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|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]], [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]], [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered AR]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Creator =  
|Creator =  

Revision as of 02:38, 4 June 2025

Varjo XR-4
Basic Info
VR/AR Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC-Powered VR
Platform SteamVR, OpenXR
Developer Varjo
Manufacturer Varjo
Announcement Date November 27, 2023
Release Date December 2023
Price $3,990 (no subscription)
Website https://varjo.com
Versions XR-4, XR-4 Focal Edition, XR-4 Secure Edition
Requires High-end PC
Predecessor Varjo XR-3
Successor ?????
System
Operating System Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Storage
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Mini-LED
Subpixel Layout RGB
Peak Brightness 300 nits
Resolution 3840×3744 per eye
Pixel Density 51 PPD
Refresh Rate 90 Hz (120 Hz experimental)
Persistence Low persistence
Precision Sub-pixel precision
Image
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
Optics Dual-element aspheric lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 55-75mm (automatic adjustment)
Adjustable Diopter No
Passthrough Yes (20MP cameras + 300k LiDAR)
Tracking
Tracking Inside-out (4 cameras)
Tracking Frequency 200 Hz
Base Stations Not required (optional support)
Eye Tracking Yes (200Hz)
Hand Tracking Yes (integrated)
Rotational Tracking 6DOF
Positional Tracking 6DOF
Update Rate 200 Hz
Tracking Volume 7m radius
Play Space Room-scale
Latency less than 15ms (VR), less than 15ms (passthrough)
Audio
Audio DTS 3D spatial audio headphones
Microphone Dual noise-cancelling
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera 2× 20MP RGB, 2× 300k LiDAR sensors
Connectivity
Connectivity USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 compatible)
Ports 1× USB-C
Wired Video USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
Power USB-C Power Delivery
Device
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 mixed reality and virtual reality head-mounted display announced on November 27, 2023, by Varjo Technologies. Representing the fourth generation of Varjo's mixed reality technology, the XR-4 series eliminated subscription requirements, introduced inside-out tracking as standard, and achieved price parity with consumer prosumer headsets while maintaining professional-grade specifications.[1]

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, achieving visual parity between virtual and passthrough modes, and eliminating external tracking requirements.[2]

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)
  • 50% price reduction with no subscription
  • 51 PPD passthrough resolution matching virtual display

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: 300 nits peak, 200 nits sustained
  • Contrast: 10,000:1 with local dimming
  • Color Gamut: 96% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB

Mixed Reality Cameras

Revolutionary passthrough system:

  • RGB Cameras: Dual 20-megapixel global shutter sensors
  • Passthrough Resolution: 51 PPD (matching virtual content)
  • Frame Rate: 90 fps with <15ms latency
  • Dynamic Range: 14 stops with HDR processing
  • Low Light: ISO 25,600 equivalent sensitivity

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: 60 fps depth updates
  • Coverage: 94° × 78° depth sensing FOV

Breakthrough Features

Gaze-Driven Autofocus (Focal Edition)

World's first XR autofocus system:

  • Technology: Liquid lens with 200Hz response
  • Focus Range: 20cm to infinity
  • Eye-Coupled: Focus follows gaze automatically
  • Latency: <5ms focus adjustment
  • Applications: Solves vergence-accommodation conflict

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

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

Software Ecosystem

No Subscription Model

Following Aero's success:

  • One-Time Purchase: $3,990
  • All Features Included: No feature tiers
  • Free Updates: Lifetime software support
  • Professional Tools: Full SDK access

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

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

Variants

XR-4 Standard Edition

Base professional model:

  • All core features
  • 20MP passthrough
  • 300k LiDAR
  • $3,990

XR-4 Focal Edition

With gaze-driven autofocus:

  • All Standard features
  • Liquid lens autofocus system
  • Enhanced eye tracking data
  • Premium price (undisclosed)

XR-4 Secure Edition

Government/Defense variant:

  • TAA/BAA compliant
  • Secure boot process
  • Offline operation mode
  • Manufactured in secure facility
  • ITAR-free for international use

System Requirements

Minimum Specifications:

  • OS: Windows 10 version 20H2 or Windows 11
  • CPU: Intel Core i9-11900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
  • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 or RTX A6000
  • 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

Industry Applications

Automotive Industry

Enhanced design validation:

Use cases:

  • Design reviews with physical clay models
  • Ergonomics testing with real drivers
  • HMI development and testing
  • Virtual showrooms with real products

Healthcare and Medical

Applications:

  • Pre-operative planning with patient data
  • Medical device training
  • Anatomy education with cadavers
  • Rehabilitation therapy

Architecture and Construction

Defense and Aerospace

Market Reception

Launch Impact

The XR-4 announcement generated significant attention:

  • Price Point: $3,990 shocked industry (50% less than XR-3)
  • No Subscription: Praised by enterprise customers
  • Feature Set: Exceeded expectations for price
  • Availability: Global launch in 40+ countries

Critical Response

Professional reviews were overwhelmingly positive:

Road to VR: "The XR-4 redefines what's possible in mixed reality" UploadVR: "Professional MR at prosumer pricing" VRFocus: "Inside-out tracking rivals base station precision"

Common praise:

  • Passthrough quality "indistinguishable from reality"
  • Autofocus system "game-changing" for MR
  • Price/performance ratio unprecedented
  • Ergonomics significantly improved

Criticisms:

  • High PC requirements
  • No wireless option
  • Hand tracking occasionally loses precision
  • Limited battery for future standalone use

Technical Innovations

CloudXR Integration

Streaming MR capabilities:

  • NVIDIA CloudXR: RTX server rendering
  • 5G Support: Ultra-low latency streaming
  • Edge Computing: Local cloud deployment
  • Multi-User: Synchronized MR sessions

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

Optics Engineering

  • Dual-Element Lenses: Reduced aberrations
  • Coating Technology: 99.5% light transmission
  • Edge-to-Edge Clarity: <2% distortion at edges
  • Pancake Design: Considered but rejected for quality

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

Component Partners

  • Display Panels: BOE (custom Mini-LED)
  • Cameras: Sony (IMX sensors)
  • LiDAR: Proprietary Varjo design
  • Lenses: ZEISS (coating technology)

Competitive Landscape

Versus Apple Vision Pro

  • XR-4 Advantages: Higher resolution, better passthrough, professional ecosystem
  • Vision Pro Advantages: Standalone operation, consumer apps, hand tracking

Versus Meta Quest Pro/3

  • XR-4 Advantages: 10× resolution, professional tools, superior passthrough
  • Quest Advantages: Standalone, lower price, consumer content

Versus HTC Vive XR Elite

  • XR-4 Advantages: Resolution, passthrough quality, eye tracking
  • Vive Advantages: Standalone option, lower price point

Future Roadmap

While not officially announced, industry sources suggest:

  • Standalone version in development
  • Wireless adapter planned for 2025
  • 8K per eye displays in testing
  • AI copilot for enterprise applications

Impact on Industry

The XR-4's launch influenced the mixed reality landscape:

  • Established $4,000 as professional MR baseline
  • Proved 50+ PPD necessary for professional use
  • Accelerated inside-out tracking adoption
  • Validated no-subscription model for enterprise

Technologies popularized:

  • Gaze-driven autofocus for XR
  • 20MP+ passthrough cameras
  • 300k+ point LiDAR integration
  • Uniform high-PPD displays

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Varjo Releases New XR-4 Series to Deliver Mixed Reality Experiences Indistinguishable from Natural Sight". Varjo. November 27, 2023. https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-releases-new-xr-4-series-to-deliver-mixed-reality-experiences-indistinguishable-from-natural-sight/.
  2. ↑ "Finnish startup Varjo launches $3,990 XR-4 mixed reality headset". CNBC. November 27, 2023. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/27/finnish-startup-varjo-launches-3990-xr-4-mixed-reality-headset.html.

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