The new ‘All-In-One’ HTC Vive Focus 3 has been launched, with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Platform running the show.
Contributing a reported performance improvement of twice the CPU and GPU performance and 11x the AI processing compared to its predecessor, the Vive Focus 3 has a 5K resolution with dual 2.5K displays.
A smooth 90Hz refresh rate and an 120-degree field of view add to the VR immersion, while a fast-switching display panel uses real RGB subpixels, which HTC says practically eliminates the ‘screen door’ effect.
The new visuals should mean fine details like writing and overall fidelity are dramatically clearer, allowing for software design and user interaction to be more natural.
The headset design of the Focus 3 has been overhauled for what HTC says is superior comfort, with a new strap design, balanced weight distribution, and curved, swappable battery pack.
VIVE Focus 3’s battery pack can attain 50 per cent battery from a 30 minute charge, while an LED indicator lets users know how much power is remaining.
Durable and lightweight, the magnesium alloy frame of Vive Focus 3 headset is said to be 20 per cent lighter and 500 per cent stronger than ‘traditional plastics’, while a copper heat pipe and cooling fan add to the materials news, acting as a cooling system.
The wide range and fine-adjustable Inter Pupillary Distance range should add further comfort, as well as a quick-release button and easily removable magnetic front and rear face gaskets – making it easier to swap in replacements or clean them – important for days when there are lots of different users.
New open-back speakers feature dual drivers, for more immersive and true-to-life audio – while a special audio privacy setting dramatically reduces the risk of sound escaping and being overheard by people nearby.
An AI powered inside-out tracking algorithm stores reportedly increases accuracy, while all tracking data is stored in an encrypted format on the headset.
Newly redesigned controllers are some of the lightest 6-degrees-of-freedom controllers on the market that are capable of lasting for 15 hours on a single charge. Hand tracking support has been promised for release in the future.
Vive Focus 3 will be on sale from 27 June 2021, for £1060 / $1300 / €1180 including HTC Vive Business Warranty and Services.
Also launched is the Vive Pro 2, with a higher refresh rate, 5K resolution display, which saw Vive work alongside Nvidia and AMD to utilise Display Stream Compression for the first time in a VR headset. Read more about it here.
