HTC Vive Focus Vision launches as new standalone gaming VR headset

HTC has launched the Vive Focus Vision as a brand-new hybrid VR headset. Unlike some of the other XR glasses or headsets, this one is a standalone unit, which means a PC connection is not required to get the virtual reality experience it aims to offer.

To offer that, the Vive Focus Vision packs the Snapdragon XR2, which is the same SoC as the Meta Quest 3. But compared to the Meta Quest 3, HTC's new VR headset offers a combined resolution of 4896 x 2448 pixels, with 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye. The former offers 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye.

Another notable aspect is that the Meta Quest 3 has support for up to 120 Hz refresh rate. While the Vive Focus Vision currently maxes out at 90 Hz, HTC says it will be upgraded to 120 Hz with a new DisplayPort mode with an update expected to land in "late 2024."

Moving on, the company paired the SoC with 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. With a microSD card, the storage can be expanded to up to 2 TB. There are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports on the VR headset, and for wireless connectivity, it sports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.

Besides that, the Vive Focus Vision has two built-in eye-tracking cameras, four tracking cameras, two 16 MP full-color cameras for video passthrough, and many other sensors. Other highlights include a 120-degree field of view, a depth sensor for scene recognition, up to two hours of battery life, and auto-IPD adjustment.

HTC is aiming this new VR headset towards gamers, but the current market is quite competitive. Meta has the Quest 3 at $499, Valve has its aging Index that starts at $999, and PlayStation VR 2, which goes for $550, works with PC. Of course, the Vive Focus Vision has eye-tracking support, which isn't available in most competitors. So, the Meta Vive Focus Vision's starting price of $999 could be worth it for those who value it.