Virtual reality (VR) solutions for business end-users provide workplaces with tools like headsets to improve enterprise communication, training, and collaboration.
Some innovative individuals and firms are leveraging the emerging immersive technology space from public service to fieldwork to governmental processes.
The VR landscape is evolving dramatically, and headset technology is equally on an upward trajectory.
VR headsets are gaining new technologies going into 2023, such as eye tracking, hand tracking, and mixed reality (MR) passthrough technology.
In 2023, many VR headset firms are introducing and supporting business-grade immersive hardware to help end-users and clients get ahead.
Meta Quest Pro
Immersive industry mainstay Meta is attempting to provide educators and businesses alike with powerful immersive hardware and software to increase productivity via its Meta Quest Pro MR device.
Meta enhances business outcomes and returns on investment (ROI) by utilizing various immersive technologies like hand and eye tracking in its new product.
Meta currently sells its enterprise-grade MR device for £1.499. Alongside cutting-edge passthrough technology, the Quest Pro also contains innovations like a Snapdragon XR2+ processor, pancake optics, hand, face, and eye-tracking.
The Future of Work division of Meta UK conducted research revealing that 81 percent of those surveyed want to work in immersive collaborative settings.
Conversely, the report asserts that approximately 16 percent of respondents believe video calls facilitate a sense of presence in meetings. Moreover, only 14 percent of people thought video conferencing made it easier to work with colleagues.
Because of these figures, Meta thinks businesses should start investing in XR headsets rather than laptops.
HTC VIVE XR Elite
At CES 2023, HTC VIVE introduced an exciting innovation: the VIVE XR Elite, an MR headset to rival the Meta Quest and Quest Pro.
The device will debut this month for £1,299 via a pre-order service. HTC designed the XR Elite device as a modular solution which allows the wearer to customize aspects of the headset to suit certain use cases and environments. The device’s modular design mirrors many industrial-grade headsets from firms such as RealWear that leverage a modular design to suit various client requirements.
HTC’s upcoming device also allows users to choose between attaching the hardware to a PC for increased computing power, or users can operate the device as a stand-alone product allowing for full wearer mobility.
Other notable VIVE XR Elite device specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, 128GB storage, 12 GB of RAM, a 90 Hz refresh rate, and WIFI/Bluetooth connectivity.
Pico 4
Last year Pico introduced a new enterprise-grade MR device at AWE 2022, creating a significant competitor for Meta’s Quest lineup.
The Pico 4 and its sister Enterprise edition provides users with many of the same features seen in the Meta Quest Pro – like Snapdragon processors, facial tracking, and full-colour passthrough – at a fraction of the price.
The upcoming product also boosts its Metaverse service, encouraging social and workplace digital gatherings. Also, Pico’s Parent firm Bytedance includes an “Enterprise Operating System” on its upcoming device. It provides business end-users with an easy-to-use interface where users can customize their immersive experiences according to their specific needs.
Moreover, Pico will soon introduce a “Pico Business Store” to allow users to access collaboration and training tools.
Valve Deckard
Valve debuted the Index VR headset in 2019 alongside the flagship and system-selling game Half-Life: Alyx. The device revolutionized the consumer XR marketplace at launch thanks to the Index’s mobility and impressive controllers.
While enterprise use cases for the Valve Index are slim, the accompanying SteamVR hardware and software management suite allows users to connect a third-party VR headset to play Valve-released titles, from immersive gaming to collaboration services.
On the other hand, Valve is working hard on a follow-up to the Index to help the gaming firm reenter the market after Meta took control of the landscape over recent years.
Valve Deckard is the codename for the firm’s upcoming headset. According to rumours and reports, the Deckard device may contain features like photorealistic environments, a playroom, untethered mobility, and MR passthrough.
Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition
Finally, long-standing MR device expert Varjo is building its portfolio of immersive hardware leading to a busy 2023 for the VR headset business.
The Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition is the firm’s latest product. The device builds upon the XR-3 headset’s features, such as full-clour passthrough, with additional features like integrated Ultraleap hand tracking, LiDAR technology, cooling capabilities, security considerations, and data control abilities.
Varjo optimized the XR-3 to make a more robust alternative for enterprise end-users that genuinely wish to invest in workplace MR operations.
Varjo designed the XR-3 Focal Edition to provide enhanced visuals for real-world training sessions in scenarios, including cockpits, car dashboards, and industrial vehicles.
Moreover, the XR-3 Focal Edition includes full TAA/BAA compliance for deployments with specialist requirements in specific industries.
Varjo has not yet confirmed the price point for its XR-3 Focal Edition product.
