Varjo VR-3
The Varjo VR-3 is a professional PC-powered virtual reality head-mounted display announced on December 1, 2020, by 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.[1]
| Varjo VR-3 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC-Powered VR |
| Platform | SteamVR, OpenXR |
| Developer | Varjo |
| Manufacturer | Varjo |
| Announcement Date | December 1, 2020 |
| Release Date | December 2020 |
| Price | $3,195 + $795/year subscription |
| Website | https://varjo.com |
| Versions | VR-3 |
| Requires | High-end PC |
| Predecessor | Varjo VR-2 |
| Successor | Varjo Aero |
| System | |
| Operating System | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| Storage | |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | uOLED (focus) + LCD (peripheral) |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB |
| Peak Brightness | 150 nits |
| Resolution | Focus: 1920×1920 per eye, Context: 2880×2720 per eye |
| Pixel Density | 70+ PPD (focus), 30+ PPD (periphery) |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Precision | Sub-pixel precision |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 115° |
| Horizontal FoV | 115° |
| Vertical FoV | N/A |
| Visible FoV | 115° |
| Rendered FoV | 115° |
| Binocular Overlap | less than 85% |
| Peak Pixel Density | 70+ PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | Yes (dynamic) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Aspheric lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 58-73mm (automatic adjustment) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No |
| Passthrough | No |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | SteamVR 2.0, Inside-out (beta) |
| Tracking Frequency | 1000 Hz |
| Base Stations | Optional (inside-out beta available) |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (200Hz) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (Ultraleap) |
| 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 | |
| Audio | Off-ear speakers (37mm drivers) |
| Microphone | Yes |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | No |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C 3.0 |
| Ports | 1× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× USB-C 3.0 |
| Wired Video | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Power | External power adapter |
| Device | |
| 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 |
| Cable Length | 5 meters |
History
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.[2]
Key improvements addressed the three main criticisms of earlier models:
- 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
Next-Generation Bionic Display
The VR-3 evolved the Bionic Display concept with new display technologies:
- 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
- Aspheric Lenses: Custom-designed for edge-to-edge clarity
- 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
- Color Accuracy: 99% sRGB, 93% Adobe RGB
- Brightness: 150 nits peak
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1 (uOLED focus display)
- Response Time: 0.1ms (uOLED)
Ergonomic Revolution
Weight Reduction
The VR-3 achieved a 40% weight reduction through:
- Magnesium Alloy Frame: Lighter than aluminum while maintaining strength
- Optimized Component Layout: Better weight distribution
- Smaller Power Components: More efficient display drivers
- Refined Optics: Lighter lens assemblies
Final weight specifications:
- Headset Only: 558g (vs 905g for VR-1/VR-2)
- With Headband: 738g
- With Full Assembly: ~800g including cables
3-Point Precision Fit Headband
New ergonomic headband design:
- Active Cooling: Integrated ventilation channels
- Quick Release: Tool-free adjustment system
- Weight Distribution: Balanced front-to-back ratio
- Multiple Sizes: Accommodates wider range of head shapes
Advanced Features
200Hz Eye Tracking
Upgraded from previous generation:
- Sampling Rate: 200Hz (doubled from VR-1/VR-2)
- Accuracy: <1° visual angle
- Calibration: 5-point automatic calibration
- Pupil Size Tracking: Research-grade biometrics
Automatic IPD Adjustment
- Range: 58-73mm (expanded from 58-72mm)
- Motor-Driven: Automatic adjustment based on eye tracking
- User Profiles: Save settings for multiple users
- Precision: 0.5mm adjustment accuracy
Inside-Out Tracking (Beta)
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
Expanded Ecosystem
- Native OpenXR Support: Industry-standard API
- Unity XR Plugin: Official integration
- Unreal Engine 4.26+: Native VR template support
- NVIDIA Omniverse: RTX-accelerated visualization
Professional Software
- Autodesk VRED: Automotive design visualization
- Siemens NX: CAD model review
- Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE: PLM integration
- Lockheed Martin Prepar3D: Flight simulation
Varjo Reality Cloud
New cloud-based services:
- Remote Rendering: Stream VR content from cloud
- Collaborative Sessions: Multi-user design reviews
- Asset Management: Cloud storage for 3D models
System Requirements
- 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
Automotive Design
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
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Surgical planning
- Mayo Clinic: Medical education
- Fundamental VR: Haptic surgery training
- Medical Realities: Remote surgical assistance
Defense and Aerospace
- BAE Systems: Aircraft maintenance training
- Saab Group: Combat vehicle simulation
- Boeing: Astronaut training systems
- Various Defense Contractors: Classified applications
Market Performance
Pricing Strategy
- Hardware: $3,195 (49% reduction from VR-1)
- 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
References
- ↑ "Varjo Launches XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets to Bring the Next Generation of Immersive Technology to Every Workplace". Varjo. December 1, 2020. https://varjo.com/press-release/varjo-launches-xr-3-and-vr-3-headsets-to-bring-the-next-generation-of-immersive-technology-to-every-workplace/.
- ↑ "Varjo Announces XR-3 and VR-3 Headsets – Specs, Price, Release Date". Road to VR. December 1, 2020. https://www.roadtovr.com/varjo-xr-3-vr-3-announcement-specs-release-date-price/.
Cite error: <ref> tag with name "varjo-announcement" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.
Cite error: <ref> tag with name "roadtovr" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.
Cite error: <ref> tag with name "varjo-blog" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.
Cite error: <ref> tag with name "vr-expert" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.
Cite error: <ref> tag with name "auganix" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.
Cite error: <ref> tag with name "varjo-vr3-product" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.