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Varjo VR-3

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Revision as of 22:16, 7 January 2026 by Betabot (talk | contribs) (Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references)


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]

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

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