Varjo is a leading Finnish company that specializes in developing advanced virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) solutions. The name “Varjo” translates to “shadow” in Finnish, which aptly reflects the company’s mission to create cutting-edge technology that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of virtual and mixed reality experiences. Varjo was founded in 2016 by a team of experts with backgrounds in companies like Nokia, Microsoft, and Rovio, and since then, it has gained significant recognition and praise for its innovative approach to VR/MR.
1. Exceptional Visual Fidelity: Varjo is renowned for its groundbreaking technology that delivers unmatched visual fidelity in VR and MR. The company’s headsets boast a unique feature called “Bionic Display,” which combines high-resolution central focus with a broader peripheral view, replicating how the human eye naturally perceives the world. This technology offers an incredibly immersive and realistic experience to users.
2. Human-Eye Resolution: One of Varjo’s most significant achievements is its ability to provide human-eye resolution in VR/MR headsets. The company’s headsets come with two distinct displays – one for central vision with a resolution similar to what the human eye can perceive (known as “foveated display”), and another for peripheral vision. This approach significantly enhances clarity and enables users to read even the smallest of texts or discern fine details, boosting usability in professional applications.
3. Enterprise-Centric Approach: Varjo primarily targets the enterprise market rather than the consumer space. The company focuses on industries where precision, accuracy, and high visual quality are crucial, such as aviation, automotive, architecture, engineering, and training simulations. This targeted strategy has allowed Varjo to create tailored solutions that address the specific needs of professionals in these fields.
4. Varjo VR-3 & XR-3: As of my last update in September 2021, Varjo had released its VR-3 and XR-3 headsets. The VR-3 is designed purely for virtual reality experiences, while the XR-3 offers mixed reality capabilities by combining virtual content with the real world. Both headsets integrate Varjo’s signature Bionic Display technology and eye-tracking capabilities, enhancing their functionality for professional use.
5. Eye Tracking Advancements: Varjo incorporates eye-tracking technology into its headsets, enabling various innovative features. With eye tracking, users can navigate menus and interfaces more efficiently using their gaze, and it also allows for foveated rendering. This means that the rendering power is concentrated on the user’s focal point, conserving computational resources and improving performance.
6. Varjo Workspace: Varjo Workspace is a software platform that provides seamless integration with popular 3D design and visualization applications. It allows professionals to run their existing software in VR/MR environments with full compatibility, making it easier to leverage the power of immersive experiences in their workflows.
7. OpenVR & SteamVR Support: Varjo ensures compatibility with existing VR content and software by supporting OpenVR and SteamVR platforms. This compatibility allows users to access a vast library of applications and content, making Varjo headsets a versatile choice for various professional use cases.
8. Real-time Chroma Keying (XR-3): The XR-3 headset stands out with its real-time chroma keying capability, which allows users to replace the background in their MR experience with a live feed or any chosen environment. This feature is particularly useful in creating realistic training simulations or showcasing products in virtual showrooms.
9. Continuous Innovation: Varjo is committed to continuous innovation and improvement. The company frequently releases software updates and firmware upgrades to enhance the performance and functionality of its headsets, ensuring that its customers benefit from the latest advancements in VR/MR technology.
10. Industry Recognition: Varjo’s achievements and contributions to the VR/MR industry have not gone unnoticed. The company has received several awards and accolades for its technology and products, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the field of virtual and mixed reality.
Varjo is a Finnish company that has revolutionized the VR/MR industry with its focus on exceptional visual fidelity, human-eye resolution displays, and enterprise-centric approach. Its VR-3 and XR-3 headsets, along with eye-tracking advancements and software solutions like Varjo Workspace, have made it a preferred choice among professionals in various industries. By continuously innovating and receiving industry recognition, Varjo remains at the forefront of the virtual and mixed reality revolution.
Varjo has distinguished itself as a leading player in the VR/MR industry, and its innovative approach to visual fidelity and resolution has set new standards for immersive experiences. The company’s unique Bionic Display technology, which replicates how the human eye perceives the world, delivers unparalleled clarity and realism, making it an ideal choice for industries that require precision and accuracy.
Varjo’s dedication to the enterprise market has allowed it to tailor its products and solutions to the specific needs of professionals. By focusing on industries like aviation, automotive, architecture, engineering, and training simulations, Varjo has been able to develop specialized tools that cater to the demands of these fields. As a result, professionals in these industries can benefit from VR and MR applications that are not only immersive but also highly practical and relevant to their workflows.
Two of Varjo’s most notable offerings are the VR-3 and XR-3 headsets. The VR-3 is designed solely for virtual reality experiences, while the XR-3 combines virtual content with the real world, offering mixed reality capabilities. Both headsets come equipped with eye-tracking technology, which enables users to interact with content using their gaze and facilitates foveated rendering. This feature dynamically adjusts the resolution based on where the user is looking, optimizing performance and reducing computational strain.
Varjo’s commitment to seamless integration with existing software is evident through Varjo Workspace. This software platform ensures compatibility with popular 3D design and visualization applications, allowing professionals to leverage their existing workflows and software in the VR/MR environment. By removing barriers to adoption, Varjo empowers users to embrace immersive technology without disrupting their established processes.
Moreover, Varjo embraces an open approach by supporting OpenVR and SteamVR platforms. This compatibility grants users access to a vast library of VR content and applications, expanding the possibilities for creative and professional use-cases. Varjo headsets, with their eye-tracking capabilities and industry-leading display technology, become versatile tools for a wide range of industries and applications.
The XR-3 headset’s real-time chroma keying feature further enhances its versatility. Users can replace the real-world background with a live feed or a chosen environment, making it an excellent tool for creating lifelike training simulations, product showcases, or other mixed reality experiences.
Varjo’s commitment to continuous innovation is evident in its regular software updates and firmware upgrades. By staying on the cutting edge of VR/MR technology, Varjo ensures that its customers always benefit from the latest advancements and improvements, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in virtual and mixed reality.
The company’s dedication to excellence and its remarkable achievements have earned it industry recognition and numerous awards. These accolades not only serve as a testament to Varjo’s impact on the VR/MR landscape but also inspire the company to continue pushing the boundaries of technology and creating new possibilities for immersive experiences.
In conclusion, Varjo’s revolutionary Bionic Display technology, commitment to the enterprise market, and its impressive lineup of VR and MR headsets have cemented its position as a pioneering force in the VR/MR industry. With eye-tracking advancements, seamless software integration, and continuous innovation, Varjo empowers professionals in various fields to embrace the power of immersive technology and redefine the way they work and experience virtual and mixed reality.
