Finnish company Varjo just released its new XR-4 headset on Monday, targeting big businesses. This headset, priced starting at $3,990, is similar to ones made by Meta, Microsoft, and Apple.
Many major tech companies are investing heavily in virtual and augmented reality, seeing them as the next big advancements in technology, comparable to the impact of the internet or mobile phones.
Varjo’s XR-4 Headset
Varjo’s headset is different from those made for regular consumers, like Meta’s. It’s designed for businesses to use in specific situations. For instance, a pilot working for a defense company could use it for virtual reality training, or a surveyor could use it to map out a large construction site.
The XR-4 headset features two 4K displays and a 50% wider field of view than its predecessors. It also includes brighter displays and a broader range of colors compared to earlier models.
Patrick Wyatt, Varjo’s chief product officer, explained that, “Technically, the XR-4 is simpler in a few ways. Now, each eye has one screen, maximizing the resolution of that screen and reducing costs. But the key improvement is all about scale.”
The XR-4 is equipped with two 20-megapixel cameras on the front, allowing for what’s known as pass-through mixed reality. This means users can see the real world around them through lenses in the headset, instead of being fully immersed in a virtual world. This feature is similar to what Meta offers on its headsets and what Apple plans to include on the Vision Pro.
Advanced Features and Technological Innovations
The XR-4 includes ambient light sensors and enhanced lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), a technique that uses 3D laser scanning to measure distances and surfaces. This is crucial to enable users to fully engage with both virtual and augmented reality environments while using the headset.
Additionally, the XR-4 features built-in 3D spatial audio, along with noise-canceling microphones and integrated speakers. It supports inside-out tracking and comes with Varjo’s proprietary controllers, allowing users to navigate through both digital and physical surroundings.
This year, major U.S. tech companies Apple and Meta revealed their mixed-reality headsets. Meta introduced the Quest 3 in June, while Apple is set to launch its $3,500 Vision Pro headset next year.
Varjo secured over $160 million in funding from various investors, including Apple supplier Foxconn, private equity firm EQT, automotive giant Volvo, and venture capital firm Atomico. The company didn’t disclose its valuation during its last funding round when it raised $40 million from investors.
Conclusion
Varjo’s XR-4 headset, tailored for enterprise use, introduces advanced features like 4K displays, wider field of view, and pass-through mixed reality. Priced at $3,990, it competes with Meta, Microsoft, and Apple in the booming virtual and augmented reality space. Backed by $160 million in funding, Varjo’s innovation aligns with tech’s pursuit of transformative advancements, akin to the internet and mobile phones.
