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[Test] HTC Vive Focus 3: A quality VR helmet for pros, but not without shortcomings

The Vive Focus 3 is a big leap in front of the previous virtual reality headset of HTC. Positioned against the Oculus Quest 2, it is intended to be premium and is strictly dedicated to professionals. But he holds all his promises ?

January 28, 2022 \ 08:00

Updated Jan 28. 2022

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January 28, 2022 \ 08:00

January 28, 2022

The Vive Focus 3 is HTC’s response to the Oculus Quest 2. This all-in-one helmet dedicated to professional uses is largely inspired by its competitor, but seeks to do better to establish itself as a premium alternative. What is it really ?

HTC sent us a copy of the Vive Focus 3 that we were able to test extensively. When we put on the helmet, we immediately understand that the Taiwanese manufacturer has focused on two points in particular: comfort and display quality.

Outstanding display quality
Let’s start with the screen. With a resolution of 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye (on LCD slab) combined with new lenses, Focus 3 offers unequaled clarity until then. The “mosquito net” effect specific to the first generations of helmets like the HTC Vive Original has completely disappeared. This resolution is served at a rate of 90 Hz and with a field of diagonal vision of approximately 120 °. It is wider horizontal, but a little reduced vertically.

The result is an unusual visual experience on the market. Note also that the IPD setting is always done using a sliding button, as opposed to the three -point (less precise) adjustment of the Quest 2.

Very comfortable. If we manage to settle it well
The other striking element is design. The Vive Focus 3 is made in a magnesium alloy that HTC describes as 20% lighter and 500% more solid than composite materials traditionally used for these devices. In fact, it weighs 785 grams, is significantly more than the oculus quest 2 (503 g). But the battery, located at the rear, serves as a counterweight and makes the helmet very pleasant to wear.

Only downside: the arceau which serves as an attachment system is fixed in a rigid way to the rear block and the front part, which means that it is not possible to tilt the front of the device as we would like it for maximum comfort. It was not annoying in our case and the experience was pleasant, but different morphologies could be less comfortable. The lentil area providing maximum netness (known as “Sweet Spot”) being relatively small, it is also important that the helmet is well focused to take advantage of its display quality.

Very noisy and with too weak sound
Calculation capacities are provided by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2, which also equips the Oculus Quest 2. This system-on-a-chip specially optimized for virtual and augmented reality is the reference of the sector at present, with a computing power twice that of the Snapdragon 835 which equipped the Vive Focus Premier by the name. It is accompanied by 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. A microSD port located on the inside of the helmet (and therefore impractical access) increases storage up to 2 to 2.

Now let’s talk about a very important black point: Focus 3 uses an active cooling system (with a small fan) to get the maximum performance of the Snapdragon XR2. The concern is that the latter is very noisy, and that the sound power of the speakers of the helmet is in parallel very low. The result is that it is often difficult to hear the sound of an experience, even in a completely silent environment. If there is surrounding noise, listening to instructions quickly becomes very difficult or even impossible.

The Vive Focus 3, however, has a Jack 3 port.5 mm allowing to connect external headphones, which a little overlaps the problem. He also has two USB 3 ports.2 Gen 1 Type C and manages Bluetooth 5.2. Nevertheless, if we take into account the uses highlighted for the device (vocational training, review review, etc.), the default use will be done in the majority of cases without audio device in order to be able to dialogue with his colleagues. Under these conditions, poor sound quality and the ventilator parasiticing are a significant problem.

Oculus fashion controllers
HTC has made a lot of progress on the side of the controllers, who now use optical tracking and more in ultrasound (as on the focus more). Focus 3 has four facade cameras placed similarly to Quest 2, and its new controllers are also very clearly inspired by those of Oculus. The latter imposed themselves as the reference and were also copied by HP (Reverb G2) and Sony (PlayStation VR). The arrangement of the pimples is almost identical, but the ergonomics, however, remain below what the Quest 2 offers.

The performance of tracking is quite correct, even if it does not reach the level of the Quest 2. For the type of experiences to which Focus 3 is intended (that is to say which do not require very rapid movements), it is not a subject. The controllers have an autonomy of approximately 15 hours between each charge according to HTC, which we confirmed with varied use. Supported use will reduce this autonomy. The controllers are equipped with a lithium-ion battery and recharged via a double-c-type cable cable. Note however that no charger is delivered with it and that it must therefore be obtained separately.

A removable battery for intensive use
The helmet itself recharges using a dedicated port. The reason is that it has a removable battery, which allows continuous use as long as you have spare batteries. The manipulation only takes a few moments and each battery even has a charge indicator. In addition, the batteries can be loaded by half (0% to 50%) in just 30 minutes.

Very practical for intensive use as found in training centers, festivals and other exhibitions, or entertainment centers. In the same register, the foam in contact with the face and the back of the head are washable and can be easily replaced.

We note that a passthrough function is available, practical to quickly check what surrounds us, but not really usable to make augmented reality. Hand monitoring capacity is also available as an alternative to controllers. It remains rudimentary but has the merit of existing and it can be designed that it can be used for certain simple applications.

An interface that fulfills its role
On the application side, the VIVE FOCUS 3 has a revised and corrected reception environment. Rather clean, it is once again inspired by what is found on the Oculus Quest 2, and therefore fully fulfilled its role. A professional application shop offers certain partners of partners (as well as HTC products, such as Vive Sync), but it will then hold each organization to load the applications that interests him. For the deployment and administration of helmets, a management solution (MDM) published by HTC is available and compatible with market leaders.

Note that there are also a few small games, but that this is not the market to which the helmet is intended and that it is therefore strongly advised not to buy it for this purpose. It is possible to connect it wirelessly (by Wi-Fi 6) to a PC, but we will rather recommend for this use a dedicated PC helmet, like the Vive Pro 2.

Conclusion
Last detail and not the least: the price. The Vive Focus 3 is sold 1180 euros excluding taxes (i.e. 1416 euros including tax) with two years warranty. Each additional battery costs 91 euros, while protections will be sold separately for 45 euros. You have to compare this to the price of the oculus quest 2: 349 euros. The Oculus for Business offer having disappeared in favor of the use of devices at the market price (possible via App Lab), this gives a different price. Same thing compared to the Pico Neo 3 of the eponymous Chinese start-up.

Focus 3 has many advantages but is not without faults and it is therefore necessary to make a wise choice which takes into account budgetary and deployment constraints, especially since the after-sales service of the company is not always reactive in the event of a problem. There remains a good choice for professionals who provide intensive use due to its robustness and accessories and seek equipment that will allow them to deploy what they want, as they want and when they want. Focus 3 is also an encouraging progress for HTC, which we can hope that the next helmet finally holds all its promises.

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Long live focus 3 Preview | Long live France

For an order of more than 10 rooms, please contact the sales team.
The price includes guarantee and business services (BWS).

The Vive Focus 3 is an autonomous virtual reality headset intended for professionals. . HTC offers an ecosystem for better integration of the helmet into a company.

If you are looking for the best professional VR headset for businesses, large or small, HTC Vive Focus 3 is the big winner.

. one of the most comfortable helmets we have tested. The battery mounted at the rear helps keep the weight of the well balanced device, and the robust banner keeps the device safely on your head. Focus 3 is even pre-equipped with removable cushions, humidity resistant and easy to wash.

The Vive Focus 3 is an autonomous virtual reality headset intended for professionals. . HTC offers an ecosystem for better integration of the helmet into a company.

If you are looking for the best professional VR headset for businesses, large or small, HTC Vive Focus 3 is the big winner.

Reducedollaborate remotely transparently. Visualize everything that is imaginable. Learn and form with unprecedented efficiency. Here is the long live Focus 3 all-in-one. It offers the best graphics in its category, ergonomic comfort and applications that will transform your way of working.

We only bring you the best.
High-fidelity monitoring

See and use your hands in VR for a more intuitive metavese experience. Place your controllers at any time to activate hand tracking in 26 points, which allows you to reach a new level of precision when you interact with your virtual environment. Integrated recognition of hand gestures unlocks personalized actions in your VR applications. Compatibility of the required content.

Navigate in the menus with a simple finger pinch.
Click, drag, scroll and type with your hands.
Draw the limits of your physical space in a transparent way.
Define the height of your virtual floor of a simple push of your hands.
Designed for each activity sector and each imaginable use case.
Remote collaboration

Work with your team despite physical distance and multiple places. Take part as if you were present with powerful and interactive VR tools.

Visualization of marketing and design

Bring your campaign into the immersive dimension of the VR. Visualize concepts from all angles and all scales, design exhilarating interactions with customers and optimize the scope of virtual events.

Training simulations

Effectly equip your employees with appropriate skills. Reduce costs and improve the safety of your training program.

Therapy and rehabilitation

The future of medicine is there. Use the unlimited potential of VR in health care, from remote diagnosis to cognitive therapy, including injury rehabilitation, etc.

Learning and education

Make learning and teaching more fun, more practical and more attractive thanks to immersive VR experiences.

Experiences based on the place

Reimagine the possibilities of museums, concert halls and themed parks. Unpublished applications to design and experience exhibitions and entertainment shows.

All-in-one VR that gos all out for graphics quality.
Up to 120 ° Wide Field of View

*Images contain added effects to demonstrate product features. Effects do not reflete the actual video content.

Your ideal observation point.

The very large IPD setting range (pupillary gap) (57mm-72mm) offers visual comfort to all. Easily find your ideal gap thanks to the wheel while wearing the helmet.

*IPD – Gap measured in mm between the centers of the pupils of the eyes.

The active cooling mechanism and the heat-optimized battery maintain the temperature of the device at ideal levels. This results in improved performance and longer immersion sessions.

Its immersive 3D space.

The speakers open to two pilots offer 3D space sound. For total immersion, a 3.5 mm high resolution audio plug is available.

The directional design of speakers, with reduction of sound leaks, guarantees the confidentiality of conversations.

Enter and get out of the VR in a few seconds.

Designed for exhibition halls and high -passing events. Remove and easily put the helmet with the patented quick release button.

Suitable for a wide range of facial shapes, types of vision and even focuses on glasses. No frills. Simply comfort and convenience in its purest.

Long -term VR performance.

The energy efficient design allows up to 2 hours of continuous use. Recharge quickly up to 50 % of the power in just 30 minutes when you need additional power. The interchangeable battery allows easy recharge for VR use all day.

*The results of the declarations concerning the batteries may vary. The lifespan of batteries and load cycles vary depending on the use of.

Magnetic face and rear cushions.

Fix, detach and quickly clean the helmet cushions.
Better hygiene with personal cushions when sharing the device.

Balanced comfort for long sessions.

Curves and contours for a balanced counterweight between the eyepiece and the battery. Comfort for long sessions, including training simulations which require larger movements.

A natural adjustment.

Balanced to hold comfortably in your hands, the VIV FOCUS controller is designed to facilitate entering and navigation during long VR sessions. The management of six degrees of freedom (6dof), the pimples and triggers placed in an ergonomic way and the touch sensors allow intuitive and precise controls.

With up to 15 hours of battery life and USB load support, it has the endurance necessary for any professional application.

Long live business streaming

Go beyond the graphic possibilities of the all-in-one VR. Connect to a PC via Vive Streaming cable or Wi-Fi to explore high graphic intensity applications and get advanced performance.

Get exceptional apps and content to buy the VIV FOCUS 3.
Vive Sync, VR Web Browser, VR Video Player and X Premium content titles.
Learn more

*HTC reserves the right to modify or interrupt this offer at any time. Other exclusions or limits may apply.

For an order of more than 10 rooms, please contact the sales team.
The price includes guarantee and business services (BWS).