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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image = [[File:Varjo xr-41.png|350px]]
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]], [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Creator =
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Announcement Date = November 27, 2023
|Announcement Date = October 21, 2021
|Release Date = November 2023
|Release Date = Q4 2021
|Price = $3,990 (XR-4 Standard Edition, no subscription)
|Price = $1,990 USD (no subscription)
|Website = https://varjo.com
|Website = https://varjo.com/products/aero
|Versions = XR-4, XR-4 Focal Edition, XR-4 Secure Edition
|Predecessor = [[Varjo VR-3]]
|Requires = High-end PC
|Successor = [[Varjo XR-4]]
|Predecessor = [[Varjo XR-3]]
|Display = Mini-LED LCD
|Successor = ?????
|Resolution = 2880×2720 per eye
|Operating System = Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Chipset =
|Field of View = 115°
|CPU =
|PPD = 35 PPD
|GPU =
|Brightness = 150 nits
|HPU =
|Color Space = 99% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3
|Storage =
|IPD Range = Automatic (mechanical)
|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
|IPD Range = 55-75mm (automatic adjustment)
|Optics = Aspheric lenses
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Tracking = Outside-in (SteamVR Lighthouse)
|Passthrough = Yes (20MP cameras + 300k LiDAR)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200 Hz)
|Tracking = Inside-out (4 cameras)
|Hand Tracking = No
|Tracking Frequency = 200 Hz
|Audio = 3.5mm jack, in-ear headphones included
|Base Stations = Not required (optional support)
|Connectivity = DisplayPort, USB 3.0
|Eye Tracking = Yes (200Hz)
|Weight = 617g
|Face Tracking =
|Cooling = Active cooling
|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)


==Technical Specifications==
The '''Varjo Aero''' is a high-end [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], announced on October 21, 2021 and shipped in Q4 2021 at $1,990. It is a "prosumer" version of Varjo's enterprise headsets, offering industry-leading visual fidelity with dual mini-LED displays at 2880×2720 per eye (35 PPD), aspheric lenses (not Fresnel), 200 Hz eye tracking with automatic mechanical IPD adjustment, and active cooling. The Aero targets flight simulator enthusiasts and advanced VR users seeking the highest visual clarity available without the $3,000+ price tag of Varjo's enterprise models.
===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


===Mixed Reality Cameras===
== History and Development ==
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


===LiDAR Depth System===
Varjo announced the Aero on October 21, 2021 as their first headset targeting both professionals and high-end consumers. It represented a strategic expansion beyond Varjo's traditional enterprise customer base, offering enterprise-grade visual fidelity at a more accessible price point by removing features like mixed reality passthrough found in the XR-3.<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-aero-price-specs-release-date-announcement/ |title=Varjo Aero VR Headset Announced with Price, Specs, Release Date |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
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


==Breakthrough Features==
The headset began shipping to customers by the end of 2021 and quickly became popular among flight simulator and racing simulator communities for its exceptional clarity.<ref name="varjonews">{{cite web |url=https://varjo.com/news/varjo-introduces-varjo-aero-headset-to-bring-the-highest-fidelity-virtual-reality-for-professionals-and-leading-edge-vr-users-alike |title=Varjo Introduces Varjo Aero Headset |publisher=Varjo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
===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


===[[Inside-Out Tracking]]===
== Design and Hardware ==
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===
=== Display ===
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==
Industry-leading visual fidelity:
===No Subscription Model===
Following Aero's success:
*'''One-Time Purchase''': Starting at $3,990 for XR-4 Standard Edition
*'''All Features Included''': No feature tiers within an edition
*'''Free Updates''': Lifetime software support
*'''Professional Tools''': Full SDK access


===Varjo Controller Software===
* Dual mini-LED LCD displays
New unified control system:
* '''2880×2720 resolution per eye'''
*'''Device Management''': Configure all settings
* 90 Hz refresh rate
*'''Performance Monitoring''': Real-time diagnostics
* '''35 pixels per degree (PPD)'''—industry-leading clarity
*'''User Profiles''': Save multiple configurations
* 150 nits brightness
*'''Cloud Sync''': Settings backup and restore
* 99% sRGB color space
* 95% DCI-P3 color gamut
* Individually color-calibrated panels
* Virtually eliminates screen door effect


===Development Support===
=== Optics ===
*'''[[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==
Premium aspheric lens design:
===XR-4 Standard Edition===
Base professional model:
*All core features
*20MP passthrough (33 PPD)
*300k LiDAR
*$3,990


===[[XR-4 Focal Edition]]===
* '''Aspheric lenses''' (not consumer-grade Fresnel)
With gaze-driven autofocus:
* True-to-life edge-to-edge clarity
*All Standard features plus:
* '''115° field of view'''
*Liquid lens autofocus system
* Eliminates god rays
*20MP passthrough (51 PPD)
* No screen door effect
*Enhanced eye tracking data
* Superior optical quality vs Fresnel alternatives
*$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


==System Requirements==
=== Eye Tracking ===
===Minimum Specifications===
*'''OS''': Windows 10 version 20H2 or Windows 11
*'''CPU''': Intel Core i9-11900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (or comparable)
*'''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


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


Use cases:
* '''200 Hz''' eye tracking frequency
*Design reviews with physical clay models
* Automatic mechanical IPD adjustment
*Ergonomics testing with real drivers
* Dynamic foveated rendering support
*HMI development and testing
* Enhanced application performance
*Virtual showrooms with real products
* Precise gaze data
===Healthcare and Medical===
*'''[[Cleveland Clinic]]''': Surgical planning in MR
*'''[[Karolinska Institute]]''': Medical education
*'''[[Brainlab]]''': Image-guided surgery
*'''[[Siemens Healthineers]]''': MRI/CT visualization


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


===Architecture and Construction===
Designed for extended professional use:
*'''[[Zaha Hadid Architects]]''': Parametric design review
*'''[[AECOM]]''': Infrastructure visualization
*'''[[Trimble]]''': BIM integration
*'''[[Autodesk]]''': Native Revit support


===Defense and Aerospace===
* 617g weight
*'''[[Lockheed Martin]]''': F-35 maintenance
* '''4 adjustment dials''' for custom fit
*'''[[Saab]]''': Gripen pilot training
* 3-point precision fit headband
*'''[[BAE Systems]]''': Ship design review
* Optimized ergonomics for long sessions
*'''Various contractors''': Classified programs
* '''Active cooling system'''
* Premium build quality


==Market Reception==
=== Audio ===
===Launch Impact===
The XR-4 announcement generated significant attention<ref name="skarredghost" />:
*'''Price Point''': $3,990 for the standard edition was a notable reduction from the previous XR-3.
*'''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" />


===Critical Response===
* 3.5mm audio jack
Professional reviews were generally positive, highlighting advancements:
* In-ear headphones with microphone included in box
*'''[[Road to VR]]''': "The XR-4 redefines what's possible in mixed reality"
* No built-in speakers (external audio required)
*'''[[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"


====Common Praise====
== Tracking ==
*Passthrough quality is a key focus, with Varjo aiming for experiences "indistinguishable from natural sight," though user experiences may vary.
*Autofocus system (Focal Edition) "game-changing" for MR.
*Price/performance ratio considered strong for the professional segment.
*Ergonomics significantly improved.


====Criticisms====
Uses SteamVR Lighthouse system:
*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).


==Technical Innovations==
* SteamVR 2.0 base stations recommended
===CloudXR Integration===
* Compatible with SteamVR 1.0 base stations
Streaming MR capabilities:
* 6 Degrees of Freedom
*'''NVIDIA CloudXR''': RTX server rendering
* '''Controllers not included'''
*'''5G Support''': Ultra-low latency streaming
* Compatible with Valve Index controllers, Vive controllers
*'''Edge Computing''': Local cloud deployment
*'''Multi-User''': Synchronized MR sessions


===AI-Enhanced Processing===
== System Requirements ==
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===
* Windows 10/11 desktop PC
*'''Dual-Element Lenses''': Reduced aberrations
* High-end NVIDIA or AMD GPU recommended
*'''Coating Technology''': 99.5% light transmission
* DisplayPort 1.4
*'''Edge-to-Edge Clarity''': <2% distortion at edges
* USB 3.0
*'''Pancake Design''': Considered but rejected for quality
* SteamVR base stations required (not included)


==Manufacturing Excellence==
== Pricing ==
===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===
* '''$1,990 USD''' (headset only)
*'''Display Panels''': BOE (custom Mini-LED)
* No annual subscription fee (unlike some Varjo enterprise products)
*'''[[Camera]]s''': Sony (IMX sensors)
* Base stations and controllers sold separately
*'''[[LiDAR]]''': Proprietary Varjo design
*'''[[Lense]]s''': ZEISS (coating technology)


==Competitive Landscape==
== Target Audience ==
===Versus Apple Vision Pro===
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Higher virtual resolution, PC-powered performance for demanding applications, established professional ecosystem, potentially more robust tracking for certain professional use cases.


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


'''Quest Advantages''': Standalone, much lower price, larger consumer content library.
* '''Flight simulator enthusiasts:''' Microsoft Flight Simulator, DCS World
===Versus HTC Vive XR Elite===
* '''Racing simulator fans:''' iRacing, Assetto Corsa
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Higher resolution, generally superior passthrough quality, more advanced eye tracking.
* '''Professional visualization:''' Architecture, engineering, design
* '''High-end VR gaming:''' Users demanding maximum visual fidelity
* '''Medium-sized businesses:''' Professional use without enterprise pricing


'''Vive Advantages''': Standalone option, lower price point.
== Reception ==


==Future Roadmap==
'''Praise:'''
While not officially announced, industry sources suggest:
* "What the Future Looks Like" - Tom's Hardware
*Standalone version in development
* Industry-leading 35 PPD clarity
*Wireless adapter planned for 2025
* Aspheric lenses eliminate god rays and screen door
*8K per eye displays in testing
* 200 Hz eye tracking with automatic IPD
*AI copilot for enterprise applications
* Mini-LED displays with excellent color accuracy
* 115° field of view
* Active cooling for extended sessions
* No subscription fee
* Individually calibrated displays
* Exceptional for simulation


==Impact on Industry==
'''Criticism:'''
*The XR-4's launch influenced the mixed reality landscape:
* $1,990 price (expensive for consumers)
*Set a new benchmark for professional MR features at its price point.
* 617g weight (heavier than competitors)
*Reinforced the demand for 50+ PPD for detailed professional use.
* Requires SteamVR base stations (additional cost)
*Accelerated inside-out tracking adoption in the professional space.
* Controllers not included
*Validated the no-subscription model for enterprise hardware.
* No built-in audio/speakers
*Technologies popularized:
* VR only (no passthrough/MR)
*Gaze-driven autofocus for XR (Focal Edition).
* 90 Hz only (no higher refresh rate)
*20MP+ passthrough cameras.
* Still requires high-end PC<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/varjo-aero-review |title=Varjo Aero Review: What the Future Looks Like |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
*300k+ point LiDAR integration.
*Uniform high-PPD displays.


==See Also==
<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/varjo-aero-review/ |title=Varjo Aero Review: A Powerhouse Headset With Some Question Marks |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
*[[Mixed reality]]
*[[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
*[[Varjo XR-3]]
*[[Varjo Aero]]
*[[Apple Vision Pro]]
*[[LiDAR]]
*[[Inside-out tracking]]
*[[Foveated rendering]]
*[[TAA compliance]]


==References==
== See Also ==
<references>
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
<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>
* [[Varjo VR-3]]
<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>
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
<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>
* [[HP Reverb G2]]
<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>
* [[Valve Index]]
<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>
 
<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>
== References ==
<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>
{{reflist}}
</references>


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
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