HTC Unveils Vive Focus Vision: Color Passthrough and Gaming Focus

HTC has announced the release of the Vive Focus Vision, a new VR headset designed to enhance the experience of the previous model, the Vive Focus 3, by including features such as color passthrough and superior PC tethering support. Priced at $999, the Focus Vision is currently available for preorder on HTC’s website until October 17th.

The Vive Focus Vision functions as both a standalone device and a PC-tethered headset via USB-C. It retains the same 2448 x 2448 per-eye resolution and 120-degree field of view as the Focus 3 and continues to use the Snapdragon XR2 chip. Enhancements include dual 16MP cameras with color passthrough and automatic lens adjustment for interpupillary distance.

Targeting the gaming segment, HTC has incorporated foveated rendering to optimize graphical resources based on the user’s gaze. Shen Ye, HTC Vive’s global head of product, stated that this feature allows PC gamers to emulate the high-end headsets used in VR arcades within their homes.

Additional improvements include DisplayPort support through USB-C, promising a lossless connection when tethered to a PC. A future update will allow DisplayPort tethering to increase the display refresh rate from the standard 90Hz to 120Hz. The Focus Vision offers 128GB of storage (expandable via a microSD slot up to 2TB) and 12GB of RAM, an upgrade from the 8GB in the Focus 3. The headset is also compatible with all Focus 3 accessories.

The built-in battery provides 20 minutes of use, facilitating a smooth transition to the main power pack, which offers approximately two hours of battery life. Additionally, a new fan design improves cooling efficiency by 30%, as reported by the company.

The head strap design has also been refined based on user feedback, enhancing the durability of the metal hook, topside handling, and side arms, according to Dan O’Brien, HTC president of Americas.

The Vive Focus Vision targets a consumer market, diverging from the business-oriented approach of its predecessors. This move aligns with HTC’s recent focus on consumer products, as illustrated by last year’s release of the Vive XR Elite, a lighter, $1,099 headset with color passthrough video but lower resolution screens than the Focus Vision.

Customers who preorder the Vive Focus Vision by October 17th will receive a complimentary kit, which includes a 5-meter USB-C cable with DP 1.4 alternate mode support and various adapters for PC VR streaming. Additionally, purchasers will have a choice of three popular game bundles as part of the pre-order offer.

Source link