HTC Vive Focus Vision: Hands-On Review of the New XR Headset

As an early reciever of the HTC Vive Focus Vision, I've had the opportunity to put this new extended reality (XR) headset through its paces. Set to launch on October 15th with a price of $999.99, this headset is generating some buzz and curiosity. While it's not yet available to the public, I'm excited to share my hands-on experience with this latest addition to the XR market. Let's dive into what I've discovered during my time with the Vive Focus Vision.

The Hardware: A Closer Look at the Specs

Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs and what I've experienced:

Display and Visuals

• Resolution: The dual 2448 x 2448 pixel LCD panels (one per eye) deliver a combined 5K resolution. In practice, this translates to crisp, detailed visuals that significantly reduces the screen door effect I've noticed in some other headsets.
• Field of View (FOV): While HTC claims up to 120 degrees FOV, in my experience, it felt a bit smaller. This was especially noticeable in passthrough mode, where the field of view seemed more constrained.
• Refresh Rate: Currently running at 90Hz, which provides smooth motion. HTC plans to support 120Hz in DisplayPort mode later in 2024.
• Lenses: The Vive Focus Vision uses Fresnel lenses, a common choice in VR headsets. These lenses offer advantages like lightweight design and lower manufacturing costs, allowing for a wider field of view. However, they can introduce some visual artifacts like "god rays" and may contribute to eye fatigue during prolonged use. Compared to aspherical or pancake lenses found in some other high-end headsets, Fresnel lenses generally offer moderate image quality but maintain a good balance of cost and performance.
  
  If you are a glasses user, VR Wave now offers custom prescription lens inserts for this headset which you can find here.

Processing and Memory

• Processor: The Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset handles most tasks well. I noticed quick load times and generally smooth performance, though I did experience some app crashes in standalone mode.
• RAM: 12GB LPDDR5 RAM keeps things running smoothly, especially when multitasking or running more demanding applications.
• Storage: The 128GB internal storage is ample for most users, but the option to expand up to 2TB via MicroSD could come in handy for those who want to load up more games and apps.

Cameras and Sensors

• Passthrough Cameras: The dual 16MP color cameras for stereoscopic full-color passthrough work well. The view of my surroundings was clear, though not amazing. However, the passthrough quality is significantly better than it was in the ViveXR Elite, especially when it came to proportions and perspective.
• Tracking Cameras: Four front-facing cameras handle inside-out tracking. While generally accurate, I did notice some occasional issues, particularly with shooter games where my hand would sometimes float to incorrect positions.
• Eye-Tracking: Two dedicated eye-tracking cameras power features like automatic IPD adjustment. This worked seamlessly in my testing, making the initial setup a breeze.
• Additional Sensors: These include a depth sensor, infrared sensor, G-sensor, proximity sensor, and gyroscope.

Connectivity

• Ports: The headset features two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports, one of which supports DisplayPort. This came in handy for connecting to my PC and for charging.
• Wireless: Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE and Wi-Fi 6/6E support ensure fast, stable connections. I experienced some controller latency issues, likely due to the inside-out tracking nature of the headset rather than internet connectivity. Your experience may vary depending on your internet connection. HTC recommends a high-speed, low-latency connection for optimal wireless performance.

Battery and Audio

• Battery Life: The headset lasts up to 2 hours on a single charge. The hot-swapping capability could be useful if you decide to purchase additional batteries. My review unit only came with one battery, so I couldn't test this feature.
• Audio: The dual driver speakers with privacy mode provide good sound quality. I was impressed by the spatial audio capabilities. The dual microphones with noise and echo cancellation worked well in my tests, picking up my voice clearly even in a noisy environment.

Setup Guide: Getting Started with Your Vive Focus Vision

Setting up the Vive Focus Vision was a really straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your new headset up and running:

1. Battery Installation:
   • Remove the back strap padding.
   • Click the battery into place in the rear compartment.
   • Reattach the back strap padding.
2. Initial Setup:
   • Download and install the Vive Manager app for Android or Apple on your smartphone.
   • In the app, select "Pair new device" and choose Vive Focus Vision.
   • Follow the prompts to install the headset battery and turn on the headset.
3. Headset Pairing:
   • Put on the headset and follow the in-headset prompts.
   • You'll see a pairing code in the headset - enter this code in the Vive Manager app on your phone.
4. Wi-Fi Connection:
   • The app will prompt you to connect to Wi-Fi. Follow the instructions to set up your network connection.
5. Controller Setup:
   • Turn on your controllers by pressing the menu and Vive buttons simultaneously.
   • If automatic pairing doesn't work, use the 'pair manually' option in the app.
   • You may need to press two buttons at the same time on each controller to make them discoverable.
6. Software Updates:
   • You may be prompted to update the headset's software. Allow time for this process to complete.
7. App Permissions:
   • Grant the Vive Manager app permissions for accessibility service and to modify system settings when prompted.
8. Calibration and Play Area Setup:
   • The eye-tracking system will automatically configure the correct interpupillary distance (IPD).
   • Use the green line graphic in the headset to ensure proper adjustment of the back strap and top strap.
   • Follow the in-headset tutorial for volume adjustment and floor level setting.
   • Create your play area by choosing between room-scale or stationary boundary options.
9. Additional Features:
   • You can further calibrate eye tracking by following a dot with your eyes in the headset settings.
   • To access passthrough mode quickly, double-tap the Vive button on the right controller.

Mixed Reality Capabilities

The Vive Focus Vision offers mixed reality functionality similar to what we've seen in headsets like the Quest 3 and PSVR2. The setup process allows you to map your room and label walls and furniture. However, at the time of testing, I wasn't able to find any apps in Viveport that fully utilized these mixed reality capabilities. This is an area where the ecosystem still needs to catch up to the hardware's potential.

How Does It Compare? Vive Focus Vision vs. Quest 3, PSVR2, and Valve Index

After spending time with the Vive Focus Vision, it's worth comparing it to its main competitors: the Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR2, and Valve Index.

The Vive Focus Vision boasts the highest resolution of the bunch at 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye, outpacing the Quest 3 (2064 x 2208), PSVR2 (2000 x 2040), and Valve Index (1440 x 1600). However, I found the image persistently blurry despite the impressive specs.

In terms of field of view, while HTC claims 120 degrees, it felt smaller in practice, putting it more in line with the Quest 3 and PSVR2's ~110 degrees. The Valve Index still feels the most expansive in this regard.

Refresh rates are comparable across the board, with the Vive Focus Vision, Quest 3, and PSVR2 all offering 90Hz, and promises of 120Hz in the future. The Valve Index leads here with up to 144Hz.

For tracking, the Vive Focus Vision uses inside-out tracking like the Quest 3 and PSVR2, offering easy setup but occasional hiccups. The Valve Index's external base stations still provide the most precise tracking.

Versatility is a strong point for the Vive Focus Vision and Quest 3, both offering standalone and PC-connected capabilities. The PSVR2 is PS5-exclusive, while the Valve Index is PC-tethered. While Viveport does offer a decently impressive library, Quest still wins out by far with its sheer number of titles when it comes to standalone libraries.

Comfort-wise, I found the Vive Focus Vision challenging for extended use, often leading to discomfort after an hour. The competitors generally fare better in this aspect.

While the Vive Focus Vision impresses with its specs and versatility, its comfort issues and less mature ecosystem are notable drawbacks. At $999.99, it's positioned as a premium offering in the market. The Quest 3 offers a more well-rounded package at a lower price point, the PSVR2 excels for PlayStation owners, and the Valve Index remains a top choice for PC VR enthusiasts despite its age.

Real-World Impressions: The Good and The Not-So-Good

After extensive testing, here are my honest impressions:

What I Loved:

• The light-blocking design of the default facial interface is effective - no annoying light leaks during use.
• Hand-tracking feels responsive and accurate.
• The color passthrough is a noticeable improvement over previous HTC headsets I've used, especially the ViveXR Elite.
• Audio quality is good, with clear sound and decent spatial positioning.

Room for Improvement:

• Comfort is a significant issue. After wearing it for about an hour, I experienced discomfort and headaches. Although the headset is light it feels very stiff.
• Fan noise is noticeable, especially in passthrough mode.
• I experienced occasional app crashes in standalone mode, which was frustrating.
• The charger for the battery has an unusual cable design that takes up a lot of space when plugged in.
• The older ring style tracking system utilized in the controllers made holding certain weapons, like handguns, awkward in shooter games.
• Despite the auto IPD feature and manual adjustments, I couldn't get the display to look completely sharp. It always appeared slightly blurry, which could be due to the headset's rigidity, an IPD issue, or the lens quality itself. Hard to say.

VIVE Wired Streaming Kit

While my review unit didn't include the VIVE Wired Streaming Kit, it's worth noting that current pre-orders will receive this kit for a limited time (offer ends October 17, 2024). The kit includes a VIVE Wired Streaming Cable, VIVE Wired Streaming Converter, various adapters and cables for different setups, and a USB-PD power adapter.

This kit is designed to enhance the PC VR streaming experience with visually lossless graphics and low-latency data transmission. It's a valuable addition for those looking to use the Vive Focus Vision with their gaming PCs, especially considering the headset's premium price point.

Final Thoughts

The HTC Vive Focus Vision brings some impressive features to the table, particularly its high-resolution display, improved passthrough, and versatility in both standalone and PC-connected modes. The mixed reality capabilities show promise, even if the current app ecosystem doesn't yet utilize them.

However, the comfort issues are a significant drawback, potentially limiting long play sessions. The occasional tracking hiccups and persistent slight blurriness in the display are also concerns that may impact user experience.

The price point of $999.99 for the 128GB model positions the Vive Focus Vision as a premium offering in the market. While it offers high-end specifications and capabilities, potential buyers will need to carefully consider whether these features justify the cost, especially when compared to more affordable options like the Quest 3.

As we approach the October 15th release date, it will be interesting to see if HTC addresses any of these issues and how the Vive Focus Vision will ultimately fit into the competitive XR market. For those considering a purchase, it's worth noting that pre-orders are available now, and the headset comes with the Wired Streaming Kit for a limited time, which adds value to the package.