HTC VIVE Focus 3 Review

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is the successor to the HTC Vive Focus Plus, and currently the latest VR headset from developer HTC VIVE. In line with with the Vive Focus Plus, the VIVE Focus 3 also focuses entirely on companies and business users. We have extensively tested the HTC VIVE Focus 3 and will share our findings in this Review.

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HTC VIVE Focus 3 Specifications

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

HTC VIVE Focus 3 Design and appearance

The first thing you notice about the HTC VIVE Focus 3 is that the Headset bears little resemblance to its predecessor (Vive Focus Plus). The Headset has a completely different color (black/dark gray) and also a completely different design. In our opinion an improvement, because where the Vive Focus Plus looked rather bulky and large, the VIVE Focus 3 is a sleek Headset that will not look out or place in the office or in a different work environment.

The VIVE Focus 3 has 4 built-in inside-out tracking cameras distributed on the top and bottom or the front. These tracking cameras are neatly concealed and are hardly noticeable. On the back or the VIVE Focus 3 is a headband reminiscent or the Oculus Strap Elite Strap from the Oculus Quest 2. However, the band or the VIVE Focus 3 has a big advantage: the built-in battery can be removed and charged separately. If you have two batteries, it is therefore possible to charge 1 battery and exchange it when necessary. The headband has a rotary knob to tighten the Headset on the face. The PU leather face cushion feels soft and comfortable, making it easy to keep the Headset on for extended periods or time.

The so-called 'light bleed' (leakage or light at the nasal opening) has also been kept to a very minimum with the VIVE Focus 3. Because or the tight fit with the face mask you can VIVE Focus 3 firmly against the face / The built-in fan ensures that sufficient air is blown through the goggles so that you do not suffer from fogged lenses or other problems.

HTC VIVE Focus 3 Hardware, resolution and battery power

Inside the VIVEFocus 3 is a Snapdragon XR2 processor. This processor corresponds with to the chip found in the Oculus Quest 2 and Pico Neo 3 (to be released). This processor is currently considered the most powerful processor for a Standalone VR headset. Games can be played in good quality, and VR simulations and other types or training can also be done without any problems.

Characteristic or the VIVE Focus 3 are the high image resolution in combination with with the large field or view. The image resolution or 2448 x 1448 pixels (per eye) and the field or view or 120 degrees provide a very pleasant viewing experience for users. By comparison, the Oculus Quest 2 has an image resolution or 1832 x 1920 and a field or view or about 100 degrees.

The Controllers or the new VIVE Focus 3 have also received a strong update. The Controllers are now very reminiscent or the Oculus Quest controllers, which is definitely not bad news. The Oculus-controllers are currently considered the most comfortable and intuitive Controllers you can have. So it's not hard to see why HTC chose to "recreate" the Controllers. The Controllers or the VIVE Focus 3 are a bit larger than the Quest controllers, but are otherwise fine to hold.

What is also striking is that the VIVE Focus 3 has a built-in fan that makes some noise. with name when an application starts up that needs a little more power, you notice that the fan starts to work extra hard. You can also feel some fresh air flowing in against your face. The advantage or this is that the VR headset is well cooled during use and has little to no chance or overheating. The disadvantage is that a user can suffer from dry eyes after a longer period or time.

On the back or the VIVE Focus 3 there is a headband with that contains a (detachable) battery. The fully charged battery lasts about 2 to 3 hours (depending on the application). The battery is easy to replace with with a new battery, so it is advisable to always have an extra battery on hand. For example, you can already place a battery on the charging cable while using the VR headset, so that you can quickly exchange it when necessary.

VIVE App and Device Management

New from HTC is the VIVE Manager App. This mobile application is reminiscent or the Oculus app, with the main difference being that the VIVE App does not require you to log in with a Facebook account. On this mobile application you will find everything you need to use the VIVE Focus 3 within your business environment. This includes downloading applications, like VIVE Sync, VIVE XR Suite and VIVE Business Streaming - but also remote checking or updates and saving, sharing and scaling your own VR content, and kiosk mode for certain applications.

What is striking about the VIVE App is that there are (at the moment) very few applications available for entertainment. For example, most applications are aimed at online meetings or watching videos, but only a handful or games can be downloaded. VIVE seems to be fully committed to the business applications or the VR headset. It is not yet known whether more games will be available as standard in the future. It is possible to develop a game and/or application yourself and put it on the VIVE platform.

Fortunately, it is also possible to stream with VIVE Business Streaming content from a PC. For example, with the Standalone VR headset is still possible to display more complex and extensive VR applications.

Click here for more Information about it VIVE Business Device Management.

How does the VIVE Focus 3 compare to the Oculus Quest 2?

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 seems to be in the waters or the Oculus Quest 2, but nothing could be further from the truth. Where the Oculus Quest 2 focuses with name on Consumers, the VIVE Focus 3 is truly an Enterprise product. In addition to some hardware differences between the VR headsets, there is a big difference in the range or content - and also the way in which content can (and may) be played. Because the Oculus Quest 2 focuses specifically on the consumer market, users must log in here at all times with with an (active) Facebook account. For larger companies and other (often government) institutions, this is a major disadvantage and Oculus is immediately discontinued. Alternatively, users can opt for the Oculus Quest 2 for Business solution, but this also brings some with problems (such as long delivery times in some cases).

The VIVE Focus 3 is a All-In-One Enterprise solution with standard applications made for businesses and professionals. In addition to application content, the VIVE Focus 3 also comes standard with the VIVE Business Warranty & Services. With this you enjoy (among other things) a business guarantee and an accelerated RMA process in case or problems with with the product.

HTC VIVE Focus 3 Conclusion

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is a very comfortable and well-built VR headset. The goggles are easy to put on, the Controllers are intuitive to use and the tracking or these are good, and the image resolution and FOV are extremely good (all things considered for a [[MD5_140] ] VR headset). Echter is er wel een "maar…" bij de HTC VIVE Focus 3. The VR headset is clearly aimed at professionals who have previous experience with Virtual Reality.

Due to the limited (or rather more focused) HTC VIVE App Store, it is not recommended to use the HTC VIVE Focus 3 when looking for a VR headset to play games on. play (or you have to make your own game with e.g. Unity, because with that the Headset works very well together again). Where the VIVE Focus 3 excels is the fact that it is very nice to use in a business/professional environment. From the convenient PU leather foam facial interface that's easy to wipe clean - to the built-in application manager and kiosk mode; the VIVE Focus 3 has what it takes to build a safe and productive work environment for companies and organizations that want to with Virtual Reality get started professionally !