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The best VR headset for business applications

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It offers companies the opportunity to utilize new and innovative ways of collaboration, training and product presentation.

When selecting a VR device for business applications, it is important to consider the individual requirements and needs of the company. The most important factors include the resolution and image quality, the field of view, Reliable trackingthe battery life, the ergonomics, Hygiene and support for business applications.

Virtual reality (VR) is being used in more and more companies. VR headsets offer a range of benefits for business applications, such as

  • More effective training and education
  • Improved productivity
  • Improved collaboration

When selecting a VR headset for business purposes, in addition to resolution, tracking and performance, other factors that are particularly relevant in a business context must also be taken into account, such as

  • Kiosk mode
  • Compatibility with enterprise applications
  • Security and compliance
  • Mobile Device Management

Business Feature: Kiosk Fashion

Kiosk mode (also known as "single-use mode") is a feature available on some VR headsets. In this mode, the headset is restricted to a specific application or a limited number of applications and the user cannot easily access other applications or settings. Kiosk mode can also be enforced by third-party mobile device management systems if this feature is not supported by the manufacturer of the headset.

Kiosk mode is especially useful in situations where the VR headset is used in public areas, such as exhibitions, museums, trade shows or fairs. By limiting access to other apps and settings, users can only access the specific apps that are relevant to the particular event or function. This reduces the risk of unwanted user behaviors and interactions and keeps control of the VR experience in the hands of the operator. Kiosk mode can also be useful when training staff or conducting presentations to ensure that users access the relevant materials and do not get distracted.

Additional sensor technology: eye tracking and face tracking

Eyetracking and Face tracking in VR headsets are particularly valuable in the corporate sector as they improve the user experience by enabling a more natural and intuitive interaction with the virtual environment. These technologies are crucial for efficient training and realistic simulations, especially in areas such as education and professional training.

Stand-alone glasses with eye and face tracking
Face and eye tracking are still relatively new in stand-alone VR glasses. The first models with this technology were only released in 2022. However, the technology has been developed rapidly in recent years and is expected to be available in more and more stand-alone VR glasses in the future.

Pico 4 Enterprise and the Meta Quest Pro support this technology. The HTC XR Elite can be upgraded with an eye tracking module. 

PC VR glasses with eye and face tracking

To meet these requirements, HP has developed the HP Reverb Omnicept was launched on the market. The HP Reverb Omnicept is a high-end virtual reality headset. It has a range of sensory features that make it a powerful tool for a variety of applications. One of the most important features of the HP Reverb Omnicept is the Omnicept sensor system. This system uses a range of sensors to capture data about the user, including eye movements, muscle activity and heart rate. This data can then be used to improve the user experience or create applications tailored to the individual needs of users.

Varjo: Business headsets for high demands 

Varjo brings business headsets for the highest demands in terms of image sharpness and field of view. The Vajo headsets have a resolution of 4K per eye, resulting in a sharp and immersive image. The Varjo headsets are a worthwhile investment for companies looking for a powerful and reliable VR headset for use in professional environments. However, they are also relatively expensive, with prices starting from 2,500 US dollars. The VR headsets from Varjo are significantly larger than other headsets due to the high-end displays used. Ergonomics suffer as a result.

Apple Vision Pro

Apple promises to permanently change the market for high-end VR glasses for business applications with the Apple Vision Pro announced for 2024. At over €3500, the headset is in the cost segment of the Varjo and also relies on high resolution and state-of-the-art tracking sensors. As always, Apple naturally scores with user-friendliness and design.

The challenge of hygiene with VR glasses

Hygiene at VR

The face piece of a VR headset is a potential hygiene problem area. In consumer VR headsets, the face piece is usually made of foam or another soft material that can absorb sweat and dirt.

Proper cleaning and disinfection of the face piece of your VR headset is important to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs. When buying a VR headset, make sure that the face piece is removable and washable. This is particularly important in a business context, when VR glasses are passed around and worn by many different people. 

The dangers of unhygienic facepieces

The potential dangers of unhygienic facepieces are manifold...

The VR headsets from different manufacturers take a very different approach to the washable face piece.

Washable face pieces can usually be ordered as an add-on for all major manufacturers.

More about hygiene with VR glasses.

Device configuration and management:

Device configuration and management Device configuration and management is an important aspect of managing VR headsets in companies. It enables companies to manage the devices centrally and ensure that they comply with company guidelines. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions allow companies to centrally manage a variety of mobile devices, including VR headsets. With MDM solutions, companies can perform the following tasks:
  • Installing and updating software
  • Configuration of settings
  • Ensuring compliance with guidelines
Most VR manufacturers offer their own MDM solutions for their headsets. These solutions are usually tailored specifically to the respective headsets and offer a range of functions that are suitable for business use. In addition to MDM solutions from VR manufacturers, there are also software providers that offer mobile device management solutions for VR headsets as a service. These solutions are usually not specific to a particular headset and offer a range of functions that are suitable for business use. MDM solutions offer companies a number of benefits when managing VR headsets. These include:
  • Increased security
  • Improved performance
  • Increased user-friendliness
MDM solutions are an important tool for companies that use VR headsets for business purposes. They offer a range of benefits that can help companies to ensure the security, performance and user-friendliness of the devices. Here are some examples of MDM solutions for VR headsets:
  • HTC Vive: Vive Manager
  • Pico: Pico MDM
  • Meta: Quest for Business
  • 42Gears: SureMDM for VR
  • ArborXR: ArborXR MDM
  • AirWatch: AirWatch for VR
 
vr data protection

There are various VR headsets that can be suitable for business purposes as well, depending on the requirements and needs of the business.


However, some headsets have special features that other VR glasses lack, which play a role especially in the business environment.

Here is an overview of VR headsets on the market.

VR headsetPriceWireless or cordedResolutionKiosk modeGood for cleaning
Oculus Quest 2300€ (64 GB), 399€ (256 GB)Wireless1832 x 1920 per eyeYesNo
Pico Neo 3 Pro650€Wireless3664 x 1920YesYes
Pico G2 4K480€Wireless3840 x 2160YesYes
Meta Quest Pro1200€ (no longer available)Wireless1800 x 1920 pixels per eyeNoYes
Meta Quest 3699€Wireless2064 x 2208 pixels per eyeNoCan be extended
HTC Vive Focus 3950€Wireless2448 x 2448 per eyeYesYes
HP Reverb G2500€Corded2160 x 2160 per eyeNoNo
Valve Index900€Corded1440 x 1600 per eyeNoNo
HTC Vive Pro 21,200€Corded2448 x 2448 per eyeYesNo
Varjo XR-35,995€Corded3664 x 1920 per eyeYesNo
Pico 4 Enterprise900€Wireless2160 x 2160 pixels per eyeYesYes
HTC Vive XR Elite1.099€Wireless1920 x 1920 pixels per eyeYesYes
Apple Vision Pro<3500€Corded1920 x 1920 pixels per eyeYesYes

Which headset is right for you depends on what is important to you: data protection, enterprise features, performance or ergonomics.
Unfortunately, there are currently no VR glasses that excel in all areas. The decision is up to you.

 

Performance of the Meta Quest 3

The Meta Quest 3 is currently at the top in terms of performance. It clearly outperforms its competitors from HTC and Pico. Therefore, if you are looking for a standalone headset with a focus on high performance, the Quest 3 is an almost unavoidable choice.

Data protection concerns with Meta

Despite its excellent performance, QS 3 has drawbacks, particularly in the area of data protection. Meta is considered a problematic partner, and although improvements are promised through the "Quest for Business" program, this remains relatively opaque to outsiders and is not yet available in Germany.

Alternatives: Pico and HTC

Pico offers a more secure alternative in terms of data protection and enables written confirmation of data protection compliance. The same applies to HTC. However, both brands are currently still behind the Quest in terms of performance. However, the Pico 4 Enterprise and the HTC Vive XR Elite can be considered solid VR headsets, but are priced higher than the Quests.

Price comparison

The Quest 3 is priced at around €600, the Pico 4 Enterprise at around €900 and the HTC Vive XR Elite at around €1000.

PC-based headsets for demanding applications

If you are looking for a solution for hardware-intensive applications, a PC-based headset might be a better choice. These do not necessarily have to be wired, as modern standalone headsets support streaming solutions.

Recommendation for wired headsets

For presentations with a seated audience, a wired version, such as the HP Reverb G2 for around €500, could be more advantageous.

High-end option: Vaio headsets

For a larger budget, the Vaio headsets are worth considering. They offer top performance in terms of resolution and field of view size, but are significantly more expensive at over €4000 and are also larger in design.

clarence dadson

Let us advise you.

Are you interested in developing a virtual reality or 360° application? You may still have questions about the budget and implementation. Please get in touch with me.

I am looking forward to you

Clarence Dadson CEO Design4real