HTC VIVE Focus 3 Review

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is an exceptionally comfortable and well-constructed VR-headset. The headset is easy to put on, the controllers are intuitive to use, and the tracking is good. The picture resolution and FOV are outstanding (especially considering it is a standalone VR-headset).

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (Snapdragon 865)
• Storage: 128GB, 8GB RAM
• Resolution (per eye): 2448 x 2448
• Display type: 2 x LCD-panelen
• Refresh rate: 90 Hz
• Field of View (FOV): 120 degrees
• IPD: Manually adjustable, 57 - 72 mm
• Tracking method: Inside-out tracking
• Weight: 785 grams (with battery)

The first thing you notice about the HTC VIVE Focus 3 is that the headset looks quite different from its predecessor (VIVE Focus Plus). The headset has a completely different colour (black/dark grey) and an entirely new design. In our opinion, it's an improvement, as where the VIVE Focus Plus appeared rather bulky and large, the VIVE Focus 3 is a sleek headset that wouldn't look out of place in the office or any other work environment.

The VIVE Focus 3 is equipped with 4 built-in tracking cameras distributed over the top and bottom of the front. These tracking cameras are discreetly integrated and hardly noticeable. At the rear of the VIVE Focus 3, there is a head strap that resembles the Elite Strap of the Oculus Quest 2. However, the band of the VIVE Focus 3 has a major advantage: the built-in battery is detachable and can be charged separately. If you have two batteries, it is possible to charge one battery and swap them when needed. The head strap features a dial, allowing the headset to be adjusted snugly to the face. The face cushion feels soft and comfortable, making it easy to wear the headset for extended periods.

Also, the so-called 'light bleed' (light leaking at the nose opening) has been minimized to a very low extent on the VIVE Focus 3. Due to the snug fit of the face mask, you can secure the VIVE Focus 3 firmly against your face. The built-in fan ensures sufficient airflow through the headset, preventing fogged lenses or other issues.

Inside the VIVE Focus 3, there is a Snapdragon XR2-processor. This processor is equivalent to the chip found in the Oculus Quest 2 and the (yet to be released) Pico Neo 3. This processor is currently regarded as the most powerful processor for a standalone VR-headset. Games can be played at high quality, and VR-simulaties and other types of training are also seamless.

Characteristic of the VIVE Focus 3 is its high resolution combined with a wide field of view. The screen resolution of 2448 x 1448 pixels (per eye) and the 120-degree field of view provide users with a very pleasant viewing experience. For comparison, the Oculus Quest 2 has a screen resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels and a field of view of approximately 100 degrees.

Also, the controllers of the new VIVE Focus 3 have received a significant update. The controllers now greatly resemble the Oculus Quest-controllers, which is certainly not bad news. The Oculus-controllers are currently considered the most comfortable and intuitive controllers available. It is therefore easy to understand why HTC has chosen to "replicate" the controllers. The controllers of the VIVE Focus 3 are somewhat larger than the Quest-controllers, but they still fit comfortably in the hand.

What stands out further is that the VIVE Focus 3 has an integrated fan that makes some noise. Particularly when an application starts up that requires more power, you notice that the fan works extra hard. You can also feel a bit of fresh air flowing against your face. The advantage of this is that the VR-headset is well-cooled during use and has little to no chance of overheating. However, the downside is that a user may suffer from dry eyes after a longer period.

At the back of the VIVE Focus 3, there is a headband containing a (removable) battery. The fully charged battery lasts for approximately 2 to 3 hours (depending on the application). The battery is easy to replace with a new one, making it advisable to always have a spare battery at hand. This way, you can have a battery charging on the cable while using the VR-headset, allowing you to swap it quickly when needed.

New from HTC is the VIVE Manager App. This mobile application is reminiscent of the Oculus-app, with the main difference being that you do not need to log in with a Facebook-account for the VIVE App. On this mobile application, you will find everything you need to use the VIVE Focus 3 within your business environment. This includes downloading applications, such as VIVE Sync, VIVE XR Suite, and VIVE Business Streaming -, as well as remotely controlling updates, storing, sharing, and scaling your own VR-content, and kiosk mode for certain applications.

What stands out about the VIVE App is that there are currently very few applications available for entertainment. Most applications are geared towards activities such as online meetings or watching videos, with only a handful of games available for download. VIVE appears to be focusing heavily on the business applications of the VR-headset. It is not yet known whether more games will become readily available in the future. However, it is possible to develop your own game and/or application and upload it to the VIVE-platform.

Fortunately, it is also possible to stream content from a PC using VIVE Business Streaming. This way, the standalone VR-headset can still display more complex and extensive VR-applicaties.

Click here for more information aboutVIVE Business Device Management.

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 appears to be in competition with the Oculus Quest 2, but that is far from the truth. While the Oculus Quest 2 primarily targets consumers, the VIVE Focus 3 is truly a Enterprise-product. In addition to some hardware differences between the VR-headsets, there is a significant difference in the content offered - and also the way in which content can (and is allowed to) be played. Since the Oculus Quest 2 specifically targets the consumer market, users must always log in with an (active) Facebook-account. For larger companies and other (often governmental) institutions, this is a major disadvantage, and Oculus is immediately ruled out. Alternatively, users can choose the Oculus Quest 2 for Business-oplossing, but this also brings some issues (such as longer delivery times in some cases).

The VIVE Focus 3 is a all-in-one Enterprise-oplossing with standard applications designed for businesses and professionals. In addition to the application content, the VIVE Focus 3 also comes standard with theVIVE Business Warranty & Services. With this, you can (among other things) enjoy a business warranty and expedited RMA-proces in case of any issues with the product.

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is an exceptionally comfortable and well-built VR-headset. The headset is easy to put on, the controllers are intuitive to use and the tracking is good. The image resolution and FOV are extraordinarily good (especially considering it is a standalone VR-headset). However, there is a caveat with the HTC VIVE Focus 3. The VR-headset is clearly aimed at professionals who have prior experience with virtual reality.

Due to the limited (or rather more focused) HTC VIVE App Store, it is not advisable to use the HTC VIVE Focus 3 if you are seeking an VR-headset to play games on (unless you are developing your own game with, for example, Unity, as the headset works very well with it). However, where the VIVE Focus 3 truly excels is in its usability in a business/professional environment. From the convenient PU-leren foam face interface that is easy to clean - to the built-in application management and kiosk mode; the VIVE Focus 3 has everything needed to create a safe and productive workspace for companies and organisations looking to work professionally with virtual reality!