Calvert Edwards

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is an independent virtual reality headset designed for professionals… HTC offers an ecosystem to facilitate the headset’s integration within an organization.

Some Takeaways

• Utilize the VIVE Focus 3 all-in-one VR system to visualize your ideas in crystal-clear splendor beforehand. 5K resolution, a wide field of view of up to 120 degrees, and a refresh rate of 90Hz produce superior graphics.
• Your ideal viewing experience. The ultra-extensive range of interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustments (57mm-72mm) and simple dial design provide viewing comfort for everyone. IPD is the distance between the centers of the eye’s pupils, measured in millimeters.
• Keep cool. A thermally-optimized battery and active cooling mechanism keep the device’s temperature at optimal levels. As a result, performance is enhanced and immersive sessions are prolonged.
• Doesn’t have an excellent optical system.
• Immersive 3D spatial audio. Dual-driver, open-back speakers that provide 3D spatial audio immersion. For more private conversations, the directional design reduces sound leakage. Support for 3.5mm audio jacks with high resolution is available.
• In and out of virtual reality in seconds. A headset with comfort and convenience. The patented Quick-Release Button makes donning and removing the item simple. Compatible with a variety of face shapes, vision types, and even glasses.

Specs

Price	$1,300
Screen	Dual 2.88″ LCD panels
Resolution	2448 x 2448 pixels per eye (4896 x 2448 pixels combined)
Refresh Rate	90 Hz
Field of view	Up to 120 degrees
Audio	Dual microphones with echo cancellation; 2x Dual driver with patented directional speaker design; Privacy Mode; Hi-Res Certified 3.5mm audio jack output.
Connections	2x USB 3.2 Gen-1 Type-C peripheral ports (External USB-C port supports USB OTG); Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE; Wi-Fi 6
Inputs	Dual integrated microphones Headset button
Storage and Memory	128 GB / 8 GB with support up to 2TB microSD
Processor	Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ XR2
Battery	26.6Wh Battery – removable & swappable; Lightweight and quickly rechargeable with Lithium-Polymer Gel chemistry; Designed and molded with an ergonomic curve.

Optical System(not so great)

Unfortunately, the display-lens combination is identical to the Vive Pro 2’s, which wasn’t so great.   The resolution is high, and the image is sharp in the very narrow sweet spot when the camera is ultimately still. However, whenever you move, and especially when the scene in question has high contrast, the image becomes extremely choppy and blurry. This is due, among other things, to the intense glare and the so-called God Rays, i.e. light rays that refract on Fresnel lenses and cause bright light circles there. This is less noticeable in situations with less contrast, where image sharpness becomes more prominent. The larger lateral field of view cannot compensate: As a result of the new 16:9 aspect ratio, the image becomes blurry at the edges and is cut off at the top. As with the Vive Pro 2, the overall impression of the Vive Focus 3 image is inferior to that of the Quest 2, Pico Neo 3 Pro, and Pico Neo 3 Link, despite having a higher resolution.

All in all

In contrast to the Vive Pro 2, which lacks an acceptable price-to-performance ratio, the Vive Focus 3 is a bit more charitable towards HTC. The tracking is excellent, the controllers are dependable, the comfort is satisfactory, and the VR headset is quick. Moreover, similar to the Pico Neo 3 Pro, I am able to use apps without requiring an account login. This should be required for a good B2B headset.

However, HTC’s inconsistency necessitates a disclaimer: the recommendation only applies if the lens display disaster is disregarded. The Vive Focus 3 is obviously too expensive for private users, especially considering that only streaming from SteamVR or Viveport should be of interest. On the other hand, HTC might make a comeback if it continues to develop its future VR headset on this basis.