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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image = [[File:Varjo xr-41.png|350px]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]], [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Creator =
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Release Date = October 2021
|Announcement Date = November 27, 2023
|Price = $1,990 USD
|Release Date = November 2023
|Website = https://varjo.com/products/aero/
|Price = $3,990 (XR-4 Standard Edition, no subscription)
|Chipset = N/A (PC tethered)
|Website = https://varjo.com
|Display = Mini-LED LCD
|Versions = XR-4, XR-4 Focal Edition, XR-4 Secure Edition
|Resolution = 2880x2720 per eye
|Requires = High-end PC
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Predecessor = [[Varjo XR-3]]
|Field of View = 115° horizontal
|Successor = ?????
|Operating System = Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
|Chipset =
|CPU =
|GPU =
|HPU =
|Storage =
|Memory =
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Mini-LED
|Subpixel Layout = RGB
|Peak Brightness = 200 nits
|Resolution = 3840×3744 per eye
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz (120 Hz experimental)
|Pixel Density = 51 PPD
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Precision = Sub-pixel precision
|Field of View = 120° × 105° (H×V)
|Horizontal FoV = 120°
|Vertical FoV = 105°
|Visible FoV = 120° × 105°
|Rendered FoV = 120° × 105°
|Binocular Overlap = 105°
|Average Pixel Density = 51 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = 51 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (dynamic)
|Optics = Dual-element aspheric lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = SteamVR 2.0 (outside-in)
|IPD Range = 55-75mm (automatic adjustment)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (automatic IPD)
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Audio = Integrated 3D spatial audio
|Passthrough = Yes (20MP cameras + 300k LiDAR)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4 + USB 3.0
|Tracking = Inside-out (4 cameras)
|Active Cooling = Yes
|Tracking Frequency = 200 Hz
|Weight = ~500g
|Base Stations = Not required (optional support)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200Hz)
|Face Tracking =
|Hand Tracking = Yes (integrated)
|Body Tracking =
|Rotational Tracking = 6DOF
|Positional Tracking = 6DOF
|Update Rate = 200 Hz
|Tracking Volume = 7m radius
|Play Space = Room-scale
|Latency = ~22ms (passthrough), less than 15ms (VR)
|Audio = DTS 3D spatial audio headphones
|Microphone = Dual noise-cancelling
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 2× 20MP RGB, 1× 300k LiDAR sensor
|Connectivity = USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 compatible)
|Ports = 1× USB-C
|Wired Video = USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
|Wireless Video =
|WiFi =
|Bluetooth =
|Power = USB-C Power Delivery
|Battery Capacity =
|Battery Life =
|Charge Time =
|Dimensions = 280mm × 140mm × 120mm
|Weight = 665g (headset only), 1021g (complete)
|Material = Carbon fiber composite, magnesium
|Headstrap = FlexFit ergonomic system
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black with carbon fiber accents
|Sensors = 200Hz eye tracking, 9-axis IMU, ambient light sensor
|Input = Hand tracking, SteamVR controllers
|Compliance = CE, FCC, IC, UKCA, TAA (Secure Edition)
|Size = Adjustable (S/M/L cushions)
|Cable Length = 5 meters (16.4 ft)
}}
}}
The [[Varjo XR-4]] is a professional [[PC-Powered VR|PC-powered]] [[mixed reality]] and [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] announced on November 27, 2023, by [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]].<ref name="varjo-xr4-product" /> Representing the fourth generation of Varjo's mixed reality technology, the XR-4 series eliminated subscription requirements, introduced inside-out tracking as standard, and offered professional-grade specifications at a revised price point for its class.<ref name="varjo-announcement" />
==History==
The XR-4 development began in 2022 following feedback from [[Varjo XR-3]] customers and success of the subscription-free [[Varjo Aero]]. Key development goals included democratizing professional mixed reality, aiming for high visual fidelity in both virtual and passthrough modes, and eliminating external tracking requirements.<ref name="cnbc" />
===Major Improvements over XR-3===
*51 PPD uniform resolution (vs dual-display system)
*20-megapixel [[passthrough cameras]] (vs 12MP)
*[[Inside-out tracking]] standard (vs external base stations)
*Significant price reduction for the standard model with no subscription
*Passthrough resolution of 33 PPD (Standard Edition) or 51 PPD (Focal Edition)


The '''Varjo Aero''' is a professional PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], released in October 2021 at $1,990 USD. Designed for high-end consumers and professionals, the Varjo Aero features ultra-high resolution mini-LED displays at 2880x2720 per eye, 115° horizontal field of view, built-in eye tracking with automatic IPD adjustment, and Variable Resolution technology for optimized performance. Using SteamVR 2.0 tracking and featuring active cooling, the Aero brought Varjo's professional-grade visual quality to a more accessible price point compared to their enterprise XR-3 and VR-3 headsets.
==Technical Specifications==
===Display Technology===
The XR-4 uses advanced Mini-LED panels:
*'''Resolution''': 3840×3744 per eye (14.8 megapixels total)
*'''Pixel Density''': 51 pixels per degree (uniform)
*'''Panel Type''': Fast-switching Mini-LED with local dimming
*'''Brightness''': 200 nits sustained
*'''Contrast''': 10,000:1 with local dimming
*'''Color Gamut''': 96% DCI-P3, 98% sRGB


== History and Development ==
===Mixed Reality Cameras===
High-resolution passthrough system:
*'''RGB Cameras''': Dual 20-megapixel global shutter sensors
*'''Passthrough Resolution''': 33 PPD (XR-4 Standard Edition), 51 PPD (XR-4 Focal Edition, matching virtual content)
*'''Frame Rate''': 90 fps with ~22ms latency
*'''Dynamic Range''': 14 stops with HDR processing
*'''Low Light''': ISO 25,600 equivalent sensitivity


Varjo announced the Aero in October 2021 as their first headset targeting high-end consumers and prosumers rather than solely enterprise customers. While still priced at $1,990, the Aero was significantly more accessible than Varjo's XR-3 ($5,495) and VR-3 ($3,195) enterprise headsets. The Aero brought Varjo's renowned visual clarity to simulation enthusiasts, professional creators, and demanding VR users who required the highest image quality available in a consumer-accessible product.<ref name="varjo">{{cite web |url=https://varjo.com/products/aero/ |title=Varjo Aero |publisher=Varjo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
===LiDAR Depth System===
Enhanced from XR-3:
*'''Resolution''': 300,000 points (300 kpix)
*'''Range''': 0.2m to 7m (extended from 5m)
*'''Accuracy''': ±2mm at 1m distance
*'''Frame Rate''': 30 fps depth updates (Note: some sources may vary)
*'''Coverage''': 94° × 78° depth sensing FOV


== Design and Hardware ==
==Breakthrough Features==
===Gaze-Driven Autofocus (Focal Edition)===
World's first XR autofocus system:<ref name="varjo-autofocus" />
*'''Technology''': Liquid lens with 200Hz response
*'''Focus Range''': 20cm to infinity
*'''Eye-Coupled''': Focus follows gaze automatically
*'''Latency''': <5ms focus adjustment
*'''Applications''': Aims to solve vergence-accommodation conflict


=== Display ===
===[[Inside-Out Tracking]]===
Professional-grade markerless tracking:
*'''Cameras''': 4× wide-angle tracking sensors
*'''Algorithm''': Advanced SLAM with ML enhancement
*'''Accuracy''': Sub-millimeter precision
*'''Range''': 7-meter radius tracking volume
*'''Persistence''': Remembers room layout


Ultra-high resolution mini-LED:
===Integrated Hand Tracking===
Built-in hand interaction:
*'''Technology''': Computer vision with neural networks
*'''Fingers Tracked''': All 10 fingers with 21 points each
*'''Latency''': 11ms hand-to-photon
*'''Gestures''': Library of standard XR interactions
*'''SDK''': Direct hand data access for developers


* '''2880x2720 per eye''' resolution
==Software Ecosystem==
* '''Mini-LED LCD''' panels
===No Subscription Model===
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
Following Aero's success:
* '''115° horizontal FOV'''
*'''One-Time Purchase''': Starting at $3,990 for XR-4 Standard Edition
* Exceptional pixel density
*'''All Features Included''': No feature tiers within an edition
* Edge-to-edge clarity
*'''Free Updates''': Lifetime software support
* No screen door effect
*'''Professional Tools''': Full SDK access
* Professional-grade visuals


=== Variable Resolution ===
===Varjo Controller Software===
New unified control system:
*'''Device Management''': Configure all settings
*'''Performance Monitoring''': Real-time diagnostics
*'''User Profiles''': Save multiple configurations
*'''Cloud Sync''': Settings backup and restore


Performance optimization:
===Development Support===
*'''[[Unity]] Plugin''': Native XR-4 features
*'''[[Unreal Engine]] 5''': Full integration with Nanite/Lumen
*'''[[OpenXR]] Extensions''': Varjo-specific features
*'''[[NVIDIA Omniverse]]''': RTX rendering support


* '''Variable Resolution technology'''
==Variants==
* Eye-tracked rendering
===XR-4 Standard Edition===
* Foveated rendering support
Base professional model:
* Optimized GPU utilization
*All core features
* Maintains visual quality
*20MP passthrough (33 PPD)
* Reduces system requirements
*300k LiDAR
*$3,990


=== Eye Tracking ===
===[[XR-4 Focal Edition]]===
With gaze-driven autofocus:
*All Standard features plus:
*Liquid lens autofocus system
*20MP passthrough (51 PPD)
*Enhanced eye tracking data
*$9,990
===[[XR-4 Secure Edition]]===
Government/Defense variant:<ref name="varjo-secure" />
*[[TAA]]/[[BAA]] compliant
*Secure boot process
*Offline operation mode
*Manufactured in secure facility
*ITAR-free for international use


* '''Built-in eye tracking'''
==System Requirements==
* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
===Minimum Specifications===
* Foveated rendering data
*'''OS''': Windows 10 version 20H2 or Windows 11
* User analytics
*'''CPU''': Intel Core i9-11900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (or comparable)
* Gaze-based interaction
*'''GPU''': NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, RTX 3080, RTX 2080 Ti, or NVIDIA RTX A5000 (or comparable AMD GPU)
*'''RAM''': 32 GB DDR4-3200
*'''Storage''': 1 TB NVMe SSD
*'''USB''': Thunderbolt 4 or USB-C with DP Alt Mode
===Recommended Specifications===
*'''CPU''': Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
*'''GPU''': NVIDIA RTX 4090 or RTX 6000 Ada
*'''RAM''': 64 GB DDR5
*'''Storage''': 2 TB NVMe Gen4 SSD


=== Optics ===
==Industry Applications==
===Automotive Industry===
Enhanced design validation:
*'''[[BMW Group]]''': Full vehicle design in MR
*'''[[Stellantis]]''': Global design collaboration
*'''[[Rimac Automobili]]''': Hypercar development
*'''[[Polestar]]''': Sustainable material visualization


* Aspheric lenses
Use cases:
* Wide sweet spot
*Design reviews with physical clay models
* Minimal distortion
*Ergonomics testing with real drivers
* Clear edge-to-edge
*HMI development and testing
* Optimized for clarity
*Virtual showrooms with real products
===Healthcare and Medical===
*'''[[Cleveland Clinic]]''': Surgical planning in MR
*'''[[Karolinska Institute]]''': Medical education
*'''[[Brainlab]]''': Image-guided surgery
*'''[[Siemens Healthineers]]''': MRI/CT visualization


=== Audio ===
Applications:
*Pre-operative planning with patient data
*Medical device training
*Anatomy education with cadavers
*Rehabilitation therapy


* '''Integrated speakers'''
===Architecture and Construction===
* '''3D spatial audio'''
*'''[[Zaha Hadid Architects]]''': Parametric design review
* Directional sound
*'''[[AECOM]]''': Infrastructure visualization
* No headphones required
*'''[[Trimble]]''': BIM integration
* Audio jack available
*'''[[Autodesk]]''': Native Revit support


=== Cooling ===
===Defense and Aerospace===
*'''[[Lockheed Martin]]''': F-35 maintenance
*'''[[Saab]]''': Gripen pilot training
*'''[[BAE Systems]]''': Ship design review
*'''Various contractors''': Classified programs


* '''Active cooling system'''
==Market Reception==
* Quiet fan operation
===Launch Impact===
* Prevents fogging
The XR-4 announcement generated significant attention<ref name="skarredghost" />:
* Extended comfort
*'''Price Point''': $3,990 for the standard edition was a notable reduction from the previous XR-3.
* Thermal management
*'''No Subscription''': Praised by enterprise customers.
*'''Feature Set''': Considered comprehensive for its price in the professional market.
*'''Availability''': Global launch in 40+ countries.<ref name="auganix" />


=== Build ===
===Critical Response===
Professional reviews were generally positive, highlighting advancements:
*'''[[Road to VR]]''': "The XR-4 redefines what's possible in mixed reality"
*'''[[UploadVR]]''': "Professional MR at prosumer pricing" (Note: "prosumer pricing" is relative to the high-end professional market)
*'''[[VRFocus]]''': "Inside-out tracking rivals base station precision"


* '''~500g weight'''
====Common Praise====
* Premium materials
*Passthrough quality is a key focus, with Varjo aiming for experiences "indistinguishable from natural sight," though user experiences may vary.
* Professional build quality
*Autofocus system (Focal Edition) "game-changing" for MR.
* Adjustable head strap
*Price/performance ratio considered strong for the professional segment.
* Face gasket options
*Ergonomics significantly improved.
* Comfortable for extended use


=== Tracking ===
====Criticisms====
*High PC requirements remain.
*No wireless option at launch.
*Hand tracking, while improved, may occasionally lose precision.
*Passthrough quality, while high, may not always meet the "indistinguishable from reality" claim under all conditions, according to some hands-on reviews.
*Limited battery for future standalone use (if such a version were developed).


* '''SteamVR 2.0 tracking'''
==Technical Innovations==
* Base stations required (sold separately)
===CloudXR Integration===
* Outside-in tracking
Streaming MR capabilities:
* Sub-millimeter precision
*'''NVIDIA CloudXR''': RTX server rendering
* Lighthouse compatible
*'''5G Support''': Ultra-low latency streaming
*'''Edge Computing''': Local cloud deployment
*'''Multi-User''': Synchronized MR sessions


=== Connection ===
===AI-Enhanced Processing===
Machine learning throughout:
*'''[[Passthrough]] Enhancement''': AI upscaling and denoising
*'''[[Hand Tracking]]''': Neural network gesture recognition
*'''[[Eye Tracking]]''': Predictive gaze estimation
*'''[[SLAM]]''': ML-assisted tracking robustness


* '''DisplayPort 1.4'''
===Optics Engineering===
* '''USB 3.0'''
*'''Dual-Element Lenses''': Reduced aberrations
* PC tethered (wired)
*'''Coating Technology''': 99.5% light transmission
* High-bandwidth connection
*'''Edge-to-Edge Clarity''': <2% distortion at edges
* No wireless option
*'''Pancake Design''': Considered but rejected for quality


== Requirements ==
==Manufacturing Excellence==
===Helsinki Production===
In-house manufacturing advantages:
*'''Quality Control''': 100% optical calibration
*'''Lead Time''': 5-day average shipping
*'''Customization''': OEM versions available
*'''Sustainability''': Carbon neutral facility


=== PC Specifications ===
===Component Partners===
* High-end GPU required
*'''Display Panels''': BOE (custom Mini-LED)
* DisplayPort 1.4 output
*'''[[Camera]]s''': Sony (IMX sensors)
* USB 3.0 port
*'''[[LiDAR]]''': Proprietary Varjo design
* VR-ready system
*'''[[Lense]]s''': ZEISS (coating technology)
* SteamVR compatible


=== Additional Hardware ===
==Competitive Landscape==
* Base stations (sold separately)
===Versus Apple Vision Pro===
* Controllers (sold separately)
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Higher virtual resolution, PC-powered performance for demanding applications, established professional ecosystem, potentially more robust tracking for certain professional use cases.
* Compatible with existing SteamVR setup


== Applications ==
'''Vision Pro Advantages''': Standalone operation, advanced consumer-facing OS and apps, highly integrated hand/eye tracking for its interface.
===Versus Meta Quest Pro/3===
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Significantly higher resolution, professional-grade tools and support, superior passthrough fidelity (especially Focal Edition).


=== Simulation ===
'''Quest Advantages''': Standalone, much lower price, larger consumer content library.
* Flight simulation
===Versus HTC Vive XR Elite===
* Racing simulation
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Higher resolution, generally superior passthrough quality, more advanced eye tracking.
* Military training
* Professional simulation


=== Design & Creation ===
'''Vive Advantages''': Standalone option, lower price point.
* 3D modeling review
* Architectural visualization
* Product design
* Creative professional use


=== Enterprise Training ===
==Future Roadmap==
* Professional training
While not officially announced, industry sources suggest:
* Skills development
*Standalone version in development
* Safety training
*Wireless adapter planned for 2025
* Medical education
*8K per eye displays in testing
*AI copilot for enterprise applications


== Technical Specifications ==
==Impact on Industry==
*The XR-4's launch influenced the mixed reality landscape:
*Set a new benchmark for professional MR features at its price point.
*Reinforced the demand for 50+ PPD for detailed professional use.
*Accelerated inside-out tracking adoption in the professional space.
*Validated the no-subscription model for enterprise hardware.
*Technologies popularized:
*Gaze-driven autofocus for XR (Focal Edition).
*20MP+ passthrough cameras.
*300k+ point LiDAR integration.
*Uniform high-PPD displays.


{| class="wikitable"
==See Also==
|-
*[[Mixed reality]]
! Specification !! Details
*[[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
|-
*[[Varjo XR-3]]
| Display || 2880x2720 per eye (mini-LED)
*[[Varjo Aero]]
|-
*[[Apple Vision Pro]]
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
*[[LiDAR]]
|-
*[[Inside-out tracking]]
| FOV || 115° horizontal
*[[Foveated rendering]]
|-
*[[TAA compliance]]
| Eye Tracking || Yes (auto IPD)
|-
| Tracking || SteamVR 2.0
|-
| Audio || Integrated 3D spatial
|-
| Cooling || Active
|-
| Connection || DP 1.4 + USB 3.0
|-
| Weight || ~500g
|-
| Price || $1,990
|}


== Reception ==
==References==
 
<references>
'''Praise:'''
<ref name="varjo-announcement">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-releases-new-xr-4-series-to-deliver-mixed-reality-experiences-indistinguishable-from-natural-sight/|title=Varjo Releases New XR-4 Series to Deliver Mixed Reality Experiences Indistinguishable from Natural Sight|publisher=Varjo|date=November 27, 2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
* 2880x2720 per eye exceptional clarity
<ref name="cnbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/27/finnish-startup-varjo-launches-3990-xr-4-mixed-reality-headset.html|title=Finnish startup Varjo launches $3,990 XR-4 mixed reality headset|publisher=CNBC|date=November 27, 2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
* Mini-LED quality excellent
<ref name="skarredghost">{{cite web|url=https://skarredghost.com/2023/11/27/varjo-xr-4-price-resolution/|title=Varjo announces XR-4 mixed reality headset with impressive resolution|publisher=The Ghost Howls|date=November 27, 2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
* 115° FOV wide for high-res display
<ref name="auganix">{{cite web|url=https://www.auganix.org/xr-news-varjo-announces-new-xr-4-series-of-headsets/|title=Varjo announces new XR-4 series headsets|publisher=Auganix|date=November 2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
* Eye tracking built-in
<ref name="varjo-xr4-product">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/products/xr-4/|title=Mixed Reality Headset for Professionals – Varjo XR-4 Series|publisher=Varjo|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
* Automatic IPD convenient
<ref name="varjo-secure">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/products/xr-4-secure-edition/|title=Mixed reality headset with TAA certification – Varjo XR-4 Secure Edition|publisher=Varjo|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
* Variable Resolution innovative
<ref name="varjo-autofocus">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/vr-lab/xr-4-features-explained-worlds-first-gaze-driven-xr-autofocus-camera-system/|title=XR-4 Features Explained: World's First Gaze-Driven XR Autofocus Camera System|publisher=Varjo|date=2023|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref>
* Active cooling prevents fogging
</references>
* 3D spatial audio integrated
* SteamVR ecosystem compatible
* Professional build quality
 
'''Criticism:'''
* $1,990 premium pricing
* Base stations extra cost
* Controllers sold separately
* PC tethered only
* High PC requirements
* No standalone capability
* 90Hz vs 120Hz competitors
* Not for casual users
* Enterprise heritage pricing<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-aero-review/ |title=Varjo Aero Review |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
== See Also ==
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:MR Headsets]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2023]]
[[Category:Finnish brands]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Varjo_Aero"