Varjo XR-4: The Ultimate High-End Enterprise Headset
Mixed Reality Like Never Before
Varjo has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the XR-4 headset, and it’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mixed reality. The company claims that the XR-4 offers a view of the outside world that is “indistinguishable” from what you see with your own eyes. While this may seem like a bold claim, Varjo has a track record of delivering on its promises. We’ll reserve judgment until we have the chance to experience the headset ourselves, but it’s clear that Varjo has full confidence in the capabilities of its latest creation.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Ultimate Visual Quality
The XR-4 comes in two editions: the ‘Focal Edition’ and the standard edition. The Focal Edition, priced at $10,000, boasts an extraordinary passthrough view with an incredible resolution of 51 pixels per-degree. This breathtaking visual quality is achieved through an eye-tracked auto-focus system that keeps the world in sharp focus no matter where you look.
On the other hand, the standard edition, priced at $4,000, offers a still impressive resolution of 33 pixels per-degree, making it far superior to most headsets available on the market today. While it lacks the auto-focus feature, it still delivers an immersive mixed reality experience at a more affordable price point.
Immersive Display and Tracking
The XR-4 packs pixel-packed displays that contribute to its exceptional mixed reality view. Varjo has also moved to inside-out tracking as the default, eliminating the need for external tracking beacons. The headset comes with built-in audio and the company’s own controllers, developed in partnership with Razer.
Get to Know the Specs
XR-4 Focal Edition
| Display | 2x mini-LED (200 nits with local dimming), 96% DCI-P3 colors |
| Resolution | 3,840×3,744 (14.4MP) |
| Pixels Per-degree (claimed) | 51 |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz |
| Optics | Full-dome aspheric |
| Field-of-view (claimed) | 120° × 105° |
| Pass-through view | Yes (51 PPD) |
| Optical Adjustments | IPD (automatic) |
| IPD Adjustment Range | 56–72mm |
| Connectors | 1x DisplayPort, 1x USB-C |
| Input | XR-4 controllers |
| Audio | In-headstrap speakers, 3.5mm aux port |
| Microphone | Dual-microphone |
| Weight | 665g (headset) + 356g (headstrap) |
| Headset-tracking | Inside-out (no external beacons), SteamVR Tracking (external beacons) [optional] |
| Controller-tracking | Headset-tracked (headset line-of-sight needed) |
| Eye-tracking | Yes (200Hz) |
| Expression-tracking | No |
| On-board cameras | 6x tracking, 2x RGB (20MP) eye-tracked auto-focus |
| Depth-sensor | LiDAR (300 Kpix) |
| MSRP | $10,000 |
Breaking the Bank: Pricing Options
The XR-4 ‘Focal Edition’ comes with a price tag of $10,000, offering an unparalleled mixed reality experience. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising quality, the XR-4 standard edition is available for $4,000. Interestingly, this standard edition is even cheaper than its predecessor, the XR-3, and does not require an annual support charge.
For specialized applications that prioritize data security, Varjo offers two ‘Secure Edition’ variants of the XR-4. These versions are TAA compliant and can be ordered without wireless radios, catering to military and other security-conscious sectors. The ‘Secure Edition’ is priced at $8,000 and $14,000 respectively, offering the same specifications as the Focal and standard editions.
An Exciting Future Awaits
The XR-4 is set to redefine the landscape of enterprise headsets, pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences. Varjo plans to start shipping the XR-4 by the end of 2023, opening up a world of possibilities for industries and professionals seeking cutting-edge mixed reality solutions.