In a world where many XR and VR headsets seem to shy away from gaming, HTC Vive has boldly gone in the opposite direction. The company has just launched the Focus Vision, a VR headset specifically designed to cater to the needs of PC gamers. While the name might sound familiar (Apple’s Vision Pro), HTC is targeting a different market, one that prioritizes high-performance PC VR gaming alongside applications for location-based VR venues and enterprise users.
The Focus line of Vive headsets has traditionally leaned towards those latter use cases, making the Focus Vision a distinct departure. HTC, however, clearly hasn’t forgotten about the importance of location-based entertainment, as the Focus Vision is built with versatility in mind. Designed for quick user changes, it features swappable battery packs, automatic IPD adjustment, and easily replaceable face and head pads.
Beyond its adaptability, the Vive Focus Vision is engineered for durability and advanced features. It boasts eye-tracking technology, visually lossless DisplayPort quality, and the ability to navigate settings and select apps using just your hands thanks to eye-, hand-, and environment-tracking capabilities. The Focus Vision comes equipped with two controllers, but its advanced tracking allows for a hands-free experience in certain situations.
Visually, the Focus Vision impresses. It boasts a sharp 2448 x 2448 resolution, a wide 120-degree field of view, and a 90Hz refresh rate. These specs outperform the Vive XR Elite, offering higher resolution and a slightly wider view. In fact, the Focus Vision’s specs are comparable to the more enterprise-focused Vive Focus 3, which previously carried a higher price tag. To further enhance the experience, the headset supports 120Hz refresh rates via DisplayPort, a feature expected to arrive before the end of 2024.
The Vive Focus Vision is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR Gen 1 chip, enabling it to function as a standalone VR headset, running Viveport games and apps. The headset comes equipped with 16GB of memory and 128GB of storage, expandable up to 2TB with a microSD card slot.
For consumers, the HTC Vive Focus Vision is available for preorder at the Vive website with a price tag of $999. Customers who purchase before October 17, 2024, will receive a complimentary Vive Wired Streaming Kit, typically valued at $149. A Business Edition is also available for $1,299.
In many ways, the Vive Focus Vision represents a return to the premium PC VR experience, a segment that has fallen somewhat out of favor compared to the more mainstream and affordable Quest 3. While the Quest 3 will likely remain a popular choice due to its accessible price, the Vive Focus Vision is strategically targeting a different demographic – those who crave the very best in PC VR technology and are willing to pay for it. It’s worth noting that Meta Connect is scheduled for next week, where the company is expected to unveil its next VR headset, rumored to be called the Quest 3S. The VR landscape is heating up, and it’s an exciting time to be a VR enthusiast.
