HTC VIVE Focus 3 Review

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is the successor to the HTC Vive Focus Plus, and currently the latest VR headset from developer HTC VIVE. In line with with the Vive Focus Plus, the VIVE Focus 3 also focuses entirely on companies and business users. We have extensively tested the HTC VIVE Focus 3 and will share our findings in this Review.

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HTC VIVE Focus 3 Specifications

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (Snapdragon 865)
• Memory: 128GB, 8GB RAM
• Resolution (per eye): 2448 x 2448
• Display type: 2 x LCD panels
• Refresh rate: 90 Hz
• Field or View (FOV): 120 degrees
• IPD: Manually adjustable, 57 - 72 mm
• tracking method: inside-out tracking
• Weight: 785 grams (with battery)

HTC VIVE Focus 3 Design and appearance

The first thing you notice about the HTC VIVE Focus 3 is that the Headset bears little resemblance to its predecessor (Vive Focus Plus). The Headset has a completely different color (black/dark gray) and also a completely different design. In our opinion an improvement, because where the Vive Focus Plus looked rather bulky and large, the VIVE Focus 3 is a sleek Headset that will not look out or place in the office or in a different working environment.

The VIVE Focus 3 has 4 built-in inside-out tracking cameras spread over the top and bottom or the front. These tracking cameras are neatly concealed and are hardly noticeable. On the back or the VIVE Focus 3 is a headband reminiscent or the Elite Strap from the Oculus Quest 2. However, the strap or the VIVE Focus 3 has a major advantage: the built-in battery can be removed and charged separately. If you have two batteries, it is therefore possible to charge 1 battery and exchange it when necessary. The headband has a dial that allows you to tighten the Headset on the face. The PU leather face cushion feels soft and comfortable, making the Headset easy to keep on for long periods or time.

The so-called 'light bleed' (the leakage or light at the nasal opening) has also been kept to a very minimum with the VIVE Focus 3. Due to the close fit with or the face mask, you can secure the VIVE Focus 3 well against the face. The built-in fan ensures that sufficient air is blown through the glasses so that you do not suffer from fogged up lenses or other problems.

HTC VIVE Focus 3 Hardware, resolution and battery power

Inside the VIVE Focus 3 is a Snapdragon XR2 processor. This processor corresponds to with the chip that is in the Oculus Quest 2 and the (yet to be released) Pico Neo 3. This processor is currently considered the most powerful processor for a Standalone VR headset. Games can be played in good quality, and VR simulations and other types or training can also be done without any problems.

Characteristic or the VIVE Focus 3 is the high image resolution in combination with with the large field or view. The image resolution or 2448 x 1448 pixels (per eye) and the field or view or 120 degrees provide a very pleasant viewing experience for users. For comparison, the Oculus Quest 2 has an image resolution or 1832 x 1920 and a field or view or about 100 degrees.

The Controllers or the new VIVE Focus 3 have also received a strong update. The Controllers are now very reminiscent or the Oculus Quest controllers, which is not bad news at all. The Oculus-controllers are currently considered the most comfortable and intuitive Controllers you can have. It is therefore not difficult to imagine why HTC chose to "recreate" the Controllers. The Controllers or the VIVE Focus 3 are a bit larger than the Quest controllers, but otherwise fit well in the hand.

What is also striking is that the VIVE Focus 3 has a built-in fan that makes some noise. with especially when an application starts that needs more power, you notice that the fan starts working extra hard. You can also feel some fresh air flowing in against your face. The advantage or this is that the VR headset is well cooled during use and has little to no chance or overheating. The disadvantage is that a user can suffer from dry eyes after a longer period or time.

On the back or the VIVE Focus 3 there is a headband with containing a (removable) battery. The fully charged battery lasts about 2 to 3 hours (depending on the application). The battery is easy to replace with with a new battery, so it is advisable to always have an extra battery on hand. For example, you can already place a battery on the charging cable while using the VR headset, so that you can quickly exchange it when necessary.

VIVE App and Device Management

New from HTC is the VIVE Manager App. This mobile application is reminiscent or the Oculus app, with the main difference being that the VIVE App does not require you to log in with a Facebook account. On this mobile application you will find everything you need to use the VIVE Focus 3 within your business environment. This includes downloading applications, such as VIVE Sync, VIVE XR Suite and VIVE Business Streaming - as well as remote checking and saving or updates, sharing and scaling your own VR content, and kiosk mode for certain applications.

What is striking about the VIVE App is that there are (currently) very few applications available for entertainment. For example, most applications are aimed at online meetings or watching videos, but only a handful or games can be downloaded. VIVE seems to be fully committed to the business applications or the VR headset. It is not yet known whether more games will be available as standard in the future. It is possible to develop a game and/or application yourself and put it on the VIVE platform.

Fortunately, it is also possible to stream with VIVE Business Streaming content from a PC. This makes it with the Standalone VR headset possible to display more complex and extensive VR applications.

Click here for more Information about it VIVE Business Device Management.

How does the VIVE Focus 3 compare to the Oculus Quest 2?

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 seems to be in the same boat as the Oculus Quest 2, but nothing could be further from the truth. While the Oculus Quest 2 focuses with mainly on Consumers, the VIVE Focus 3 is really an Enterprise product. In addition to some hardware differences between the VR headsets, there is a big difference in the range or content - and also the way in which content can (and may) be played. Because the Oculus Quest 2 focuses specifically on the consumer market, users must always log in with with an (active) Facebook account. For larger companies and other (often government) institutions, this is a major disadvantage and Oculus is immediately discontinued. Alternatively, users can opt for the Oculus Quest 2 for Business solution, but this also comes with some problems with (such as a long delivery time in some cases).

The VIVE Focus 3 is a All-In-One Enterprise solution with standard applications made for companies and professionals. In addition to the content or applications, the VIVE Focus 3 also comes standard with with the VIVE Business Warranty & Services. This allows you to enjoy (among other things) a business warranty and an accelerated RMA process in the event or problems with with the product.

HTC VIVE Focus 3 Conclusion

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is a very comfortable and well-built VR headset. The glasses are easy to put on, the Controllers are intuitive to use and the tracking or these are good, and the image resolution and FOV are extremely good (especially considering a [[MD5_142] ] VR headset). Echter is er wel een "maar…" bij de HTC VIVE Focus 3. The VR headset is clearly aimed at professionals who have previous experience with Virtual Reality.

Due to the limited (or more focused) HTC VIVE App Store, it is not recommended to use the HTC VIVE Focus 3 when looking for a VR headset to play games on. (or you have to make your own game with for example Unity, because the Headset works very well together with that). What the VIVE Focus 3 excels in is the fact that it is very nice to use in a business/professional environment. From the convenient PU leather foam facial interface that's easy to wipe clean - to the built-in application manager and kiosk mode; the VIVE Focus 3 has everything it takes to build a safe and productive working environment for companies and organizations that want to work professionally with Virtual Reality !