Varjo XR-4
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| Varjo XR-4 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR, Enterprise XR |
| Platform | SteamVR, OpenXR |
| Creator | Varjo |
| Developer | Varjo |
| Manufacturer | Varjo |
| Announcement Date | October 2023 |
| Release Date | November 2023 |
| Price | $3,990 (without subscription) |
| Website | https://varjo.com/products/xr-4 |
| Versions | XR-4, XR-4 Focal Edition, XR-4 Secure Edition |
| Requires | High-end PC with DisplayPort |
| Predecessor | Varjo XR-3 |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Chipset | N/A (tethered PCVR) |
| CPU | N/A (PC-powered) |
| GPU | N/A (PC-powered) |
| HPU | Dedicated video processing unit |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual mini-LED |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB |
| Peak Brightness | 200 nits |
| Resolution | 3840 × 3744 per eye (28+ million pixels total) |
| Pixel Density | 51 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 120° × 105° |
| Horizontal FoV | 120° |
| Vertical FoV | 105° |
| Average Pixel Density | 51 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 51 PPD (uniform across FOV) |
| Foveated Rendering | Yes (dynamic, eye-tracked) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Custom aspheric lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 56-72mm (automatic adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | Via prescription lens inserts |
| Passthrough | Yes (dual 20MP cameras, photorealistic) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out + optional SteamVR |
| Tracking Frequency | 200Hz (eye tracking) |
| Base Stations | Optional (SteamVR compatible) |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (200Hz, integrated) |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (via Ultraleap integration) |
| Body Tracking | Via third-party solutions |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 90Hz (display), 200Hz (eye tracking) |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale to warehouse-scale |
| Play Space | Unlimited (inside-out) / 10m × 10m (SteamVR) |
| Latency | <10ms (display), <20ms (passthrough) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated speakers, 3.5mm jack |
| Microphone | Yes (dual microphone array) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 2× 20MP RGB passthrough, LiDAR (300 kpix), ambient light cameras |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0 |
| Ports | DisplayPort, USB-C, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | Yes (DisplayPort 1.4) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Power | Tethered (external power) |
| Battery Capacity | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A (tethered) |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | ~200mm × 130mm × 150mm |
| Weight | 665g (headset) + 356g (headband) |
| Material | Premium plastics, aluminum, fabric |
| Headstrap | Professional headband with counterweight |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black/Gray |
| Sensors | 2× 20MP RGB cameras, LiDAR, 200Hz eye tracking, ambient light sensors, IMU |
| Input | Controllers (SteamVR), hand tracking (Ultraleap), eye gaze |
| Compliance | CE, FCC, enterprise certifications |
The Varjo XR-4 is a professional-grade mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Varjo, announced in October 2023 and released in November 2023 at a starting price of $3,990. Designed for enterprise and professional applications, the XR-4 delivers what Varjo describes as "human-eye resolution" with 51 pixels per degree across the entire 120° × 105° field of view, powered by dual mini-LED displays with combined resolution exceeding 28 million pixels. The headset features industry-leading passthrough quality through dual 20-megapixel RGB cameras, integrated 200Hz eye tracking for dynamic foveated rendering, and extended-range LiDAR for accurate depth sensing. Notably, the XR-4 eliminates the subscription requirement that was mandatory for previous Varjo headsets, making the premium hardware more accessible to professionals.
History and Development
Varjo's Enterprise Focus
Varjo, founded in Helsinki, Finland in 2016, has consistently targeted enterprise and professional markets with VR/XR technology that prioritizes visual fidelity above all else. The company name "Varjo" means "shadow" in Finnish, reflecting the founders' ambition to create displays so clear that the boundary between virtual and real becomes indistinguishable.
Previous Generations
Varjo's product evolution demonstrates relentless pursuit of display quality:
- VR-1 (2019): Introduced "Bionic Display" with dual resolution zones
- VR-2 (2019): Improved Bionic Display with better eye tracking
- XR-1 (2019): Added mixed reality with video passthrough
- VR-3 (2020): Unified 70 PPD across single display per eye
- XR-3 (2020): Premium mixed reality with 12MP passthrough
- Aero (2021): Consumer-adjacent VR headset
- XR-4 (2023): Current generation flagship
XR-4 Development Goals
The XR-4 was developed to address key enterprise requirements:
- Higher resolution passthrough for real-world task accuracy
- Wider field of view without sacrificing pixel density
- Subscription-free operation for easier procurement
- Enhanced depth sensing for improved mixed reality occlusion
- More comfortable fit for extended professional use
Subscription Elimination
Previous Varjo headsets required an ongoing Varjo Base subscription ($795/year) for operation. The XR-4 removes this requirement entirely, allowing one-time purchase with full functionality—a significant change that improves total cost of ownership and simplifies enterprise deployment.
Display Technology
Mini-LED Panels
The XR-4 utilizes advanced mini-LED display technology:
- Resolution: 3840 × 3744 pixels per eye
- Total Pixels: Over 28 million combined
- Pixel Density: 51 PPD (pixels per degree) uniform across FOV
- Panel Type: Mini-LED with full-array local dimming
- Brightness: 200 nits
- Color Space: 96% DCI-P3 coverage
Human-Eye Resolution
Varjo's claim of "human-eye resolution" is based on:
- Human visual acuity peaks at approximately 60 PPD
- 51 PPD approaches this threshold across the entire field of view
- Unlike foveated displays, XR-4 maintains this density everywhere
- Text at any size remains sharp and readable
- No visible pixel structure ("screen door effect") under normal viewing
Wide Field of View
The XR-4 achieves 120° × 105° FOV without compromising clarity:
- 120° horizontal coverage approaches natural peripheral awareness
- 105° vertical ensures content above and below remains visible
- Full binocular overlap for natural depth perception
- Larger than most consumer headsets while maintaining higher pixel density
Automatic IPD Adjustment
The optical system automatically adapts to each user:
- IPD range: 56-72mm
- Eye tracking detects interpupillary distance
- Motors adjust lens separation automatically
- No manual adjustment required
- Ensures optimal clarity for each user
Passthrough System
Photorealistic Mixed Reality
The XR-4's passthrough capability sets industry standards:
- Camera Resolution: Dual 20-megapixel RGB cameras
- Latency: Under 20ms end-to-end
- Color Accuracy: High dynamic range capture
- Stereo Reconstruction: Natural depth perception of real world
LiDAR Depth Sensing
Extended-range LiDAR enhances mixed reality:
- Resolution: 300,000 points (300 kpix)
- Range: Extended range for large environments
- Applications: Occlusion handling, depth mapping, spatial understanding
- Precision: Millimeter-accurate depth data
Ambient Light Reconstruction
Dedicated cameras capture environmental lighting:
- Real-world lighting analysis
- Virtual object illumination matching
- Seamless AR/VR blending
- Realistic shadow and reflection rendering
Eye Tracking
200Hz Tracking System
Integrated eye tracking operates at professional-grade specifications:
- Frequency: 200Hz binocular tracking
- Accuracy: 1-degree gaze precision
- Calibration: Quick single-point calibration
- Persistence: Maintains calibration across sessions
Dynamic Foveated Rendering
Eye tracking enables real-time rendering optimization:
- Full resolution only where the user looks
- Gradual quality reduction toward periphery
- 40-50% GPU performance savings typical
- Imperceptible quality difference when properly calibrated
- Essential for driving 28+ million pixels smoothly
Gaze Data Applications
Enterprise applications leverage gaze information:
- Training analytics and attention tracking
- User research and usability testing
- Hands-free interface navigation
- Process compliance verification
- Cognitive load assessment
Tracking System
Inside-Out Tracking
Primary tracking uses integrated cameras:
- No external hardware required
- Works in diverse environments
- Suitable for portable deployment
- Large-scale tracking capability
SteamVR Compatibility
For maximum precision, optional outside-in tracking:
- Compatible with SteamVR base stations 1.0 and 2.0
- Sub-millimeter positional accuracy
- Preferred for high-precision simulation
- Tracking volume up to 10m × 10m
Hand Tracking
Via Ultraleap integration:
- Full articulated hand recognition
- Gesture-based interaction
- Controller-free operation when desired
- SDK support for custom hand interactions
XR-4 Variants
XR-4 (Standard)
Base configuration for enterprise mixed reality:
- All core display and tracking features
- Inside-out and SteamVR tracking options
- $3,990 starting price
XR-4 Focal Edition
Premium variant with revolutionary autofocus:
- World-first gaze-driven autofocus: Displays adjust focal depth based on where user looks
- Vergence-accommodation matching: Reduces eye strain and improves comfort
- Natural focus behavior: Mimics how human eyes naturally focus
- Enhanced realism: Objects at different distances appear naturally sharp
- Higher price point for research and premium applications
XR-4 Secure Edition
Government and defense-rated configuration:
- TAA (Trusted Access Architecture) certification
- Secure enclave for sensitive applications
- Meets government security requirements
- Export-controlled availability
Enterprise Applications
Simulation and Training
The XR-4 excels in professional simulation:
- Flight Simulation: Airline and military pilot training
- Automotive: Vehicle design review and virtual prototyping
- Medical: Surgical training and procedure practice
- Industrial: Equipment operation and safety training
Design and Engineering
Professional visualization workflows:
- CAD model review at 1:1 scale
- Collaborative design sessions
- Manufacturing process planning
- Architectural walkthroughs
Research
Academic and scientific applications:
- Psychology and neuroscience studies
- Human factors research
- Training effectiveness evaluation
- Attention and perception studies
Remote Collaboration
Mixed reality communication:
- Teleconferencing with spatial presence
- Remote expert assistance
- Global team collaboration
- Shared virtual workspaces
Connectivity and Requirements
Connection Interface
Professional-grade connectivity:
- DisplayPort 1.4: High-bandwidth video
- USB 3.0: Data and tracking
- 3.5mm Audio: Headphone output
- External Power: Required for operation
PC Requirements
Enterprise workstation specifications:
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 or Quadro RTX equivalent (minimum RTX 3080)
- CPU: Intel Core i9 or AMD equivalent
- RAM: 32GB minimum, 64GB recommended
- Storage: NVMe SSD
Software Ecosystem
Wide compatibility across professional tools:
- Varjo Base: Native runtime and configuration
- SteamVR: Gaming and general VR
- OpenXR: Cross-platform standard
- Unity: Development platform
- Unreal Engine: High-fidelity applications
- Enterprise Software: CAD viewers, simulation platforms
Physical Design
Build Quality
Professional construction throughout:
- Premium materials for enterprise durability
- Comfortable fit for extended sessions
- Replaceable components for serviceability
- Clean industrial design aesthetic
Weight Distribution
Total weight managed through design:
- Headset: 665g
- Headband: 356g
- Rear counterweight balances front optics
- Pressure distributed across forehead and crown
Cooling
Thermal management for sustained operation:
- Passive and active cooling systems
- Maintains performance during long sessions
- Quiet operation for professional environments
Pricing and Business Model
| Edition | Price | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|
| XR-4 | $3,990 | Standard professional mixed reality |
| XR-4 Focal Edition | ~$9,900 | Gaze-driven autofocus displays |
| XR-4 Secure Edition | Contact sales | Government/defense security certification |
Note: No subscription required (unlike previous Varjo headsets).
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual mini-LED, 3840 × 3744 per eye |
| Total Pixels | 28+ million |
| Pixel Density | 51 PPD (uniform) |
| Field of View | 120° × 105° |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Color Space | 96% DCI-P3 |
| Eye Tracking | 200Hz, 1° accuracy |
| Passthrough | Dual 20MP RGB + LiDAR |
| Tracking | Inside-out + optional SteamVR |
| IPD | 56-72mm (automatic) |
| Weight | 665g + 356g headband |
| Price | From $3,990 |