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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image = [[File:Varjo vr-31.png|350px]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], Varjo Base
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Creator =
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Release Date = 2021
|Announcement Date = December 1, 2020
|Price = $3,395 USD + subscription ($795/year)
|Release Date = December 2020
|Website = https://varjo.com/
|Price = $3,195 + $795/year subscription
|Website = https://varjo.com
|Versions = VR-3
|Requires = High-end PC
|Predecessor = [[Varjo VR-2]]
|Predecessor = [[Varjo VR-2]]
|Successor = [[Varjo Aero]]
|Successor = [[Varjo Aero]]
|Display = Bionic Display (dual resolution)
|Operating System = Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
|Resolution = 1920x1920 (focus) / 2880x2720 (peripheral) per eye
|Chipset =
|PPD = 70 PPD (focus) / 35 PPD (peripheral)
|CPU =
|GPU =
|HPU =
|Storage =
|Memory =
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = uOLED (focus) + LCD (peripheral)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB
|Peak Brightness = 150 nits
|Resolution = Focus: 1920×1920 per eye, Context: 2880×2720 per eye
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Pixel Density = 70+ PPD (focus), 30+ PPD (periphery)
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Precision = Sub-pixel precision
|Field of View = 115°
|Field of View = 115°
|Horizontal FoV = 115°
|Vertical FoV = N/A
|Visible FoV = 115°
|Rendered FoV = 115°
|Binocular Overlap = less than 85%
|Average Pixel Density =
|Peak Pixel Density = 70+ PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (dynamic)
|Optics = Aspheric lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Eye Tracking = 200 Hz integrated
|IPD Range = 58-73mm (automatic adjustment)
|Hand Tracking = Ultraleap Gemini
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Tracking = SteamVR (outside-in, required)
|Passthrough = No
|IPD = Automatic adjustment
|Tracking = SteamVR 2.0, Inside-out (beta)
|Optics = Non-Fresnel custom lenses
|Tracking Frequency = 1000 Hz
|Cooling = Active cooling system
|Base Stations = Optional (inside-out beta available)
|Color = 99% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200Hz)
|Face Tracking =
|Hand Tracking = Yes (Ultraleap)
|Body Tracking =
|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 = Off-ear speakers (37mm drivers)
|Microphone = Yes
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C 3.0
|Ports = 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× USB-C 3.0
|Wired Video = DisplayPort 1.4
|Wireless Video =
|WiFi =
|Bluetooth =
|Power = External power adapter
|Battery Capacity =
|Battery Life =
|Charge Time =
|Dimensions =
|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
|Size =
|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 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.
==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 name="roadtovr" />


== History and Development ==
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


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>
==Technical Specifications==


== Design and Hardware ==
===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


=== Display ===
===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


Bionic Display technology:
===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)


* '''Focus area''': 1920x1920 per eye at '''70 PPD'''
==Ergonomic Revolution==
* '''Peripheral area''': 2880x2720 per eye at '''35 PPD'''
* Human-eye resolution in focus
* Gradual resolution blend
* 2x improvement vs VR-2 peripheral


=== Color Calibration ===
===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


Professional-grade color:
Final weight specifications:
* '''Headset Only''': 558g (vs 905g for VR-1/VR-2)
* '''With Headband''': 738g
* '''With Full Assembly''': ~800g including cables


* '''99% sRGB'''
===3-Point Precision Fit Headband===
* '''93% DCI-P3'''
New ergonomic headband design:
* Factory calibrated
* '''Active Cooling''': Integrated ventilation channels
* Color-critical applications
* '''Quick Release''': Tool-free adjustment system
* '''Weight Distribution''': Balanced front-to-back ratio
* '''Multiple Sizes''': Accommodates wider range of head shapes


=== Refresh Rate ===
==Advanced Features==


* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
===200Hz Eye Tracking===
* Smooth motion
Upgraded from previous generation:
* Low latency
* '''Sampling Rate''': 200Hz (doubled from VR-1/VR-2)
* '''Accuracy''': <1° visual angle
* '''Calibration''': 5-point automatic calibration
* '''Pupil Size Tracking''': Research-grade biometrics


=== Field of View ===
===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


* '''115° FOV'''
===Inside-Out Tracking (Beta)===
* Widest Varjo FOV (at release)
The VR-3 introduced experimental inside-out tracking:
* 87° → 115° improvement vs VR-2
* '''4 Cameras''': Wide-angle tracking cameras
* '''Computer Vision''': [[SLAM]] algorithm implementation
* '''Hybrid Mode''': Can combine with SteamVR base stations
* '''Coverage''': 270° horizontal tracking volume


=== Eye Tracking ===
==Software and Compatibility==


Industry-leading precision:
===Expanded Ecosystem===
* '''Native [[OpenXR]] Support''': Industry-standard API
* '''[[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] XR Plugin''': Official integration
* '''[[Unreal Engine]] 4.26+''': Native VR template support
* '''[[NVIDIA Omniverse]]''': RTX-accelerated visualization


* '''200 Hz eye tracking'''
===Professional Software===
* World's fastest VR eye tracking
* '''[[Autodesk VRED]]''': Automotive design visualization
* '''Foveated rendering'''
* '''[[Siemens NX]]''': CAD model review
* Gaze analytics
* '''[[Dassault Systèmes]] 3DEXPERIENCE''': PLM integration
* Automatic focus area positioning
* '''[[Lockheed Martin]] Prepar3D''': Flight simulation


=== Hand Tracking ===
===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


* '''Ultraleap Gemini''' integrated
==System Requirements==
* Fifth-generation hand tracking
* '''Operating System''': [[Windows 10]]/11 Pro 64-bit
* First Gemini integration in VR
* '''Processor''': [[Intel Core i7]]-9700K or [[AMD Ryzen 7]] 3700X minimum
* Commercial use licensed
* '''Graphics''': [[NVIDIA RTX 2080]] or [[Quadro RTX 5000]] minimum
* Natural hand interaction
* '''Memory''': 32 GB RAM
* '''Ports''': DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C 3.0


=== Optics ===
==Industry Applications==


* '''Custom non-Fresnel lenses'''
===Automotive Design===
* Ultra-wide design
Expanded adoption by major manufacturers:
* Reduced distortion
* '''[[Mercedes-Benz]]''': Interior design validation
* Edge clarity
* '''[[Rivian]]''': Electric vehicle development
* '''[[Continental AG]]''': HMI development
* '''[[Kia Motors]]''': Global design centers


=== IPD ===
===Healthcare and Medical===
* '''[[Johns Hopkins Medicine]]''': Surgical planning
* '''[[Mayo Clinic]]''': Medical education
* '''Fundamental VR''': Haptic surgery training
* '''Medical Realities''': Remote surgical assistance


* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
===Defense and Aerospace===
* Eye tracking powered
* '''[[BAE Systems]]''': Aircraft maintenance training
* Optimal fit for all users
* '''[[Saab Group]]''': Combat vehicle simulation
* '''[[Boeing]]''': Astronaut training systems
* '''Various Defense Contractors''': Classified applications


=== Comfort ===
==Market Performance==


* '''Active cooling system'''
===Pricing Strategy===
* Extended session comfort
* '''Hardware''': $3,195 (49% reduction from VR-1)
* '''3-point precision headband'''
* '''Annual License''': $795 (20% reduction)
* All head shapes/sizes
* '''Academic Discount''': 40% off for qualified institutions
* '''Volume Licensing''': Custom pricing for 10+ units


=== Tracking ===
===Reception===
Professional reviews praised the improvements:


* '''SteamVR base stations''' required
'''Strengths''':
* No inside-out tracking
* Dramatic weight reduction improved comfort
* Professional precision
* 115° FOV eliminated "tunnel vision" feeling
* 70+ PPD exceeded previous "retina" resolution
* Inside-out tracking preview showed future direction
* Competitive pricing expanded market reach


== Subscription Model ==
'''Limitations''':
* Still required high-end PC
* Subscription model remained controversial
* Inside-out tracking still in beta
* No wireless option


=== Requirements ===
==Technical Innovations==
* Valid EIN/TAX ID (enterprise only)
* Varjo account per user
* Annual subscription required


=== Pricing ===
===Ultraleap Gemini Integration===
* '''Hardware''': $3,395
Enhanced hand tracking capabilities:
* '''Subscription''': $795/year
* '''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


== Software Compatibility ==
===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


* '''Unity'''
==Manufacturing Excellence==
* '''Unreal Engine'''
Production moved in-house to Varjo's Helsinki facility:
* '''OpenXR 1.0'''
* '''Quality Control''': 100% unit testing
* '''Autodesk VRED'''
* '''Shorter Lead Times''': 2-week delivery standard
* '''PREPAR3D'''
* '''Customization Options''': OEM branding available
* '''VBS Blue IG'''
* '''Sustainability''': 95% recyclable materials
* Professional 3D platforms


== Applications ==
==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


=== Industries ===
The VR-3's success led to:
* '''Training and simulation'''
* Increased competition in professional VR market
* '''Design and engineering'''
* Industry shift toward lighter, wider FOV designs
* '''Medical and healthcare'''
* Greater emphasis on ergonomics in enterprise hardware
* '''Research'''
* Acceleration of inside-out tracking development
* '''Automotive design'''
* '''Aerospace'''


== Technical Specifications ==
==See Also==
 
* [[Virtual reality headset]]
{| class="wikitable"
* [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
|-
* [[Varjo VR-2]]
! Specification !! Details
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
|-
* [[Varjo Aero]]
| Focus Display || 1920x1920 per eye
* [[Foveated rendering]]
|-
* [[Inside-out tracking]]
| Focus PPD || 70
* [[OpenXR]]
|-
| Peripheral Display || 2880x2720 per eye
|-
| Peripheral PPD || 35
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
| FOV || 115°
|-
| Eye Tracking || 200 Hz
|-
| Hand Tracking || Ultraleap Gemini
|-
| Color || 99% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3
|-
| Price || $3,395 + $795/yr
|}
 
== Reception ==


'''Praise:'''
==References==
* 70 PPD human-eye resolution
<references>
* 115° FOV widest Varjo
<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>
* 200 Hz eye tracking fastest
<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>
* Ultraleap Gemini integrated
</references>
* 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 ==
* [[Varjo VR-2]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]


== References ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Enterprise VR]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2020]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:Finnish brands]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]

Revision as of 18:15, 7 January 2026

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