Finnish XR-hardware manufacturer
Varjo is a Finnish XR-hardware manufacturer and has previously launched several successful VR-headsets (Varjo VR-3 and Varjo XR-3). However, these headsets were aimed at the business VR-markt. For example, you always had to have a software license to use the headset. With the Varjo Aero, this changes. The Varjo Aero is Varjo’s first "prosumer" (professional consumer) headset. In this review, we will delve deeper into what this new headset has to offer.
Varjo Aero Specifications
- Screen type: dual mini LED LCD
- Resolution: 2880 x 2720 pixels (per eye)
- Refresh rate: 72 – 90 Hz
- Field of view (FOV): 115 degrees
- Weight: 717 grams
- Tracking method: SteamVR-tracking (use of 2 base stations)
Exceptionally high image resolution
The first thing that stands out about the Varjo Aero is its exceptionally high image resolution. For comparison: the HP Reverb G2 features 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye and the HTC VIVE Pro 2 offers 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye. In practice, you particularly notice with the high image resolution that texts are easy to read and details are easy to see. Where you previously had to get close to something with your head to read it properly with a VR-headset, you can see everything clearly and sharply right away with the Varjo Aero.
The field of view of 115 degrees is also a welcome addition to the Varjo Aero. This allows you to see a bit more around you than with other headsets, which are often around 110 degrees. This gives you less of a tunnel vision effect, and more of a natural kijk-omgeving.
Comfort of the Varjo Aero
When you first unbox the headset, you'll immediately notice that the Varjo Aero features a wide cushion that rests against the forehead. This is a clever choice as it helps to better distribute the weight across the entire head. You'll also find that you won't quickly develop red spots around your eyes, as the Varjo Aero's full weight is supported against the top of the head. The Varjo Aero is therefore one of the most comfortable VR-headset available at the moment.
On the back of the Varjo Aero, there is a dial that allows you to adjust the headband's tightness. It's surprising that not every headset has this nowadays. The dial makes it much easier to fit the headset comfortably on your head. One major advantage of this is that you can tighten the headset more snugly against your face, which helps you place the sweet-spot of the headset better in front of your eyes.
Tracking and Controllers of the Varjo Aero
The Varjo Aero is a SteamVR-based headset. This means the headset can be used with Steam's hardware and software. So, in addition to the headset, you also need SteamVR base stations and SteamVR controllers (for example HTC VIVE Pro Controllers or Valve Index Knuckles).
The Varjo Aero uses lighthouse-tracking. With this tracking method, you place two (or more) base stations in the corners of the room. Ensure that the base stations are positioned at a good height so that they have a clear field to track the headset and controllers. If something stands between the base station and the headset, the tracking may be lost (or work less effectively).
This tracking method has voor- and disadvantages. The disadvantage of lighthouse-tracking is that you always need the base stations to use the headset. So, if you want to take the headset to show someone else, you'll also need to take the base stations and set them up. The advantage of lighthouse-tracking is that this tracking method is considered the most accurate. Because the base stations have a 360-degree view of both the headset and the controllers, you will (with a good setup) never lose tracking, no matter how enthusiastically you move.
Varjo Base licence and Offline Mode
Varjo, in addition to using Steam, also uses its own software platform; Varjo Base. With the Varjo VR-3 and XR-3, this had to be purchased as a separate license for 1, 2, or 3 years. Fortunately, Varjo Base is already included in the price of the Aero. You can see Varjo Base as the overall control centre for the Varjo Aero. It checks, for example, if there are relevant updates for the Varjo Aero-headset. To use Varjo Base, you must always have an active internet connection. Because some users prefer to use the headset without the internet (for example, demo- events or uses at locations where the internet is not always available), it is also possible to purchase a one-time Varjo Base Offline Unlock.
Who is the Varjo Aero for?
The Varjo Aero is a unique VR-headset in that it is currently the headset with the highest possible resolution. This also comes with a price tag: at the time of writing, the Varjo Aero costs €1,980.00 excluding VAT. This is almost twice as much as the HTC VIVE Pro 2 and a whopping four times as much as the HP Reverb G2.
The Varjo Aero is therefore intended for users who are looking for the very best performance in a virtual reality headset. Where image resolution, smooth movements, and a wide field of view are important. In practice, we see that the Varjo Aero is mainly used by users who simulatie-spellen with the headset. Think of someone who wants to play Microsoft Flight Simulator at the highest resolution. But the Varjo Aero is also frequently used in business settings, for example by real estate agents who want to show a highly detailed 3D-weergave of a new house to their clients.
Conclusion: is the Varjo Aero worth it?
The Varjo Aero is Varjo’s first consumer and professional VR-headset in one. With a hefty price tag, it is a significant investment, but there is nothing else on the market that offers a similar VR-ervaring to the Varjo Aero. Are you looking for a VR-headset with the highest quality possible? Then the Varjo Aero is absolutely a good choice!
