After numerous teases over the preceding weeks, HTC, during its ViveCon 2021 event, unveiled its next generation of virtual reality headsets, serving up something for both high-end gaming and enterprise use. Anticipation for the newly announced HTC Vive Pro 2 and HTC Vive Focus 3 is mounting, with release dates right around the corner, making this the perfect time to take a quick look at the forthcoming devices.
Under the Hood with Vive
Both the HTC Vive Pro 2 and HTC Vive Focus 3 offer significant upgrades over their predecessors. And, as predicted, they’re primarily aimed at different markets. The Pro 2 may be twice the price of the mega-selling Oculus Quest 2 but with higher display resolution, finer IPD adjustment, more comfortable and ergonomic design, and more powerful audio via on-ear headphones. Quest 2 may still have HTC Vive Pro 2 beat when it comes to tracking – Quest 2’s inside-out system may be less accurate, but it requires no additional hardware to utilize, and Pro 2 does not currently offer hand-tracking – and price, but those VR users with deep enough pockets to up their game with HTC will be very interested in doing so.
When Alvin Wang Gralyin, president of Vive in China, declared the company’s then-forthcoming next-gen standalone headset was “probably better than what’s out there from any vendor today,” in February 2021, most observers knew what devices he was talking about. Graylin also noted that this headset (which we now know to be the HTC Vive Focus 3) likely wouldn’t be in direct competition with Oculus Quest 2. Now that the Focus 3 has been announced, it’s clear why that would be the case.
Though HTC Vive Focus 3 does appear to outperform Oculus Quest 2 in most areas, the device is focused primarily at enterprise and business use and is priced accordingly at $1,300.00. With Focus 3 noted for its ability to “bridge physical distance with seamless remote collaboration” and “transform the way you work,” all but the most eager prosumers will likely give this device a miss. That said, those who do take the dive will find the increase in resolution, 120° FOV, and Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor. Although Oculus Quest 2 also uses a Snapdragon XR2, independent benchmark analysis suggests it has been downclocked; there is no evidence of the same with HTC Vive Focus 3.
alexnick says
it’s cool!
chazinpuzzy says
Ouch! Pricey!
vrjoeker says
Yeah really. Much dinero.