The pass-through augmented reality (AR) capabilities of Varjo’s premium mixed reality (MR) headset have been improved. The Varjo XR-3: Focal Edition is designed to concentrate on nearby subjects, such as the instruments of an aircraft.
The virtual reality (AR) headsets produced by the Finnish firm Varjo are known for their high level of quality. The Varjo Aero became available to end users in the latter half of last year. It is the VR headset that is most renowned for simulator aficionados and PC VR fans. Image clarity is taken to a whole new level with these miniature LED screens, which have a resolution of 2,880 by 2,720 pixels for each eye.
A year before, the professional versions known as the Varjo VR-3 and XR-3 were introduced. The architecture of their dual display makes it possible to achieve an even better resolution. The XR-3 furthermore has a mode for augmented reality that is of very good quality. Two RGB cameras that face externally record the environment and transmit this information to the headgear, where it may be augmented with digital features.
This AR usage has been significantly improved by the recently announced XR-3: Focal Edition, which more closely matches usual applications. The primary emphasis of its front cameras, each of which has a resolution of twelve megapixels, is on subjects that are quite near, within a range of around one to three feet.
Customers will have a much clearer view of the region in the virtual cockpit or other working places where they will be manipulating levers and knobs as a result of this design feature. Even though Varjo did not specifically address it, the narrower focus may also cause picture distortions that are less disturbing to the viewer.
There are acknowledged issues with existing pass-through AR technologies, such as blur effects and visual jitter at close quarters. For instance, Meta is now looking towards an AI asset for the best passthrough AR that mimics the viewpoint of the outside world.
However, the Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition does not employ such specialised technology since it is not yet ready for commercialisation. However, a more organic geometry could be possible with Varjo’s latest headgear because of its near-range emphasis.
The new Focal Edition offers undeniably discernible improvements, according to the FlightSafety International flying academy. The engineering team has seen a marked difference in reading instruments relative to the standard XR-3, according to XR Product Manager Chad Schmitz. He claims that pilots have also provided excellent input.
The new Focal Edition attracts commercial clients, notably in the military industry, thanks to additional advancements. Varjo adjusted the model to comply with different safety requirements. The release claims that the headset satisfies the requirements of the American Department of Defense, intelligence organisations, and other clients in “security-relevant infrastructure.”
In addition, Varjo’s new mixed reality headgear conforms with the Buy America Act and the U.S. Trade Agreements Act, which require that at least 50 percent of manufacturing expenses must be incurred in the U.S. or other designated nations.
With the Varjo XR-3, the gadget provides complete software compatibility. Both the pricing and the delivery date are yet unknown. Only commercial clients may purchase the XR-3’s base model, which costs $6,495 euros plus a service charge.