Dual 2.88″ LCD panels
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| Resolution |
2448 x 2448 pixels per eye (4896 x 2448 pixels combined)
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Refresh Rate
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90 Hz
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Field of view
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Up to 120 degrees
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| Audio |
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| Inputs |
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| Connections |
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| Sensors |
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| Ergonomics |
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| Battery |
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| Tracking |
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Controller Specs
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| Sensors |
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| Input |
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| Battery |
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Tracked Area Requirements
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Standing / Seated
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Both available |
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Room-scale
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Up to 7m x 7m play area recommended. Minimum play area is 1m x 1m (standing). |
Image / video credit: HTC VIVE / YouTube
About the author
Sam Sprigg
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.
