HTC VIVE is back in the spotlight with the Focus Vision, a new headset priced at $999. It’s a follow-up to the company’s intriguing, albeit pricey, XR Elite headset. Built on the same platform as the standalone VIVE Focus 3, the Focus Vision comes packed with features that could make it a game-changer for professionals and hardcore VR enthusiasts alike.

This upgraded model boasts built-in eye tracking, a pair of 16MP stereo color front-facing cameras designed for mixed reality experiences, and automatic IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment. That last feature is especially handy for sharing the headset, making it more accessible for collaborative environments. And if you’re looking to dive deep into gaming, you can snag an additional $149 DisplayPort wired streaming kit to connect the Focus Vision to your PC for a more intensive VR experience.

Now, let’s be real: judging by its price and features, the Focus Vision isn’t exactly a device for the everyday consumer. While competitors like Meta have thrown billions into making their Quest headsets more affordable and accessible, HTC VIVE seems to be focusing on the high-end market. Their headsets are tailored more for business and government applications than for casual gaming. For example, the original Focus 3 was even used on the International Space Station, helping astronauts stay fit and entertained.

In terms of design, the Focus Vision doesn’t stray far from its predecessor, the Focus 3. It looks like a standard VR headset—unlike the more compact, glasses-like VIVE XR Elite. The build quality is noticeably superior to the Meta Quest 3, which is often criticized for its lower-grade materials. With ample cushioning along the front and back, plus enough space for those of us who wear glasses, it feels comfortable for long sessions.

The Focus Vision features a 5K LCD display that delivers a 2.5K resolution per eye, a refresh rate of 90Hz, and a wide 120-degree field of view. HTC plans to roll out 120Hz support over DisplayPort later this year, so you can expect even smoother visuals. The headset includes two front-facing cameras strategically positioned to minimize distortion in mixed reality, alongside an infrared floodlight for hand tracking in low-light conditions, four external tracking cameras, and a depth sensor.

One of the standout features is the removable battery pack located in the rear strap, which now has a built-in battery providing an extra 20 minutes of standby time. This means you can swap out battery packs without losing your VR immersion—a big plus for organizations where users might wear the headset for extended periods. HTC claims the Focus Vision can last up to two hours of continuous use.

HTC is also making a bold move into high-end VR gaming territory with the Focus Vision. Unlike Meta’s Quest, which streams VR experiences from a PC wirelessly (often resulting in lag and compression artifacts), Focus Vision’s DisplayPort kit provides a direct connection to your computer’s graphics card. This means a more seamless and responsive gaming experience.

Putting the Focus Vision on felt surprisingly familiar. It’s easy to adjust and has plenty of room for glasses, making it user-friendly. The cushioning around the headset helps distribute weight evenly, preventing that annoying front-heavy feeling that can plague other headsets—looking at you, Apple’s Vision Pro.

When it comes to actual VR performance, the Focus Vision delivers as expected from a premium HTC VIVE device. The sharp 5K display makes it easy to read small text, and the expansive field of view immerses you in experiences like Nature Treks VR, where you can truly lose yourself.

For companies looking to utilize the Focus Vision, the options are either to adapt existing enterprise applications or create custom solutions. Gamers, on the other hand, will likely spend most of their time connected via the wired DisplayPort, enjoying the extensive SteamVR library.

The VIVE Focus Vision is available for preorder at $999, with a business price of $1,299 that includes an additional warranty. For early adopters, HTC is sweetening the deal by throwing in the DisplayPort kit for free, along with three game bundles to choose from.