HTC has introduced the Vive Focus Vision, a new virtual reality (VR) headset that enhances its predecessor, the Vive Focus 3, with features like color passthrough and improved PC tethering capabilities. Priced at $999, the Focus Vision is now available for preorder through October 17th on HTC’s website.
The Vive Focus Vision can function as both a standalone device and a tethered VR headset via USB-C. While it retains much of the hardware from the Focus 3, including a 2448 x 2448 resolution per eye and a 120-degree field of view, it also brings notable upgrades. Powered by a Snapdragon XR2 chip, it introduces dual 16MP cameras with color passthrough and automatically adjusts its lenses to accommodate different inter-pupillary distances, enhancing comfort and clarity for users.
HTC has designed this headset with gamers in mind. One of the key features is foveated rendering, a technology that allocates graphical resources specifically to where the user is looking, rather than distributing them across the entire field of view. According to Shen Ye, HTC Vive’s global head of product, this headset brings the same advanced VR hardware used in arcades directly into users’ homes, offering a high-end experience for PC gamers.
In terms of connectivity, the Vive Focus Vision supports DisplayPort through USB-C, which HTC claims delivers a lossless connection when tethered to a PC. Later this year, an update will enable the display to switch from its standard 90Hz refresh rate to 120Hz, offering a smoother visual experience. The headset boasts 128GB of internal storage, with the option to expand up to 2TB via microSD, and comes with 12GB of RAM—an increase from the 8GB found in the Focus 3. It remains compatible with all Focus 3 accessories.
Battery life on the Focus Vision is around two hours, and HTC has added a built-in battery designed to last 20 minutes, allowing users enough time to swap out the main power pack. To improve performance during extended use, the device features a new fan system that pulls in 30 percent more air, enhancing cooling.
HTC has also made improvements to the headset’s design, particularly the head strap, to address weak points in the Focus 3’s build. According to HTC’s president of the Americas, Dan O’Brien, the company strengthened the metal hook at the back and improved the handling of the side arms.
While earlier Focus models were geared toward business use, the Focus Vision is squarely aimed at the consumer market, following in the footsteps of HTC’s Vive XR Elite, released last year. Those who preorder the device before October 17th will receive a free kit that includes a 5-meter USB-C cable and a selection of game bundles.