5 Key Highlights of the VIVE Focus Vision: The Hybrid Device for the Ultimate VR Gaming Experience
Headsets | Extended Reality
6-minute read
Three years ago, HTC launched the powerful business all-in-one device, VIVE Focus 3. Recently, this device was not only upgraded but also transformed into a hybrid all-in-one machine that's "born for gaming." HTC's emphasis on "duality" is not new, as seen from the evolution of VIVE Flow to XR Elite, which also features dual forms of glasses and headsets. This time, evolving from VIVE Focus 3, the VIVE Focus Vision has morphed into a dual-mode device suitable for both PC VR and AIO (all-in-one).
As seen in the launch video for the VIVE Focus Vision, the video starts with two outward-facing stereoscopic full-color transparent lenses to showcase duality, using the impossible object Penrose triangle to play with depth perception and precise gesture tracking. The Penrose triangle represents VIVE's triangular logo, while also symbolizing a bridge between both casual and hardcore gamers. This hybrid headset, combining PC VR and an all-in-one device, turns the impossible into possible.
So, what are the key highlights of VIVE Focus Vision? Let's take a look!
1. Inheriting the Best of the Business All-in-One Headset
General gamers might not be too familiar with the VIVE Focus 3.
In 2021, HTC continued the VIVE Focus standalone product line by launching the all-black successor, the VIVE Focus 3. I believe the biggest highlight of the VIVE Focus 3 is the arc-shaped removable battery located at the back of the head, allowing users to swap batteries easily and also enabling a nearly 1:1 front-to-back weight distribution for comfortable ergonomic wear. This innovative ergonomic design solves the problem of VR headsets being uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Additionally, its lightweight yet sturdy magnesium alloy frame sets it apart from most plastic-designed VR headsets in terms of durability and overall quality.
Over the last three years, VIVE Focus 3 has proven its prowess and dependability, becoming a favorite headset among many enterprises and VR arcades—it even became the first VR device to go to the International Space Station for studying mental health.
The new VIVE Focus Vision retains the same classic and iconic design of the VIVE Focus 3, while implementing many improvements based on customer feedback over the past three years and adding many significant features. We will write another article to explain this in detail.
Balanced weight distribution is key for long-duration wear.
2. Lossless DP Streaming, the Best Choice for PC VR Gamers
You might wonder, how can VIVE Focus Vision be the first choice for PC VR players when business users and gamers are clearly different demographics?
Going back to basics, what players care most about is "seeing is believing." The VIVE Focus Vision has a single-eye resolution of 2448×2448 pixels, which means a combined 5K resolution across both eyes. The headset has an FOV of up to 120 degrees, with a 90Hz refresh rate. HTC VIVE also revealed that the VIVE Focus Vision will support up to 120Hz refresh rate in DisplayPort Streaming Mode by the end of 2024.
Next, the auditory experience. The VIVE Focus Vision continues the legacy of the Focus 3 with its directional dual-driver speakers designed for training and LBE large-scale scenarios, reducing sound leakage and minimizing disturbance when multiple people are in the same room. The new headset features dual microphones that eliminate echo and noise. The 3.5mm audio jack is also thoughtfully retained, as we all know, gamers tend to have their preferred headphones.
Perhaps the most important, is the addition of DisplayPort Streaming capabilities to the VIVE Focus Vision. Seasoned VR gamers know that before all-in-one VR devices became mainstream, PC VR used DisplayPort to transmit game visuals into the headset. In today's era dominated by standalone devices, wirelessly streaming from PC is certainly exhilarating, and the VIVE Focus Vision is still very capable of delivering high quality wireless PC streaming experiences with VIVE Hub. But in addition to the powerful wireless PC Streaming features, The VIVE Focus Vision will also support lossless visuals via DisplayPort Streaming Mode, a coveted feature amongst hardcore gamers.
DisplayPort Streaming Mode is highly valued by PC VR gamers!
Yes, the VIVE Focus Vision supports DisplayPort Streaming Mode, making the headset uniquely capable of providing the highest fidelity PC VR experience with lossless visuals. This unique capability in such a capable hybrid all-in-one device is why HTC can boldly claim that the VIVE Focus Vision was "born for gaming."
3. Vision is the Future of Spatial Computing
Vision isn’t about just seeing more clearly, it also means being a visionary for the future.
To realize the future of spatial computing, HTC needs to enable VIVE Focus Vision to see and understand the physical world, allowing physical objects to overlap with virtual environments for real-virtual interaction.
Therefore, in addition to the original four tracking cameras, the VIVE Focus Vision also features two additional 16-megapixel full-color passthough cameras and a depth sensor. Additionally, unlike other consumer-grade all-in-one devices, the VIVE Focus Vision is equipped with built-in eye-tracking cameras along with motorized lenses, enabling automatic IPD adjustment (with a range of 57 mm to 72 mm). This feature is quite practical, not only for beginners but also for some VR players who are not fully aware of the correct IPD they need. Adjusting for each individual’s optimal pupil distance on in VR can make a gigantic difference for users, and the VIVE Focus Vision uniquely enables a no-compromise VR experience.
IPD is automatically adjusted every time the VIVE Focus Vision is worn.
4. Full Body + Full Face Tracking, the Best Choice for VRChat Enthusiast
For VR users, "immersion" is frequently mentioned, but for VRChat enthusiast, "presence" is crucial for virtual socializing, and its importance is no less than that of immersion. What's the difference between immersion and presence? In simple terms—immersion seeks to achieve the "sensory reality" of the virtual world, while presence aims to create the "genuine feeling of face-to-face interaction."
The amount of information in face-to-face interactions is substantial, from micro-expressions to body gestures, all of can pack a lot of information or messages. This is precisely why VRChat enthusiast pursue full body tracking. Full body tracking, along with eye and facial tracking, represents the ultimate goal for VRChat enthusiast, probably the closest alternative to living in virtual reality until FullDive technology is realized.
Speaking of which, this is indeed HTC's forte, we offer the most comprehensive tracking accessory ecosystem.
As mentioned above, the VIVE Focus Vision itself comes with built-in eye tracking, and it is fully compatible with the VIVE Focus series' facial tracker, allowing for precise synchronization of emotions and expressions from eye movements to facial expressions. As for full body tracking, the VIVE Ultimate Tracker naturally integrates with the VIVE Focus Vision as well.
5. Location-Based Entertainment and Large-Scale Multiplayer Experiences
Since 2016, when HTC and Valve launched the VIVE headset, "walking" in VR has always been a hallmark of VIVE headsets. Entering the era of standalone devices, untethered VR technology has liberated users movement and gave them more freedom to roam, and with the launch of the VIVE Focus 3 all-in-one device, HTC introduced a Location-Based Software Suite that supports over 40 people playing simultaneously in the same large venue (up to 1000 square meters).
This map-sharing feature became a powerful tool for the VIVE Focus 3, not only realizing games like the "Squid Game VR" but also allowing cultural VR content, such as "Eternal Notre Dame" and "Horizon of Khufu", to flourish. Naturally, this solution has also been incorporated into the VIVE Focus Vision, although it will only be available in the business edition. Personally, I'm more excited about the potential for more mixed-reality experiences involving multiple players in the future.
Finally, here’s a reminder that the VIVE Focus Vision is currently available for pre-order. Pre-ordering not only includes free games but also a free "VIVE Wired Streaming Kit" (essential for using the VIVE Focus Vision’s DisplayPort Streaming Mode feature). So make sure to order early to get your hands on this valuable bundle—don't miss out!
