Varjo Shifts Focus to Enterprise Solutions, Unlikely to Release Follow-up to Consumer VR Headset
Varjo, known for its high-end enterprise MR headsets, made a foray into the consumer VR market with the launch of the Aero headset in 2021. However, the company has now announced a narrowing focus on training simulations and deeper integrations tailored to the needs of enterprise customers, indicating that a successor to the Aero headset is unlikely.
In a recent interview with Road to VR, Varjo’s chief product officer, Patrick Wyatt, discussed the company’s strategic shift towards providing more specialized solutions for specific use-cases.
Wyatt highlighted the growth of training simulations in sectors such as military and aeronautics as a key focus for Varjo. The company is working closely with industry partners, such as Leonardo, a prominent helicopter manufacturer, to develop the Virtual Extended Reality (VxR) helicopter pilot training system. Varjo’s high visual fidelity headsets have played a crucial role in achieving FAA FTD Level 7 Certification for the system, making it the first VR-based training system to reach this certification level.
Varjo’s shift towards a solutions-oriented approach involves closer collaboration with customers to develop and implement tailored solutions leveraging Varjo headsets to address specific challenges.
In response to common industry needs, Varjo has introduced specialized versions of its XR-4 headset, such as the ‘Focal Edition’ with auto-focus for passthrough cameras, and the ‘Secure Edition’ designed for classified environments. These specialized editions come at a premium price compared to the base XR-4 model.
Looking ahead, Varjo has committed to supporting its XR-4 headset series through 2030, offering long-term reliability for enterprise customers.
As Varjo emphasizes long-term support and bespoke solutions for enterprise clients, the company is shifting away from the development of high-end consumer headsets.
While Varjo’s Aero headset was initially positioned as a potential series for VR enthusiasts, Wyatt indicated that future consumer-oriented releases are unlikely, stating, “We’re going more and more in the other direction.”
Despite this shift, Varjo continues to experience increasing demand for its headsets and solutions outside the consumer market, particularly in military applications. The company’s technology is widely adopted by leading defense and aerospace organizations as well as Fortune 100 companies.
