So, Varjo. They made this snazzy VR headset called Aero a couple years back, right? It was their little toe dip into the consumer VR world back in 2021. But now, they’re like, “Nah, we’re more about that serious biz stuff”—like the kind where you train helicopter pilots and whatnot. So Aero’s pretty much getting no sequel, and I kinda get it.
I read this piece from Road to VR where Varjo’s big cheese of products, Patrick Wyatt, spilled the beans. He’s all about them training simulations these days. The peeps who need to train on flying machines and such need solid gear, and Varjo’s got it.
They’ve been getting cozy with some big names too. Like Leonardo, who make helicopters among other things. They’re working together on this Virtual Extended Reality thingy for training chopper pilots. FAA even gave it some major thumbs up, hitting Level 7 Certification for flight sims. Fun fact: First VR thingy to nab that badge.
Varjo’s not just chucking headsets over the fence anymore. Nah, now they’re getting all up in the customer’s biz to help them tackle specific problems with these headsets. Must be working, given all this military and aerospace love they’re getting.
Over time, they’ve customized versions of their headsets for those picky needs. Take the XR-4, for example. They’ve cooked up neat editions of it, like the one with auto-focus cameras—makes peeking at flight dashboard thingies super crisp. But they come with a price tag that’d make your wallet hide under the bed. One’s a whopping $10,000—and it only goes up from there!
Despite the princely prices, Varjo’s standing by their hardware, promising to buddy up with their XR-4 series till about 2030. Seems like commitment, eh?
Anyway, back to the Aero thing. Wyatt mentioned to Road to VR how they’re likely steering clear from the consumer scene now. Maybe Aero wasn’t vibing with their bigger plans? Kinda sad for VR fans, maybe, but who’s to blame them? The VR scene’s shifted, with everyone clamoring for lighter, tinier things that don’t make your neck cry. Varjo’s headsets are all about that sweet, sweet visual clarity, not featherweight comfort.
Varjo says they’ve got more folks using their gear outside the gamer zone these days. They’re seeing big numbers in military contracts, apparently doubling since their XR-4 took flight back in early ‘24. Plus, their tech’s running around in 19 of the top 20 defense and aero places globally. And, oh, 25% of Fortune 100 companies are playing ball with ’em too.
Yep, sounds like Varjo’s faring just fine without trying to win over the consumer world. Who’d have thunk?
