VIVE Focus 3 LBE licence

Partly due to the standard "VIVE Enterprise Warranty", the HTC VIVE Focus 3 is a smart and safe choice for companies looking for a reliable, wireless VR headset. Recently, however, HTC VIVE has implemented several (software) updates, making the VIVE Focus 3 an excellent option for VR Arcades or other forms of location-based entertainment. In this blog, we summarise the new updates of the VIVE Focus 3.

With this update, the VIVE Focus 3 can track a much larger area than before, allowing the creation of a true location-based entertainment space. When the Focus 3 was launched, the tracking capability was limited to 15x15 metres (about the size of a tennis court). But with this new update, the VIVE Focus 3 can track an area up to 33x30 metres (approximately 1000 square metres, the size of 4 tennis courts). This provides a much larger play area where players can freely roam.

The LBE mode also allows for the creation of play areas in any shape you desire. You can choose to keep a square play area (e.g., 20x20 metres), but it is also no problem to keep a rectangular play area (e.g., 15x25 metres). Once the play area is set, there is no need to do it again (unless you wish to change the play area, of course). The VR headset remembers the created play area.

With the LBE mode, it is therefore possible to create an extended play area in a VR arcade environment. This also makes the VR headset more suitable for training purposes, for example, where a user needs to walk around in a realistic manner.

Map sharing was a much-requested feature among users. Map sharing allows you to see other VR headsets in a precise manner. This means you can walk around with multiple Focus 3 headsets in the same space without bumping into each other. When translated to a location-based entertainment context, you can create, for example, a VR escape room where several players physically stand next to each other and interact in the virtual world.

To activate map sharing, you only need to set up a play area with one Focus 3 headset. Then you can share this same play area with the other VR headsets. Additionally, it is possible to set up other aspects such as floor height and the direction the VR headset faces during calibration.

The VIVE Focus 3 is compatible with the new WiFi 6E generation. This is the new standard that operates on the 6 GHz band. It not only offers extremely low latency and high bandwidth (perfect for wireless VR), but it also drastically minimises the interference that normally exists.

The VIVE Focus 3 has had the right features to use WiFi 6E from the start. Therefore, there is no need to incur additional costs in the form of an extra licence. WiFi 6E is available as standard with every VIVE Focus 3 headset.

In VO mode, users can skip the standard environment configuration. This is usually a process you perform to demarcate the play area in the space. But when you are in a VR arcade environment, you don't need to recalibrate each time because the space remains the same (e.g., in a VR Cube). VO mode makes it possible to simply put on the headset in the space and start immediately, without a separate calibration process. This is especially handy when multiple people are using the same space consecutively (players take off the headset and put it on a new player).

The LBE Hybrid Mode makes it possible to use both LBE mode and VO mode simultaneously. Most Focus 3 users use the headset in a location-based environment with multiple players simultaneously. Combining both LBE mode and VO mode allows for the calibration to be pre-set with multiple headsets at the same time, so groups only need to pass the headset to new players who can start the game immediately (without performing a new calibration).

• VIVE Tracker Calibration: VIVE tracker calibration simplifies the process of adding an HTC VIVE tracker to the Focus 3 headset. For example, you can link a separate tracker to the Focus 3, but it is also possible to bring accessories into the virtual world, such as a tennis racket or a baseball bat.
• Notifications: if there is something annoying during play, it is the appearance of an in-game notification. This pulls you out of the VR experience. It is therefore possible to disable various notifications, such as "no boundary set" and "no controller connected".
• Floor Detection: the floor height is fully manually adjustable. You can even choose not to have a floor.

Want to use LBE and VO mode? Then it's possible to purchase a separate licence. Acquiring the licence is very simple: send an email to our sales department (sales@unboundxr.nl) and mention the number of licences you wish to use (note: each Focus 3 headset must have a separate licence). You will receive a quote (or possibly a direct order) for the number of licences you need. We will then ask you for an Organisation ID on which the licences can be activated. Once the order is placed, we will contact HTC to activate the licences on the correct Organisation ID. This process usually takes only 1 working day.

Want to know more about the licence? Or are you wondering which mode (LBE/VO/Hybrid) is suitable for your organisation? We are happy to think along with you. It is also possible to schedule an online meeting to determine which licence is best for you. Additionally, we can offer assistance with the implementation.