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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image = [[File:Varjo vr-31.png|350px]]
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC-Powered VR]]
|Subtype = PC VR (Enterprise)
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[OpenXR]]
|Platform = [[PC]], [[SteamVR]]
|Creator =
|Creator = [[Varjo]]
|Developer = [[Varjo]]
|Announced = December 1, 2020
|Manufacturer = [[Varjo]]
|Release = January 2021
|Announcement Date = December 1, 2020
|Price = $3,195
|Release Date = December 2020
|Price = $3,195 + $795/year subscription
|Website = https://varjo.com
|Website = https://varjo.com
|Versions = VR-3
|OS = Windows
|Requires = High-end PC
|CPU = Intel i7-9700K+ (rec)
|Predecessor = [[Varjo VR-2]]
|GPU = NVIDIA RTX 2080+ (rec)
|Successor = [[Varjo Aero]]
|Storage =
|Operating System = Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
|RAM = 32 GB+ (rec)
|Chipset =
|Display = Dual display per eye (focus + context)
|CPU =
|Resolution = 2880 x 2720 per eye (combined)
|GPU =  
|Refresh = 90 Hz
|HPU =
|Brightness =
|Storage =  
|FOV = 115°
|Memory =  
|PPD = 71 (focus area)
|SD Card Slot = No
|Lenses = Bi-convex (not Fresnel)
|Display = uOLED (focus) + LCD (peripheral)
|IPD = Automatic (eye tracking)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB
|Eye Tracking = 200 Hz (Varjo in-house)
|Peak Brightness = 150 nits
|Hand Tracking = Ultraleap
|Resolution = Focus: 1920×1920 per eye, Context: 2880×2720 per eye
|Tracking = 6DoF (SteamVR / inside-out hybrid)
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Spatial Mapping =
|Pixel Density = 70+ PPD (focus), 30+ PPD (periphery)
|Speakers =
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Precision = Sub-pixel precision
|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
|IPD Range = 58-73mm (automatic adjustment)
|Adjustable Diopter = No
|Passthrough = No
|Tracking = SteamVR 2.0, Inside-out (beta)
|Tracking Frequency = 1000 Hz
|Base Stations = Optional (inside-out beta available)
|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
|Microphone = Yes
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = DisplayPort, USB
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C 3.0
|Ports = DisplayPort, USB 3.0
|Ports = 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× USB-C 3.0
|Battery =
|Wired Video = DisplayPort 1.4
|Weight = 40% lighter than predecessor
|Wireless Video =
|Materials =
|WiFi =
|Colors = Black
|Bluetooth =
|Sensors = Eye tracking, IMU, tracking cameras
|Power = External power adapter
|Input = SteamVR controllers
|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" />


==History==
The '''Varjo VR-3''' is a professional-grade [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Varjo]], a Finnish company specializing in enterprise XR. Announced on December 1, 2020 in Helsinki and shipping from January 2021, the VR-3 features Varjo's pioneering dual-display "Bionic Display" technology combining a high-density focus display at 71 pixels-per-degree (retina resolution) with a wider context display, integrated 200 Hz eye tracking, Ultraleap hand tracking, and 99% sRGB color accuracy. The headset targets simulation, training, design, and research applications.<ref name="varjo">{{cite web|url=https://varjo.com/products|title=Varjo Products|publisher=Varjo}}</ref>
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" />


Key improvements addressed the three main criticisms of earlier models:
== History and Development ==
* 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==
=== Varjo Background ===
Varjo (Finnish for "shadow") was founded in 2016 by former Nokia and Microsoft engineers, focused on human-eye resolution VR.


===Next-Generation Bionic Display===
=== December 2020 Announcement ===
The VR-3 evolved the Bionic Display concept with new display technologies:
The VR-3 was announced alongside the XR-3 on December 1, 2020.
* '''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===
=== January 2021 Shipping ===
* '''Aspheric Lenses''': Custom-designed for edge-to-edge clarity
Headsets began shipping to enterprise customers in January 2021.
* '''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===
=== 40% Weight Reduction ===
* '''Color Accuracy''': 99% sRGB, 93% Adobe RGB
Significant redesign reduced weight by 40% compared to previous Varjo models.
* '''Brightness''': 150 nits peak
* '''Contrast Ratio''': 1,000,000:1 (uOLED focus display)
* '''Response Time''': 0.1ms (uOLED)


==Ergonomic Revolution==
== Design and Hardware ==


===Weight Reduction===
=== Bionic Display Technology ===
The VR-3 achieved a 40% weight reduction through:
Unique dual-display-per-eye system:
* '''Magnesium Alloy Frame''': Lighter than aluminum while maintaining strength
* '''Focus Display:''' 1920 x 1920 @ 90 Hz
* '''Optimized Component Layout''': Better weight distribution
* '''Context Display:''' Fills peripheral field of view
* '''Smaller Power Components''': More efficient display drivers
* '''Seamless Blending:''' Nearly invisible transition
* '''Refined Optics''': Lighter lens assemblies
* '''Result:''' Retina resolution at center


Final weight specifications:
=== Display Specifications ===
* '''Headset Only''': 558g (vs 905g for VR-1/VR-2)
* '''Combined Resolution:''' 2880 x 2720 per eye
* '''With Headband''': 738g
* '''Focus Area PPD:''' 71 pixels per degree
* '''With Full Assembly''': ~800g including cables
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 90 Hz
* '''Field of View:''' 115 degrees
* '''Color:''' 99% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3


===3-Point Precision Fit Headband===
=== Optics ===
New ergonomic headband design:
* '''Lens Type:''' Bi-convex (not Fresnel)
* '''Active Cooling''': Integrated ventilation channels
* '''Benefit:''' Optimal clarity and comfort
* '''Quick Release''': Tool-free adjustment system
* '''IPD:''' Automatic alignment via eye tracking
* '''Weight Distribution''': Balanced front-to-back ratio
* '''Multiple Sizes''': Accommodates wider range of head shapes


==Advanced Features==
== Eye Tracking ==


===200Hz Eye Tracking===
=== Varjo In-House System ===
Upgraded from previous generation:
* '''Frequency:''' 200 Hz
* '''Sampling Rate''': 200Hz (doubled from VR-1/VR-2)
* '''Developer:''' Varjo proprietary
* '''Accuracy''': <1° visual angle
* '''Calibration''': 5-point automatic calibration
* '''Pupil Size Tracking''': Research-grade biometrics


===Automatic IPD Adjustment===
=== Applications ===
* '''Range''': 58-73mm (expanded from 58-72mm)
* Foveated rendering
* '''Motor-Driven''': Automatic adjustment based on eye tracking
* Automatic IPD adjustment
* '''User Profiles''': Save settings for multiple users
* Gaze analytics
* '''Precision''': 0.5mm adjustment accuracy
* Research data collection


===Inside-Out Tracking (Beta)===
== Hand Tracking ==
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==
=== Ultraleap Integration ===
* Built-in Ultraleap hand tracking
* Controller-free interaction option
* Gesture recognition


===Expanded Ecosystem===
== Tracking ==
* '''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


===Professional Software===
=== Hybrid System ===
* '''[[Autodesk VRED]]''': Automotive design visualization
* Inside-out tracking capability
* '''[[Siemens NX]]''': CAD model review
* SteamVR Lighthouse compatibility
* '''[[Dassault Systèmes]] 3DEXPERIENCE''': PLM integration
* 6 degrees of freedom
* '''[[Lockheed Martin]] Prepar3D''': Flight simulation


===Varjo Reality Cloud===
=== Headband Design ===
New cloud-based services:
* Halo-like strap design
* '''Remote Rendering''': Stream VR content from cloud
* Tightening dials on back and top
* '''Collaborative Sessions''': Multi-user design reviews
* Professional comfort focus
* '''Asset Management''': Cloud storage for 3D models


==System Requirements==
== Professional Applications ==
* '''Operating System''': [[Windows 10]]/11 Pro 64-bit
* '''Processor''': [[Intel Core i7]]-9700K or [[AMD Ryzen 7]] 3700X minimum
* '''Graphics''': [[NVIDIA RTX 2080]] or [[Quadro RTX 5000]] minimum
* '''Memory''': 32 GB RAM
* '''Ports''': DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C 3.0


==Industry Applications==
=== Target Industries ===
* Flight simulation
* Automotive design
* Medical training
* Research and academia
* Engineering visualization


===Automotive Design===
== System Requirements ==
Expanded adoption by major manufacturers:
* '''[[Mercedes-Benz]]''': Interior design validation
* '''[[Rivian]]''': Electric vehicle development
* '''[[Continental AG]]''': HMI development
* '''[[Kia Motors]]''': Global design centers


===Healthcare and Medical===
=== Recommended ===
* '''[[Johns Hopkins Medicine]]''': Surgical planning
{| class="wikitable"
* '''[[Mayo Clinic]]''': Medical education
|-
* '''Fundamental VR''': Haptic surgery training
! Component !! Requirement
* '''Medical Realities''': Remote surgical assistance
|-
| GPU || NVIDIA RTX 2080 / Quadro RTX 5000+
|-
| CPU || Intel i7-9700K+
|-
| RAM || 32 GB+
|-
| OS || Windows 10
|}


===Defense and Aerospace===
== Specifications ==
* '''[[BAE Systems]]''': Aircraft maintenance training
* '''[[Saab Group]]''': Combat vehicle simulation
* '''[[Boeing]]''': Astronaut training systems
* '''Various Defense Contractors''': Classified applications


==Market Performance==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Bionic Display (dual per eye)
|-
| Resolution || 2880 x 2720 per eye (combined)
|-
| Focus PPD || 71 pixels per degree
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
| Field of View || 115°
|-
| Color Accuracy || 99% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3
|-
| Eye Tracking || 200 Hz (Varjo)
|-
| Hand Tracking || Ultraleap
|-
| Lenses || Bi-convex
|-
| Price || $3,195
|}


===Pricing Strategy===
== See Also ==
* '''Hardware''': $3,195 (49% reduction from VR-1)
* [[Varjo]]
* '''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==
* [[Virtual reality headset]]
* [[Varjo|Varjo Technologies]]
* [[Varjo VR-2]]
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Varjo XR-3]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
* [[Foveated rendering]]
* [[Enterprise VR]]
* [[Inside-out tracking]]
* [[Eye tracking]]
* [[OpenXR]]
 
==References==
<references>
<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>
<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>
</references>
 
 


== References ==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Headsets]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2020]]
[[Category:Finnish brands]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Enterprise VR]]
[[Category:Eye tracking]]
[[Category:Varjo]]
[[Category:2020s VR]]

Revision as of 22:16, 7 January 2026

Varjo VR-3
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype PC VR (Enterprise)
Platform PC, SteamVR
Creator Varjo
Price $3,195
Website https://varjo.com
System
CPU Intel i7-9700K+ (rec)
GPU NVIDIA RTX 2080+ (rec)
Storage
Display
Display Dual display per eye (focus + context)
Resolution 2880 x 2720 per eye (combined)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (SteamVR / inside-out hybrid)
Eye Tracking 200 Hz (Varjo in-house)
Hand Tracking Ultraleap
Audio
Microphone Yes
Connectivity
Connectivity DisplayPort, USB
Ports DisplayPort, USB 3.0
Device
Weight 40% lighter than predecessor
Sensors Eye tracking, IMU, tracking cameras
Input SteamVR controllers


The Varjo VR-3 is a professional-grade virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Varjo, a Finnish company specializing in enterprise XR. Announced on December 1, 2020 in Helsinki and shipping from January 2021, the VR-3 features Varjo's pioneering dual-display "Bionic Display" technology combining a high-density focus display at 71 pixels-per-degree (retina resolution) with a wider context display, integrated 200 Hz eye tracking, Ultraleap hand tracking, and 99% sRGB color accuracy. The headset targets simulation, training, design, and research applications.[1]

History and Development

Varjo Background

Varjo (Finnish for "shadow") was founded in 2016 by former Nokia and Microsoft engineers, focused on human-eye resolution VR.

December 2020 Announcement

The VR-3 was announced alongside the XR-3 on December 1, 2020.

January 2021 Shipping

Headsets began shipping to enterprise customers in January 2021.

40% Weight Reduction

Significant redesign reduced weight by 40% compared to previous Varjo models.

Design and Hardware

Bionic Display Technology

Unique dual-display-per-eye system:

  • Focus Display: 1920 x 1920 @ 90 Hz
  • Context Display: Fills peripheral field of view
  • Seamless Blending: Nearly invisible transition
  • Result: Retina resolution at center

Display Specifications

  • Combined Resolution: 2880 x 2720 per eye
  • Focus Area PPD: 71 pixels per degree
  • Refresh Rate: 90 Hz
  • Field of View: 115 degrees
  • Color: 99% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3

Optics

  • Lens Type: Bi-convex (not Fresnel)
  • Benefit: Optimal clarity and comfort
  • IPD: Automatic alignment via eye tracking

Eye Tracking

Varjo In-House System

  • Frequency: 200 Hz
  • Developer: Varjo proprietary

Applications

  • Foveated rendering
  • Automatic IPD adjustment
  • Gaze analytics
  • Research data collection

Hand Tracking

Ultraleap Integration

  • Built-in Ultraleap hand tracking
  • Controller-free interaction option
  • Gesture recognition

Tracking

Hybrid System

  • Inside-out tracking capability
  • SteamVR Lighthouse compatibility
  • 6 degrees of freedom

Headband Design

  • Halo-like strap design
  • Tightening dials on back and top
  • Professional comfort focus

Professional Applications

Target Industries

  • Flight simulation
  • Automotive design
  • Medical training
  • Research and academia
  • Engineering visualization

System Requirements

Recommended

Component Requirement
GPU NVIDIA RTX 2080 / Quadro RTX 5000+
CPU Intel i7-9700K+
RAM 32 GB+
OS Windows 10

Specifications

Specification Details
Display Bionic Display (dual per eye)
Resolution 2880 x 2720 per eye (combined)
Focus PPD 71 pixels per degree
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Field of View 115°
Color Accuracy 99% sRGB, 93% DCI-P3
Eye Tracking 200 Hz (Varjo)
Hand Tracking Ultraleap
Lenses Bi-convex
Price $3,195

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Varjo Products". Varjo. https://varjo.com/products.
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/index.php?title=Varjo_VR-3&oldid=37320"