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Varjo Aero Review

Varjo is a Finnish XR hardware manufacturer and has already launched a number of successful VR headsets in the past (Varjo VR-3 and Varjo XR-3). However, these headsets were aimed at the business VR market. For example, you always had to have a software license to use the Headset. with the Varjo Aero changes this. The Varjo Aero is the first "prosumer" (professional Consumers) Headset from Varjo. In this Review we will take a closer look at what this new Headset has to offer.

Varjo Aero Specifications

  • Screen Type: Dual Mini LED LCD
  • Resolution: 2880 2720 pixels (per eye)
  • Refresh rate: 72 - 90 Hz
  • Field of View (FOV): 115 degrees
  • Weight: 717 grams
  • tracking method: SteamVR tracking (using 2 base stations)

The first thing you notice about the Varjo Aero is its exceptionally high image resolution. In comparison: the HP Reverb G2 features 2160 x 2160 pixels per eye and the HTC VIVE Pro 2 about 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye. In practice you notice with the high image resolution with especially that texts are easy to read and details are easy to see. Where in the past with a VR headset you sometimes had to with put your head close to something to be able to read something properly, the Varjo Aero with you can actually do everything directly see well and sharply.

The 115-degree field of view is also a welcome addition to the Varjo Aero. You can see just a bit more around you than with other headsets, which are usually around 110 degrees. This gives you less of the feeling that you are looking through a tube, but more of the feeling of a natural viewing environment.

Comfort of the Varjo Aero

When you unpack the Headset for the first time, you will immediately notice that the Varjo Aero has a wide cushion that sits against the forehead. This is a smart choice, because it ensures that the weight is better distributed over the entire head. You will therefore not easily suffer from red spots around the eyes, because the Varjo Aero actually supports with its full weight against the top of the head. The Varjo Aero can therefore be called one of the most comfortable VR headsets available at the moment.

There is a dial on the back of the Varjo Aero that allows you to tighten or loosen the headband. It is surprising that not every Headset has this nowadays. The rotary knob makes it a lot easier to put the Headset comfortably on the head. And a big advantage of this is that you can put the Headset tighter against the face, so you can place the sweet-spot of the Headset in front of your eyes much better.

tracking and Controllers of the Varjo Aero

The Varjo Aero is a SteamVR-based Headset. This means that the Headset can be used with the hardware and software of Steam. For example, in addition to just 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 way of tracking you put two (or more) base stations in the corner of the room. Make sure that the base stations are at a good height so that they have a clear field to the tracking of the Headset and Controllers. If there is anything between the base station and the Headset, the tracking may be lost (or not working properly).

This way of tracking has advantages and disadvantages. The downside to lighthouse tracking is the fact that you always need the base stations to use the Headset. So do you want to take the Headset to someone else to show you? Then you also have to take the base stations with you and set them up. The advantage of lighthouse tracking is that this way of tracking is seen as the most accurate tracking method. Because the base stations have a 360-degree view of both the Headset and the Controllers, you will never lose the tracking (with a good setup), no matter how fanatically you are moving.

Varjo

Varjo Base License and Offline Mode

In addition to using Steam, Varjo 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 with the Aero. Varjo Base can be seen as an overall control center for the Varjo Aero. For example, it checks for 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 internet (for example, demo or event use at locations where internet is not always available), it is also possible to do a one-off Varjo Base Offline Unlock to purchase.

Who is the Varjo Aero for?

The Varjo Aero is a unique VR headset in that it is currently the Headset with the highest resolution possible. This also comes with a price tag: the Varjo Aero costs €1,980.00 excluding VAT at the time of writing. This is almost twice as high as the HTC VIVE Pro 2 and no less than 4 times 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 therefore see that the Varjo Aero with is mainly used by users who play simulation games with and Headset. Think of someone who wants to play Microsoft Flight Simulator at the highest resolution. But the Varjo Aero is also frequently used for business purposes, for example by real estate agents who want to show a highly detailed 3D representation of a new house to their customers.

Conclusion: is the Varjo Aero worth it?

The Varjo Aero is Varjo's first Consumers and professional VR headset in one. with With a hefty price tag, it's a hefty investment, but there's nothing else on the market that offers a similar VR experience to the Varjo Aero. Are you therefore looking for a VR headset with of the highest quality? Then the Varjo Aero is definitely a good choice!

Diederik Hermsen- XR Product Specialist

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