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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image = [[File:Varjo xr-41.png|350px]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]], [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise XR]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], Varjo Base
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Creator =
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Release Date = 2024
|Announcement Date = November 27, 2023
|Price = €3,990 (XR-4) / €9,990 (Focal Edition) / €7,990-€13,990 (Secure Edition)
|Release Date = November 2023
|Website = https://varjo.com/
|Price = $3,990 (XR-4 Standard Edition, 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]]
|Predecessor = [[Varjo XR-3]]
|Display = Mini-LED LCD
|Successor = ?????
|Resolution = 4K x 4K per eye
|Operating System = Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
|Total Pixels = 28 million
|Chipset =
|PPD = 51 PPD
|CPU =
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|GPU =
|Field of View = 120° × 105°
|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 = 6DoF (SteamVR + inside-out)
|IPD Range = 55-75mm (automatic adjustment)
|IPD = Automatic (56-72mm)
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Eye Tracking = 200 Hz integrated
|Passthrough = Yes (20MP cameras + 300k LiDAR)
|Passthrough = Dual 20 MP cameras
|Tracking = Inside-out (4 cameras)
|LiDAR = 300 kpx depth sensing
|Tracking Frequency = 200 Hz
|Audio = Spatial audio speakers
|Base Stations = Not required (optional support)
|Weight = 665g (headset) + 356g (headband)
|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 XR-4''' is an enterprise [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], released in 2024 starting at €3,990. The world's highest resolution mixed reality headset, the XR-4 features 4K x 4K per eye displays delivering 51 pixels per degree across 28 million total pixels, 120° × 105° field of view, dual 20 MP passthrough cameras, 300 kpx LiDAR depth sensing, 200 Hz eye tracking, and automatic IPD adjustment. Targeting professionals in aviation, defense, engineering, and medical fields, the XR-4 delivers ultra-high fidelity virtual and mixed reality experiences.
==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 XR-4 series in 2024 as their next-generation flagship mixed reality headset, succeeding the XR-3. The XR-4 was developed for demanding professional applications requiring photorealistic visual fidelity. Varjo was selected as the XR technology provider for the U.S. Army's Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer program, using XR-4 headsets for immersive helicopter pilot training.<ref name="varjo">{{cite web |url=https://varjo.com/products/xr-4 |title=Varjo XR-4 |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


Industry-leading resolution:
===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


* '''4K x 4K per eye''' resolution
==Software Ecosystem==
* '''28 million total pixels'''
===No Subscription Model===
* '''51 PPD''' (pixels per degree)
Following Aero's success:
* '''Mini-LED LCD''' technology
*'''One-Time Purchase''': Starting at $3,990 for XR-4 Standard Edition
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
*'''All Features Included''': No feature tiers within an edition
* '''120° × 105° field of view'''
*'''Free Updates''': Lifetime software support
* '''96% DCI-P3''' color accuracy
*'''Professional Tools''': Full SDK access
* '''98% sRGB''' coverage
* '''200 nits''' brightness
* '''Local dimming'''
* Industrial-grade color accuracy


=== Optics ===
===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


* '''Full-dome aspheric lenses'''
===Development Support===
* Variable resolution design
*'''[[Unity]] Plugin''': Native XR-4 features
* Consistent clarity across FOV
*'''[[Unreal Engine]] 5''': Full integration with Nanite/Lumen
* Custom Varjo optical design
*'''[[OpenXR]] Extensions''': Varjo-specific features
*'''[[NVIDIA Omniverse]]''': RTX rendering support


=== Eye Tracking ===
==Variants==
===XR-4 Standard Edition===
Base professional model:
*All core features
*20MP passthrough (33 PPD)
*300k LiDAR
*$3,990


Precision gaze 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


* '''200 Hz gaze tracking'''
==System Requirements==
* '''1-degree accuracy'''
===Minimum Specifications===
* Dynamic foveated rendering
*'''OS''': Windows 10 version 20H2 or Windows 11
* Gaze-directed autofocus (Focal Edition)
*'''CPU''': Intel Core i9-11900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (or comparable)
* Performance optimization
*'''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


=== Passthrough Cameras ===
==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


High-fidelity mixed reality:
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===
*'''[[Cleveland Clinic]]''': Surgical planning in MR
*'''[[Karolinska Institute]]''': Medical education
*'''[[Brainlab]]''': Image-guided surgery
*'''[[Siemens Healthineers]]''': MRI/CT visualization


* '''Dual 20 MP cameras'''
Applications:
* '''35 PPD''' passthrough (standard)
*Pre-operative planning with patient data
* '''51 PPD''' passthrough (Focal Edition)
*Medical device training
* Fixed focus (standard)
*Anatomy education with cadavers
* Autofocus (Focal Edition)
*Rehabilitation therapy


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


* '''300 kpx depth sensing'''
===Defense and Aerospace===
* '''Up to 7m range'''
*'''[[Lockheed Martin]]''': F-35 maintenance
* Accurate spatial mapping
*'''[[Saab]]''': Gripen pilot training
* Occlusion handling
*'''[[BAE Systems]]''': Ship design review
*'''Various contractors''': Classified programs


=== Tracking ===
==Market Reception==
===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" />


Dual tracking options:
===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"


* '''SteamVR tracking'''
====Common Praise====
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
*Passthrough quality is a key focus, with Varjo aiming for experiences "indistinguishable from natural sight," though user experiences may vary.
* '''6DoF positional'''
*Autofocus system (Focal Edition) "game-changing" for MR.
* No base stations required (inside-out mode)
*Price/performance ratio considered strong for the professional segment.
*Ergonomics significantly improved.


=== IPD ===
====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).


* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
==Technical Innovations==
* '''56mm – 72mm range'''
===CloudXR Integration===
* Personalized fit
Streaming MR capabilities:
*'''NVIDIA CloudXR''': RTX server rendering
*'''5G Support''': Ultra-low latency streaming
*'''Edge Computing''': Local cloud deployment
*'''Multi-User''': Synchronized MR sessions


=== Audio ===
===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


* '''Integrated spatial audio speakers'''
===Optics Engineering===
* '''Dual noise-canceling microphones'''
*'''Dual-Element Lenses''': Reduced aberrations
* '''3.5mm audio jack'''
*'''Coating Technology''': 99.5% light transmission
*'''Edge-to-Edge Clarity''': <2% distortion at edges
*'''Pancake Design''': Considered but rejected for quality


=== Comfort ===
==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


* '''Zero-gravity comfort system'''
===Component Partners===
* '''Replaceable cushions'''
*'''Display Panels''': BOE (custom Mini-LED)
* '''665g headset weight'''
*'''[[Camera]]s''': Sony (IMX sensors)
* '''356g headband weight'''
*'''[[LiDAR]]''': Proprietary Varjo design
*'''[[Lense]]s''': ZEISS (coating technology)


== Editions ==
==Competitive Landscape==
===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.


{| class="wikitable"
'''Vision Pro Advantages''': Standalone operation, advanced consumer-facing OS and apps, highly integrated hand/eye tracking for its interface.
|-
===Versus Meta Quest Pro/3===
! Edition !! Key Features !! Price
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Significantly higher resolution, professional-grade tools and support, superior passthrough fidelity (especially Focal Edition).
|-
| XR-4 || Fixed-focus cameras, 35 PPD passthrough || €3,990 (~$4,300)
|-
| XR-4 Focal Edition || Autofocus cameras, 51 PPD passthrough || €9,990 (~$11,000)
|-
| XR-4 Secure Edition (Fixed) || TAA certified, classified use || €7,990 (~$8,700)
|-
| XR-4 Secure Edition (Autofocus) || TAA certified, autofocus || €13,990 (~$15,200)
|}


== Applications ==
'''Quest Advantages''': Standalone, much lower price, larger consumer content library.
===Versus HTC Vive XR Elite===
'''XR-4 Advantages''': Higher resolution, generally superior passthrough quality, more advanced eye tracking.


=== Professional Use Cases ===
'''Vive Advantages''': Standalone option, lower price point.
* '''Aviation training'''
* '''Military simulation'''
* '''Engineering visualization'''
* '''Medical training'''
* '''Design review'''
* '''Scientific visualization'''


=== Notable Deployments ===
==Future Roadmap==
* U.S. Army helicopter pilot training
While not officially announced, industry sources suggest:
* Defense simulation systems
*Standalone version in development
* Automotive design
*Wireless adapter planned for 2025
*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 || 4K x 4K per eye
*[[Varjo Aero]]
|-
*[[Apple Vision Pro]]
| Total Pixels || 28 million
*[[LiDAR]]
|-
*[[Inside-out tracking]]
| PPD || 51
*[[Foveated rendering]]
|-
*[[TAA compliance]]
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
| FOV || 120° × 105°
|-
| Eye Tracking || 200 Hz
|-
| Passthrough || 20 MP cameras
|-
| LiDAR || 300 kpx (7m range)
|-
| IPD || 56-72mm (auto)
|-
| Weight || 665g + 356g
|-
| Price || €3,990 - €13,990
|}


== 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>
* 4K x 4K highest resolution available
<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>
* 51 PPD retina-level clarity
<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>
* 120° × 105° FOV wide
<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>
* 20 MP passthrough excellent
<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>
* LiDAR depth sensing accurate
<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>
* 200 Hz eye tracking precise
<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>
* Auto IPD convenient
</references>
* Professional build quality
* Zero-gravity comfort system
* U.S. Army selected
 
'''Criticism:'''
* €3,990-€13,990 enterprise pricing
* 90Hz only (vs 120Hz consumer)
* Very high PC requirements
* Not consumer accessible
* Heavy (1kg+ total)
* Enterprise focus only
* Tethered PC required
* SteamVR base stations optimal<ref name="ieee">{{cite web |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/varjo-xr-4 |title=Varjo XR-4 |publisher=IEEE Spectrum |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
== See Also ==
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Vive Focus Vision]]
* [[Meta Quest Pro]]
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Enterprise XR]]
[[Category:MR Headsets]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2023]]
[[Category:Finnish brands]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Varjo_XR-4"