HTC Vive Focus virtual reality glasses - advantages and disadvantages

For most people, virtual reality still seems like something fantastic, but for some, it is not difficult to plunge into the virtual world, and this is facilitated by the rapid development of VR technologies.

Nowadays, popular models of VR glasses that help conquer cyberspace are becoming more and more interesting. The best manufacturers demonstrate their achievements in the field of virtual reality. But few people dare to challenge the leadership of HTC VR glasses. The novelties of this company attract a lot of attention. Therefore, in this article we will analyze the reasons for the popularity of these models using the example of HTC Vive Focus - 3D glasses with its own screen, although, of course, you can fully experience how it works only by putting on a helmet and immersing yourself in a magical virtual world.

How to choose

First of all, before purchasing glasses, it would be good to understand what virtual reality is, because many budget options are not able to completely immerse you in another world, but only create an imitation.

Virtual reality allows, albeit for a while, but completely step back from the existing life and immerse yourself in the gaming space. And for these purposes, virtual glasses must be endowed with certain characteristics.

lenses

For human binocular vision, in order to see a completely different reality in front of you in a VR headset, you need two lenses for each eye. In many virtual glasses, these lenses are located very close to the eyes, blocking the entire field of view and increasing the viewing angle. Therefore, when buying, it would be good to pay attention to the FOV parameter indicated in the VR helmet characteristic, which indicates the viewing angle.

At the same time, one more important feature of the human eye must be taken into account - this is the section of the eyes, the features of its structure and the distance between the pupils. Individually, in order to obtain maximum contrast and clarity of the image, it is necessary to adjust, as on any optical device, and the VR helmet is, to some extent, interpupillary and focal length. Models of virtual devices only with this adjustment are included in the ratings of high-quality and convenient devices.

Sensors

The next thing to consider when buying is the presence of motion sensors that monitor the turn of the head. So that the picture is not static and changes with the turn of the head, allowing you to view a 360-degree virtual space around you, you need a gyroscope, accelerometer and other motion sensors.

If the image is poorly synchronized with the movement of the head, a motion sickness effect can occur, as in "seasickness". Sensors allow you to better capture movements.

Permission

An image close to the eyes and enlarged by lenses, of course, must be displayed on a good quality display, otherwise the picture will consist of individual pixels. The minimum screen resolution should be 1920 * 1080 pixels, and this is not the best option. The qualitative effect of Virtual Reality is unlikely to work, individual pixels will be clearly visible.

Criterias of choice

All inlet devices can be conditionally divided into four categories, which have different characteristics and differ significantly in price.

Inexpensive VR helmets are cardboard, plastic or metal products with two lenses and a hole for a smartphone. You should not expect full immersion in virtual reality from such devices, but they are quite suitable for simple games and watching 360-degree video. Plus, they are most often foldable, compact and easy to move around.

The price of these devices is inexpensive, but with the quality and reliability of the helmet, the average price will also increase.

The next category differs from the previous one in the presence of additional sensors, focus adjustment, more complex technical parameters, and sometimes the presence of its own screen, due to which the head turns in space are more accurately tracked and, accordingly, the video becomes smoother, and virtual reality is more convincing. Such devices are, of course, more expensive.

Premium devices have sophisticated design, their own high-quality screen, audio system and all kinds of tracking sensors, and they are no longer connected to mobile devices, but to a computer or game console. They stand out for their excellent graphics quality, surround sound, and clear tracking of the player in space. All this makes it possible to more fully immerse yourself in virtual reality, and only the presence of wires prevents this from being done as efficiently as possible.

But the fourth category, which appeared on the market relatively recently, has all the listed advantages, but differs just in complete autonomy from any devices. This category also includes HTC Vive Focus virtual reality glasses.

HTC Vive Focus Virtual Reality Glasses

The previous model HTC Vive surprised everyone with its functionality, but it had a big drawback that caused discomfort and hindered movement - the presence of wires, so one of the main differences of the new HTC Vive Focus model was complete autonomy without additional connection to a computer or docking station.

Appearance

The model is presented in three color options: blue, blue and white.

The device is positioned as having 6 degrees of freedom and does not restrict movement in any direction.

Together with the helmet, the package includes a controller, charging cables and documentation.

The helmet is easy to put on and quickly adjusts to the desired size using a Velcro strap and an additional swivel holder, which also adjusts the headband to the desired size and distributes the weight of the device evenly on the head. This wheeled adjustment was previously introduced by Sony for the PlayStation.

The built-in speakers produce a good sound directed to the ears, isolating from external noise. Bass is a bit lacking, but overall the sound is even better than the Oculus Go.

On the left side of the device is a volume control, and on top, you can individually adjust the lenses under your eyes for maximum contrast.

Built-in front cameras monitor movement in space.

To save data, videos or applications, the device has a micro SD slot. The charger is connected via a USB type-c connector, it is also suitable for connecting a computer or phone. The presence of a 3.5 mm mini-Jack makes it possible to additionally connect headphones.

The helmet sits well on the head, without fear of falling off during sudden movements.

In general, the device is a bit harsh, but it is quite ergonomic and with convenient fastening and size adjustment.

Camera

To fully enjoy virtual reality, the glasses do not have any wires or external sensors. Instead, two front cameras are built into the device, controlling the orientation in space. Such cameras provide great opportunities for both solving business problems and playing games.

Orientation in space at a very high level. Unlimited immersion in the world of virtual space with continuous tracking of movement, whether outdoors or indoors. To re-center you need to remove the helmet and wait a few seconds.

Unfortunately, the controller that comes with the kit is not tracked in space and has only 3 degrees of freedom. Playing games with him is not always convenient, but in VR glasses you can go around obstacles and dodge enemy shots.

When using the camera in mixed reality and displaying real rooms, it must be activated in the SteamVR application.

Screen

Built-in own amoled screens, as mentioned above, have the ability to adjust the interpupillary and focal length.

The resolution of each display is 1440*1600 pixels, the total 3K resolution is 2880*1600. The viewing angle is the same as VivePro 110°, but the frame refresh rate has been improved from 90 Hz to 75 Hz.

When you start a 360-degree video, you will first have to download it to the internal memory of the device, because. it does not run from a browser, unlike, for example, Oculus Go, which has this capability.

Inside the helmet is a fairly simple menu. For small settings, a beautiful user menu is offered, but for more detailed settings, there is a standard interface in Russian for an Android smartphone.

Performance

The virtual glasses are powered by a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 mobile processor. This chipset is equipped with eight 64-bit Kryo 280 cores and supports LPDD4 RAM, which is considered one of the fastest.

The Adreno 540 graphics chip enables high-definition video production at 60 frames per second.

And, of course, the processor supports VR with 3D sound.

How to use

When creating this model, HTC focused no longer on home VR gamers, but included corporate clients in its target audience. Why the device was endowed with several professional functions:

• "Kiosk" mode, which establishes limited access to applications and administration;
• support for remote registration;
• gaze support;
• monitor and control multiple headsets at the same time.

But the choice of games is still limited to the application from the Viveport library, which has about 100 game offers, most of them in Chinese. There is also the option to use one of the apps and the library of available videos on We Are Video.

• convenient and reliable device;
• excellent technical characteristics;
• complete autonomy.

• controller limits;
• a small number of applications with games in Russian;
• high price.

Outcome

Virtual reality is gaining more and more fans, but in order not to spoil the impressions of the new world, you need to seriously approach the question: which company is better to buy a device and with what characteristics, although how much VR glasses will cost depends on this. But you can still search on the Internet where it is more profitable to buy premium virtual reality helmets.