Vive Focus Vision with Colour Passthrough and Gaming Focus Unveiled by HTC
HTC has unveiled the Vive Focus Vision, a new virtual reality (VR) headset that improves upon the Vive Focus 3, adding features like increased PC tethering support and color passthrough. The Focus Vision, which retails for $999, is currently accepting pre-orders on HTC’s official website through October 17th.
The Vive Focus Vision is a versatile gadget that may be used either independently or with a USB-C connection to a PC. It improves upon the features of the Focus 3, which was released in 2021. It keeps the same 120-degree field of view, Snapdragon XR2 CPU, and 2448 x 2448 per-eye resolution. Still, it offers significant improvements including two 16MP cameras with color passthrough and an auto lens adjust function that adjusts for the user’s interpupillary distance (IPD).
With this new headset, HTC is aiming for the gaming sector. Foveated rendering technology is a noteworthy improvement. Instead of rendering the full field of view at once, it focuses graphical resources just on the area the user is focusing on. HTC claims that this will allow PC players to experience the same luxurious VR headsets that were formerly only seen in arcades, but in the comfort of their own homes.
Support for DisplayPort over USB-C, which provides a lossless connection when connected to a PC, is another significant improvement. Later this year, HTC aims to release an upgrade to the headset’s software that will increase its functionality even further by raising the display refresh rate from 90Hz to 120Hz when DisplayPort tethering is enabled. With a microSD card that can accommodate up to 2TB of expansion, the Vive Focus Vision offers 128GB of storage. Along with supporting all Focus 3 accessories, the gadget has 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the Focus 3.
In the event that the main battery, which lasts for about two hours, runs out, the built-in battery provides 20 minutes of use, giving you time to switch out your power pack. HTC has also included a new fan that increases airflow by 30% and enhances cooling performance.
HTC has also improved the design, taking into account feedback from the Focus 3. The manufacturer modified the side arms, strengthened the metal hook on the rear, and enhanced topside handling after receiving complaints regarding the prior headset’s lack of endurance.
The Vive Focus Vision is primarily targeted towards the consumer market, which is a departure from the former Focus headsets that were more business-focused. This new headset, which has Quest 2-style controllers and a more user-friendly design, follows other consumer-focused gadgets from HTC, such the $1,099 Vive XR Elite from last year, which has lower-resolution panels but color passthrough as well.
A complimentary kit containing a 5-meter USB-C cable with support for DP 1.4 alternate mode and numerous adapters for PC VR streaming will be sent to preorders placed before October 17th. For early adopters, HTC will furthermore offer a selection of three well-liked game bundles.
