HTC Vive Focus Vision – A Deep Dive Into PC Gaming-Optimized VR

The world of standalone mixed-reality headsets has been abuzz in 2024, with two major contenders vying for the spotlight: the Meta Quest 3 and the Apple Vision Pro. But now, HTC has entered the arena with its new Vive Focus Vision, a headset that blends features from both camps while carving out its own niche in the market.

Although the Vive Focus Vision offers standalone functionality and the ability to create media and play mixed-reality games, it falls short compared to the Meta Quest 3 in these areas. However, its standout feature is its remarkably sharp 5K resolution, making it excel at setting up a virtual workspace with a large ultrawide display. Unlike its competitors, the Vive Focus Vision is geared towards traditional PC VR gaming, leveraging a unique lossless DisplayPort-to-USB-C streaming feature through Vive Hub.

The Vive Focus Vision boasts impressive specs, including a 5K resolution, eye-tracking cameras, inside-out tracking cameras for precise hand and controller tracking, and support for facial tracking and external trackers. These features make it a top choice for PC VR enthusiasts and location-based entertainment businesses.

Design and Features

The Vive Focus Vision sports an elegant all-black design that is not only visually appealing but also comfortable to wear. It comes equipped with advanced features like eye-tracking cameras, full-color passthrough cameras, depth sensors, and an IR floodlight for low-light hand tracking. One notable upgrade from its predecessor is the ability to deliver lossless DisplayPort visuals via USB-C.

One standout feature of the Vive Focus Vision is its universal hot-swappable 7000mAh battery, which can be charged separately from the headset and provides extended battery life. The headset also features easily detachable and replaceable components, such as the facial interface and rear gasket, for added comfort and convenience.

Setup and Controllers

Setting up the Vive Focus Vision is a straightforward process, similar to other VR headsets. The headset can be connected to a gaming PC via HTC’s Wired Streaming Kit for enhanced performance. The controllers, while functional, are bulky and have a relatively short battery life. However, they connect wirelessly to the headset, simplifying the setup process.

Gaming Performance

While the Vive Focus Vision excels in PC VR gaming, its standalone gaming experience falls short due to outdated hardware and a limited content library. When connected to a gaming PC, the headset delivers exceptional performance with its 5K display, crisp graphics, and stable framerates. The wide field of view and spatial audio speakers enhance the immersive gaming experience.

Vive Desk, a feature that transforms the Vive Focus Vision into a virtual office, allows users to simulate multiple monitors or an ultrawide display for productivity tasks. However, the lack of official support for playing Meta’s PC VR exclusives on non-Meta headsets remains a drawback.