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Created page with "{{Device Infobox |image = 300px |VR/AR = Virtual Reality |Type = Head-mounted display |Subtype = PC-Powered VR |Platform = SteamVR, OpenXR |Creator = Varjo Technologies |Developer = Varjo Technologies |Manufacturer = Varjo Technologies |Announcement Date = December 1, 2020 |Release Date = December 2020 |Price = $3,195 + $795/year subscription |Website = https://varjo.com |Versions = VR-3 |Requires = High-end PC |Prede..."
 
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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image = [[File:Varjo_VR-3.jpg|300px]]
|image = [[File:Varjo vr-31.png|350px]]
|VR/AR = Virtual Reality
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = Head-mounted display
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = PC-Powered VR
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Platform = SteamVR, OpenXR
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Creator = [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
|Creator =  
|Developer = [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Announcement Date = December 1, 2020
|Announcement Date = December 1, 2020
|Release Date = December 2020
|Release Date = December 2020
Line 17: Line 17:
|Successor = [[Varjo Aero]]
|Successor = [[Varjo Aero]]
|Operating System = Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
|Operating System = Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
|Chipset = N/A
|Chipset =  
|CPU = Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or better
|CPU =  
|GPU = NVIDIA RTX 2080 or Quadro RTX 5000 or better
|GPU =  
|HPU = N/A
|HPU =  
|Storage = N/A
|Storage =  
|Memory = 32 GB RAM minimum
|Memory =  
|SD Card Slot = No
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = uOLED (focus) + LCD (peripheral)
|Display = uOLED (focus) + LCD (peripheral)
Line 37: Line 37:
|Visible FoV = 115°
|Visible FoV = 115°
|Rendered FoV = 115°
|Rendered FoV = 115°
|Binocular Overlap = >85%
|Binocular Overlap = less than 85%
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|Average Pixel Density =  
|Peak Pixel Density = 70+ PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = 70+ PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (dynamic)
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (dynamic)
Line 50: Line 50:
|Base Stations = Optional (inside-out beta available)
|Base Stations = Optional (inside-out beta available)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200Hz)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200Hz)
|Face Tracking = No
|Face Tracking =  
|Hand Tracking = Yes (Ultraleap)
|Hand Tracking = Yes (Ultraleap)
|Body Tracking = No
|Body Tracking =  
|Rotational Tracking = 6DOF
|Rotational Tracking = 6DOF
|Positional Tracking = 6DOF
|Positional Tracking = 6DOF
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|Tracking Volume = Up to 10m × 10m
|Tracking Volume = Up to 10m × 10m
|Play Space = Room-scale
|Play Space = Room-scale
|Latency = <20ms
|Latency = less than 20ms
|Audio = Off-ear speakers (37mm drivers)
|Audio = Off-ear speakers (37mm drivers)
|Microphone = Yes
|Microphone = Yes
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|Ports = 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× USB-C 3.0
|Ports = 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× USB-C 3.0
|Wired Video = DisplayPort 1.4
|Wired Video = DisplayPort 1.4
|Wireless Video = No
|Wireless Video =  
|WiFi = No
|WiFi =  
|Bluetooth = No
|Bluetooth =  
|Power = External power adapter
|Power = External power adapter
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Capacity =  
|Battery Life = N/A
|Battery Life =  
|Charge Time = N/A
|Charge Time =  
|Dimensions = N/A
|Dimensions =  
|Weight = 558g (headset only), 738g (with headband)
|Weight = 558g (headset only), 738g (with headband)
|Material = Magnesium alloy, plastic
|Material = Magnesium alloy, plastic
Line 82: Line 82:
|Input = Compatible with SteamVR controllers
|Input = Compatible with SteamVR controllers
|Compliance = CE, FCC
|Compliance = CE, FCC
|Size = N/A
|Size =  
|Cable Length = 5 meters
|Cable Length = 5 meters
}}
}}
 
The [[Varjo VR-3]] is a professional [[PC-Powered VR|PC-powered]] [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] announced on December 1, 2020, by [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]. Representing the third generation of Varjo's professional VR headsets, the VR-3 introduced significant improvements including a 115° field of view, 40% weight reduction, and resolution exceeding 70 pixels per degree in the focus area.<ref name="varjo-announcement" />
The '''Varjo VR-3''' is a professional [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] announced on December 1, 2020, by [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]. Representing the third generation of Varjo's professional VR headsets, the VR-3 introduced significant improvements including a 115° field of view, 40% weight reduction, and resolution exceeding 70 pixels per degree in the focus area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-launches-xr-3-and-vr-3-headsets-to-bring-the-next-generation-of-immersive-technology-to-every-workplace/|title=Varjo Launches XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets to Bring the Next Generation of Immersive Technology to Every Workplace|publisher=Varjo|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The VR-3 was developed in response to customer feedback regarding the weight and limited field of view of previous Varjo headsets. Announced alongside the [[Varjo XR-3]] mixed reality headset, the VR-3 represented a complete redesign of Varjo's hardware platform while maintaining the company's focus on visual fidelity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-xr-3-vr-3-announcement-specs-release-date-price/|title=Varjo Announces XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets – Specs, Price, Release Date|publisher=Road to VR|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
The VR-3 was developed in response to customer feedback regarding the weight and limited field of view of previous Varjo headsets. Announced alongside the [[Varjo XR-3]] mixed reality headset, the VR-3 represented a complete redesign of Varjo's hardware platform while maintaining the company's focus on visual fidelity.<ref name="roadtovr" />


Key improvements addressed the three main criticisms of earlier models:
Key improvements addressed the three main criticisms of earlier models:
Line 281: Line 280:
<ref name="varjo-announcement">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-launches-xr-3-and-vr-3-headsets-to-bring-the-next-generation-of-immersive-technology-to-every-workplace/|title=Varjo Launches XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets to Bring the Next Generation of Immersive Technology to Every Workplace|publisher=Varjo|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="varjo-announcement">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-launches-xr-3-and-vr-3-headsets-to-bring-the-next-generation-of-immersive-technology-to-every-workplace/|title=Varjo Launches XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets to Bring the Next Generation of Immersive Technology to Every Workplace|publisher=Varjo|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-xr-3-vr-3-announcement-specs-release-date-price/|title=Varjo Announces XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets – Specs, Price, Release Date|publisher=Road to VR|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-xr-3-vr-3-announcement-specs-release-date-price/|title=Varjo Announces XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets – Specs, Price, Release Date|publisher=Road to VR|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="varjo-blog">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/blog/twice-the-performance-half-the-price-%E2%80%AFsee-how-the-new-varjo-xr-3-and-vr-3-improve-from-earlier-varjo-headsets/|title=Twice the Performance, Half the Price – See How the New Varjo XR-3 and VR-3 Improve from Earlier Varjo Headsets|publisher=Varjo|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="vr-expert">{{cite web|url=https://vr-expert.com/news/varjo-launches-its-new-xr-3-and-vr-3-headsets/|title=Varjo launches its new XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets|publisher=VR Expert|date=December 1, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="auganix">{{cite web|url=https://www.auganix.org/varjo-launches-its-next-generation-xr-3-and-vr-3-headsets-for-businesses-and-enterprise/|title=Varjo launches its next generation XR-3 and VR-3 headsets for businesses and enterprise|publisher=Auganix|date=December 2020|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="varjo-vr3-product">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/products/varjo-vr-3/|title=Highest resolution virtual reality - Varjo VR-3|publisher=Varjo|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
</references>
</references>


==External Links==
* [https://varjo.com Official Varjo website]
* [https://varjo.com/products/varjo-vr-3/ Varjo VR-3 product page]
* [https://developer.varjo.com/ Varjo Developer Portal]


[[Category:Virtual reality headsets]]
 
 
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2020]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2020]]
[[Category:Finnish brands]]
[[Category:Finnish brands]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]

Latest revision as of 02:54, 5 June 2025

Varjo VR-3
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC-Powered VR
Platform SteamVR, OpenXR
Developer Varjo
Manufacturer Varjo
Announcement Date December 1, 2020
Release Date December 2020
Price $3,195 + $795/year subscription
Website https://varjo.com
Versions VR-3
Requires High-end PC
Predecessor Varjo VR-2
Successor Varjo Aero
System
Operating System Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Storage
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display uOLED (focus) + LCD (peripheral)
Subpixel Layout RGB
Peak Brightness 150 nits
Resolution Focus: 1920×1920 per eye, Context: 2880×2720 per eye
Pixel Density 70+ PPD (focus), 30+ PPD (periphery)
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Persistence Low persistence
Precision Sub-pixel precision
Image
Field of View 115°
Horizontal FoV 115°
Vertical FoV N/A
Visible FoV 115°
Rendered FoV 115°
Binocular Overlap less than 85%
Peak Pixel Density 70+ PPD
Foveated Rendering Yes (dynamic)
Optics
Optics Aspheric lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 58-73mm (automatic adjustment)
Adjustable Diopter No
Passthrough No
Tracking
Tracking SteamVR 2.0, Inside-out (beta)
Tracking Frequency 1000 Hz
Base Stations Optional (inside-out beta available)
Eye Tracking Yes (200Hz)
Hand Tracking Yes (Ultraleap)
Rotational Tracking 6DOF
Positional Tracking 6DOF
Update Rate 1000 Hz
Tracking Volume Up to 10m × 10m
Play Space Room-scale
Latency less than 20ms
Audio
Audio Off-ear speakers (37mm drivers)
Microphone Yes
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera No
Connectivity
Connectivity DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C 3.0
Ports 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× USB-C 3.0
Wired Video DisplayPort 1.4
Power External power adapter
Device
Weight 558g (headset only), 738g (with headband)
Material Magnesium alloy, plastic
Headstrap 3-point precision fit headband
Haptics No
Color Black
Sensors 200Hz eye tracking, IMU
Input Compatible with SteamVR controllers
Compliance CE, FCC
Cable Length 5 meters

The Varjo VR-3 is a professional PC-powered virtual reality head-mounted display announced on December 1, 2020, by Varjo Technologies. Representing the third generation of Varjo's professional VR headsets, the VR-3 introduced significant improvements including a 115° field of view, 40% weight reduction, and resolution exceeding 70 pixels per degree in the focus area.[1]

History

The VR-3 was developed in response to customer feedback regarding the weight and limited field of view of previous Varjo headsets. Announced alongside the Varjo XR-3 mixed reality headset, the VR-3 represented a complete redesign of Varjo's hardware platform while maintaining the company's focus on visual fidelity.[2]

Key improvements addressed the three main criticisms of earlier models:

  • Weight reduced by 40% through new materials and design
  • Field of view expanded by 33% to 115°
  • Price reduced by nearly 50% from the original VR-1

Technical Specifications

Next-Generation Bionic Display

The VR-3 evolved the Bionic Display concept with new display technologies:

  • Focus Display: 1920×1920 micro-OLED (uOLED) per eye
  • Context Display: 2880×2720 LCD per eye
  • Combined Resolution: Over 70 PPD center, 30+ PPD periphery
  • Refresh Rate: 90 Hz across both displays

Optical Improvements

  • Aspheric Lenses: Custom-designed for edge-to-edge clarity
  • Expanded Sweet Spot: Larger area of optimal focus
  • Reduced Chromatic Aberration: Improved color fringing correction
  • Better Peripheral Clarity: 30+ PPD maintained across wider area

Display Quality

  • Color Accuracy: 99% sRGB, 93% Adobe RGB
  • Brightness: 150 nits peak
  • Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1 (uOLED focus display)
  • Response Time: 0.1ms (uOLED)

Ergonomic Revolution

Weight Reduction

The VR-3 achieved a 40% weight reduction through:

  • Magnesium Alloy Frame: Lighter than aluminum while maintaining strength
  • Optimized Component Layout: Better weight distribution
  • Smaller Power Components: More efficient display drivers
  • Refined Optics: Lighter lens assemblies

Final weight specifications:

  • Headset Only: 558g (vs 905g for VR-1/VR-2)
  • With Headband: 738g
  • With Full Assembly: ~800g including cables

3-Point Precision Fit Headband

New ergonomic headband design:

  • Active Cooling: Integrated ventilation channels
  • Quick Release: Tool-free adjustment system
  • Weight Distribution: Balanced front-to-back ratio
  • Multiple Sizes: Accommodates wider range of head shapes

Advanced Features

200Hz Eye Tracking

Upgraded from previous generation:

  • Sampling Rate: 200Hz (doubled from VR-1/VR-2)
  • Accuracy: <1° visual angle
  • Calibration: 5-point automatic calibration
  • Pupil Size Tracking: Research-grade biometrics

Automatic IPD Adjustment

  • Range: 58-73mm (expanded from 58-72mm)
  • Motor-Driven: Automatic adjustment based on eye tracking
  • User Profiles: Save settings for multiple users
  • Precision: 0.5mm adjustment accuracy

Inside-Out Tracking (Beta)

The VR-3 introduced experimental inside-out tracking:

  • 4 Cameras: Wide-angle tracking cameras
  • Computer Vision: SLAM algorithm implementation
  • Hybrid Mode: Can combine with SteamVR base stations
  • Coverage: 270° horizontal tracking volume

Software and Compatibility

Expanded Ecosystem

Professional Software

Varjo Reality Cloud

New cloud-based services:

  • Remote Rendering: Stream VR content from cloud
  • Collaborative Sessions: Multi-user design reviews
  • Asset Management: Cloud storage for 3D models

System Requirements

Industry Applications

Automotive Design

Expanded adoption by major manufacturers:

Healthcare and Medical

Defense and Aerospace

  • BAE Systems: Aircraft maintenance training
  • Saab Group: Combat vehicle simulation
  • Boeing: Astronaut training systems
  • Various Defense Contractors: Classified applications

Market Performance

Pricing Strategy

  • Hardware: $3,195 (49% reduction from VR-1)
  • Annual License: $795 (20% reduction)
  • Academic Discount: 40% off for qualified institutions
  • Volume Licensing: Custom pricing for 10+ units

Reception

Professional reviews praised the improvements:

Strengths:

  • Dramatic weight reduction improved comfort
  • 115° FOV eliminated "tunnel vision" feeling
  • 70+ PPD exceeded previous "retina" resolution
  • Inside-out tracking preview showed future direction
  • Competitive pricing expanded market reach

Limitations:

  • Still required high-end PC
  • Subscription model remained controversial
  • Inside-out tracking still in beta
  • No wireless option

Technical Innovations

Ultraleap Gemini Integration

Enhanced hand tracking capabilities:

  • Wider FOV: 160° × 160° tracking volume
  • Better Occlusion Handling: Improved hand overlap detection
  • Lower Latency: <20ms motion-to-photon
  • Two-Handed Interactions: Complex gesture support

Foveated Transport Protocol

New rendering optimization:

  • Dynamic Resolution: GPU load reduction up to 50%
  • Network Optimization: For future wireless applications
  • Multi-GPU Support: Distributed rendering capability

Manufacturing Excellence

Production moved in-house to Varjo's Helsinki facility:

  • Quality Control: 100% unit testing
  • Shorter Lead Times: 2-week delivery standard
  • Customization Options: OEM branding available
  • Sustainability: 95% recyclable materials

Legacy and Impact

The VR-3 established new benchmarks for professional VR:

  • First headset exceeding 70 PPD resolution
  • Proved high-resolution VR possible at lower weight
  • Inside-out tracking preview influenced industry direction
  • Price point enabled broader enterprise adoption

The VR-3's success led to:

  • Increased competition in professional VR market
  • Industry shift toward lighter, wider FOV designs
  • Greater emphasis on ergonomics in enterprise hardware
  • Acceleration of inside-out tracking development

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Varjo Launches XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets to Bring the Next Generation of Immersive Technology to Every Workplace". Varjo. December 1, 2020. https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-launches-xr-3-and-vr-3-headsets-to-bring-the-next-generation-of-immersive-technology-to-every-workplace/.
  2. ↑ "Varjo Announces XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets – Specs, Price, Release Date". Road to VR. December 1, 2020. https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-xr-3-vr-3-announcement-specs-release-date-price/.
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