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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Varjo VR-3
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]], [[Enterprise VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], Varjo Base
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Varjo Base]]
|Creator = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Release Date = 2021
|Announcement Date = December 2020
|Price = $3,395 USD + subscription ($795/year)
|Release Date = February 2021
|Price = $3,195 (hardware) + $795/year (subscription)
|Website = https://varjo.com/
|Website = https://varjo.com/
|Versions = Varjo VR-3
|Requires = High-end PC (NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti or better), SteamVR base stations
|Predecessor = [[Varjo VR-2]]
|Predecessor = [[Varjo VR-2]]
|Successor = [[Varjo Aero]]
|Successor = None announced
|Display = Bionic Display (dual resolution)
|Operating System = [[Windows 10/11]]
|Resolution = 1920x1920 (focus) / 2880x2720 (peripheral) per eye
|Chipset = N/A (PC-tethered)
|PPD = 70 PPD (focus) / 35 PPD (peripheral)
|CPU = N/A (host PC)
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|GPU = N/A (host PC)
|Field of View = 115°
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A (host PC)
|Memory = N/A (host PC)
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual micro-OLED (focus) + dual LCD (peripheral)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe (focus displays)
|Peak Brightness = >100 nits (focus), >150 nits (peripheral)
|Resolution = 2880 × 2720 per eye (context), 1920 × 1920 per eye (focus)
|Pixel Density = >70 PPD (focus area)
|Refresh Rate = 90Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 115° horizontal
|Horizontal FoV = 115°
|Vertical FoV = 115°
|Average Pixel Density = ~35 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = >70 PPD (focus area)
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (gaze-driven)
|Optics = Aspherical lenses with Bionic Display
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Eye Tracking = 200 Hz integrated
|IPD Range = 59-71mm (automatic)
|Hand Tracking = Ultraleap Gemini
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Tracking = SteamVR (outside-in, required)
|Passthrough = No (VR-only)
|IPD = Automatic adjustment
|Tracking = 6DoF (SteamVR Tracking 2.0)
|Optics = Non-Fresnel custom lenses
|Tracking Frequency = 1000Hz (IMU)
|Cooling = Active cooling system
|Base Stations = Required (SteamVR 2.0)
|Color = 99% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3
|Eye Tracking = Yes (integrated, 200Hz)
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes (Ultraleap integration)
|Body Tracking = Via SteamVR trackers
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 90Hz
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale (base station dependent)
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Integrated headphones
|Microphone = Yes (integrated)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = No (VR-only)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C 3.0, proprietary cable
|Ports = Proprietary headset cable
|Wired Video = Yes (DisplayPort 1.4)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = No
|Power = Powered by PC via cable
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A (tethered)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = Not specified
|Weight = ~558g (without headband), ~944g (with headband)
|Material = Premium plastics, aluminum
|Headstrap = Precision fit headband with counterweight
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black/Silver
|Sensors = Eye tracking cameras, IMU, proximity sensor
|Input = SteamVR controllers, enterprise controllers
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Varjo VR-3''' is an enterprise [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], released in 2021 at $3,395 plus annual subscription ($795/year). Featuring Varjo's signature Bionic Display with human-eye resolution (70 PPD / 1920x1920 in focus area), 115° field of view (widest in Varjo lineup at release), integrated 200 Hz eye tracking, Ultraleap Gemini hand tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, active cooling, and color calibration to 99% sRGB. Targeting professional simulation, training, design, and research requiring photorealistic visual fidelity.
The '''Varjo VR-3''' is a professional-grade [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], announced in December 2020 and released in February 2021 at a price of $3,195 for hardware plus $795 annual subscription. As the VR-only counterpart to the XR-3 mixed reality headset, the VR-3 delivers Varjo's revolutionary Bionic Display technology—combining micro-OLED focus displays with LCD peripheral displays to achieve human-eye resolution exceeding 70 pixels per degree in the foveal region. This enables professionals to read cockpit instruments, examine fine CAD details, and perceive visual fidelity indistinguishable from reality in the center of view. With industry-leading 115° horizontal field of view, integrated 200Hz eye tracking enabling foveated rendering, automatic IPD adjustment, and optional Ultraleap hand tracking integration, the VR-3 targets the most demanding professional applications: flight simulation, automotive design, industrial training, and research where visual clarity cannot be compromised.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


Varjo announced the VR-3 alongside the XR-3 (mixed reality variant) in late 2020, shipping in 2021. The VR-3 represented a major improvement over the VR-2, doubling peripheral resolution and expanding FOV from 87° to 115°. Varjo pioneered the Bionic Display concept, combining high-resolution focus displays with wider peripheral displays for human-eye resolution where it matters. A Varjo subscription is required for operation, positioning it firmly in enterprise markets.<ref name="varjo">{{cite web |url=https://varjo.com/products/varjo-vr-3 |title=Varjo VR-3 |publisher=Varjo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Varjo Vision ===
Company mission:
* Founded 2016 in Finland
* Human-eye resolution goal
* Enterprise VR focus
* Premium market position


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Bionic Display Innovation ===
Technology development:
* VR-1 introduction (2019)
* VR-2 improvements
* VR-3 refinement
* Continuous advancement


=== Display ===
=== December 2020 Announcement ===
VR-3 reveal:
* Improved specifications
* Wider FOV (115°)
* Better resolution
* Reduced weight and price


Bionic Display technology:
=== February 2021 Launch ===
Commercial release:
* $3,195 hardware
* $795/year subscription
* Enterprise channel
* Professional focus


* '''Focus area''': 1920x1920 per eye at '''70 PPD'''
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''Peripheral area''': 2880x2720 per eye at '''35 PPD'''
 
* Human-eye resolution in focus
=== Human-Eye Resolution ===
* Gradual resolution blend
Visual fidelity goal:
* 2x improvement vs VR-2 peripheral
* >70 PPD in focus area
* Read fine text naturally
* Instrument legibility
* Professional requirements
 
=== Bionic Display ===
Dual display system:
* Micro-OLED focus area
* LCD peripheral context
* Seamless combination
* Best of both technologies
 
=== Enterprise VR ===
Professional design:
* Premium construction
* Reliability focus
* Support infrastructure
* Deployment tools
 
=== VR-Only Focus ===
Immersive design:
* No passthrough cameras
* Full immersion
* Lighter than XR-3
* Lower cost than XR-3
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Bionic Display System ===
Revolutionary approach:
* '''Focus Display''': 1920 × 1920 micro-OLED per eye
* '''Context Display''': 2880 × 2720 LCD per eye
* '''Combined''': Seamless optical blend
* '''Technology''': Proprietary optics
 
=== Focus Area Resolution ===
Human-eye class:
* >70 PPD central
* ~35 PPD peripheral
* Text legibility
* Detail perception
 
=== Micro-OLED Focus ===
High-density core:
* RGB stripe layout
* Excellent contrast
* Fast response
* Premium quality
 
=== LCD Peripheral ===
Wide-angle context:
* Full FOV coverage
* Good resolution
* Seamless blend
* Complete immersion


=== Color Calibration ===
=== Color Calibration ===
Professional accuracy:
* 99% sRGB calibrated
* 93% DCI-P3 coverage
* Factory calibrated
* Professional grade
== Field of View ==


Professional-grade color:
=== 115° Horizontal FOV ===
Industry-leading:
* Widest in class
* Near-human vision
* Peripheral awareness
* Full immersion


* '''99% sRGB'''
=== Significant Improvement ===
* '''93% DCI-P3'''
vs Previous generation:
* Factory calibrated
* 115° vs 87° (VR-2)
* Color-critical applications
* 32% increase
* Major advancement
* Competitive advantage
 
== Optical System ==
 
=== Aspherical Lenses ===
Premium optics:
* Wide sweet spot
* Minimal distortion
* Clear edge-to-edge
* Professional quality
 
=== Automatic IPD ===
Eye tracking integration:
* '''Range''': 59-71mm
* Automatic adjustment
* Per-user optimization
* Eye tracking driven
 
== Eye Tracking ==
 
=== 200Hz Eye Tracking ===
Industry-leading:
* '''Frequency''': 200Hz
* '''Technology''': Integrated cameras
* Sub-degree accuracy
* Professional grade
 
=== Foveated Rendering ===
Performance optimization:
* Gaze-driven rendering
* Full resolution at gaze point
* Reduced peripheral detail
* Significant GPU savings
 
=== Research Applications ===
Scientific use:
* Gaze data collection
* Attention analysis
* Training assessment
* Behavioral research
 
== Processing Requirements ==
 
=== High-End PC Required ===
Demanding specifications:
* NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti minimum
* RTX 3080 recommended
* Quadro RTX 6000 supported
* High-end workstation
 
=== GPU Power ===
Computational needs:
* High resolution output
* Foveated rendering helps
* Professional graphics cards
* Enterprise workstations
 
== Tracking System ==


=== Refresh Rate ===
=== SteamVR Tracking 2.0 ===
External tracking:
* Base stations required
* Sub-millimeter accuracy
* Large volume capable
* Professional reliability


* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
=== 6DoF Precision ===
* Smooth motion
Complete motion:
* Position tracking
* Rotation tracking
* High accuracy
* Low latency
* Low latency


=== Field of View ===
=== Hand Tracking Option ===
Ultraleap integration:
* Optional add-on
* Gesture recognition
* Natural interaction
* Enterprise applications


* '''115° FOV'''
== Audio System ==
* Widest Varjo FOV (at release)
* 87° → 115° improvement vs VR-2


=== Eye Tracking ===
=== Integrated Headphones ===
Built-in audio:
* Over-ear design
* Spatial audio capable
* Good isolation
* Convenient


Industry-leading precision:
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
Alternative audio:
* External headphones
* Custom audio
* Professional options
* User preference


* '''200 Hz eye tracking'''
== Physical Design ==
* World's fastest VR eye tracking
* '''Foveated rendering'''
* Gaze analytics
* Automatic focus area positioning


=== Hand Tracking ===
=== Premium Construction ===
Professional build:
* High-quality materials
* Precision engineering
* Durable design
* Enterprise grade


* '''Ultraleap Gemini''' integrated
=== Comfort System ===
* Fifth-generation hand tracking
Extended wear:
* First Gemini integration in VR
* Counterweight design
* Commercial use licensed
* Adjustable fit
* Natural hand interaction
* Pressure distribution
* Professional use capable


=== Optics ===
=== Weight ===
Substantial device:
* ~558g without headband
* ~944g with headband
* Well-balanced
* Counterweight helps


* '''Custom non-Fresnel lenses'''
== Connectivity ==
* Ultra-wide design
* Reduced distortion
* Edge clarity


=== IPD ===
=== Tethered Operation ===
PC connection:
* DisplayPort 1.4
* USB-C 3.0
* Power delivery
* Proprietary cable


* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
== Software Platform ==
* Eye tracking powered
* Optimal fit for all users


=== Comfort ===
=== Varjo Base ===
Management software:
* Device configuration
* Display calibration
* Eye tracking setup
* Enterprise tools


* '''Active cooling system'''
=== SteamVR Integration ===
* Extended session comfort
Content access:
* '''3-point precision headband'''
* SteamVR applications
* All head shapes/sizes
* OpenXR support
* Enterprise apps
* Custom development


=== Tracking ===
=== Enterprise SDK ===
Developer tools:
* Unity integration
* Unreal Engine support
* Native SDK
* Professional tools


* '''SteamVR base stations''' required
== Enterprise Applications ==
* No inside-out tracking
 
* Professional precision
=== Flight Simulation ===
Aviation training:
* Cockpit legibility
* Instrument reading
* Realistic visuals
* Training fidelity
 
=== Automotive Design ===
Vehicle development:
* Full-scale review
* Design validation
* Detail assessment
* Collaborative review
 
=== Industrial Training ===
Workforce development:
* Procedure training
* Safety simulation
* Skill development
* Assessment capable
 
=== Research ===
Scientific use:
* Visual perception
* Attention studies
* Human factors
* Behavioral research


== Subscription Model ==
== Subscription Model ==


=== Requirements ===
=== Hardware + Subscription ===
* Valid EIN/TAX ID (enterprise only)
Pricing structure:
* Varjo account per user
* $3,195 hardware purchase
* Annual subscription required
* $795/year subscription
* Software updates included
* Support included
 
=== vs XR-3 ===
Cost comparison:
* VR-3: $3,195 + $795/year
* XR-3: $5,495 + $1,495/year
* No passthrough cameras
* Lower total cost


=== Pricing ===
== Comparison with XR-3 ==
* '''Hardware''': $3,395
* '''Subscription''': $795/year


== Software Compatibility ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Varjo VR-3 !! Varjo XR-3
|-
| Price || $3,195 + $795/yr || $5,495 + $1,495/yr
|-
| Passthrough || No || 12MP stereo
|-
| LiDAR || No || Yes
|-
| Weight || ~558g || ~594g
|-
| Mixed Reality || No || Yes
|-
| Display || Same Bionic Display || Same Bionic Display
|-
| FOV || 115° || 115°
|}


* '''Unity'''
== Strengths and Limitations ==
* '''Unreal Engine'''
* '''OpenXR 1.0'''
* '''Autodesk VRED'''
* '''PREPAR3D'''
* '''VBS Blue IG'''
* Professional 3D platforms


== Applications ==
=== Strengths ===
* Human-eye resolution (>70 PPD focus)
* 200Hz integrated eye tracking
* 115° horizontal FOV (industry-leading)
* Automatic IPD adjustment
* Lower price than XR-3
* Professional color calibration
* Foveated rendering support


=== Industries ===
=== Limitations ===
* '''Training and simulation'''
* Expensive ($3,195 + subscription)
* '''Design and engineering'''
* Requires SteamVR base stations
* '''Medical and healthcare'''
* Heavy (~944g with headband)
* '''Research'''
* Tethered only
* '''Automotive design'''
* High PC requirements
* '''Aerospace'''
* No passthrough/mixed reality
* VR-only (no AR capability)


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 147: Line 438:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Focus Display || 1920x1920 per eye
| Display || Bionic: micro-OLED focus + LCD peripheral
|-
|-
| Focus PPD || 70
| Focus Resolution || 1920 × 1920 per eye
|-
|-
| Peripheral Display || 2880x2720 per eye
| Context Resolution || 2880 × 2720 per eye
|-
|-
| Peripheral PPD || 35
| PPD || >70 (focus), ~35 (peripheral)
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
| FOV || 115° horizontal
|-
|-
| FOV || 115°
| Refresh Rate || 90Hz
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || 200 Hz
| Eye Tracking || 200Hz integrated
|-
|-
| Hand Tracking || Ultraleap Gemini
| Tracking || SteamVR 2.0 (base stations)
|-
|-
| Color || 99% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3
| Weight || ~558g (without headband)
|-
|-
| Price || $3,395 + $795/yr
| Price || $3,195 + $795/year
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* 70 PPD human-eye resolution
* 115° FOV widest Varjo
* 200 Hz eye tracking fastest
* Ultraleap Gemini integrated
* Automatic IPD convenient
* Active cooling effective
* 99% sRGB professional color
* Foveated rendering performance
* Non-Fresnel lenses clear
* Research-grade quality
'''Criticism:'''
* $3,395 + subscription expensive
* Enterprise-only focus
* Base stations required
* No inside-out tracking
* Subscription mandatory
* Heavy for consumer use
* High PC requirements
* Not consumer accessible
* 90Hz only<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/varjo-xr-3-vr-3-lidar/ |title=Varjo VR-3 |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Varjo VR-2]]
* [[Varjo]]
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Enterprise VR]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
* [[Bionic Display]]
* [[Foveated Rendering]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Enterprise VR]]
[[Category:Enterprise VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:Eye Tracking]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]