Varjo Focuses on Training Simulations and Custom Integrations; ‘Aero’ Expected to be Its Sole Consumer Headset

Back in 2021, Varjo stepped into the consumer VR world with its Aero headset, but the game plan has shifted since then. Nowadays, the focus is squarely on serving the enterprise sector, particularly through training simulations and tailored integrations. So, don’t get your hopes up for a follow-up on the Aero anytime soon.

In a chat with Road to VR, Patrick Wyatt, Varjo’s chief product officer, shed some light on this shift. The spotlight is now on military and aeronautics training sims—a booming area for Varjo. Wyatt explained that the company is committed to offering comprehensive solutions rather than simply selling headsets and leaving clients to figure the rest out.

This thorough approach means Varjo is teaming up with big players like Leonardo, the helicopter giant, to create the Virtual Extended Reality (VxR) helicopter pilot training system. At the heart of this setup are Varjo’s headsets, renowned for their impressive visual quality. The training system has snagged an FAA FTD Level 7 Certification, marking it as the top-tier VR-based training system to achieve such a status.

Moving past just selling headsets, Varjo is also enhancing its “solutions engineering” skill set. This involves closely collaborating with clients to design and implement solutions tailored to specific challenges using Varjo’s technology.

To prove they’re committed to this business model, Varjo has introduced versions of their headsets specifically targeting common needs. This includes the XR-4 ‘Focal Edition,’ which incorporates auto-focus for the passthrough cameras, making it ideal for close-range tasks like navigating flight controls. There’s also the ‘Secure Edition,’ built for classified settings.

These specialized headsets come with a hefty price tag, though. With the standard XR-4 priced at $6,000, the Focal Edition is $10,000, and the Secure Edition can run up to $14,000 or more.

Wyatt mentioned that Varjo is dedicated to supporting the XR-4 series until 2030, offering companies reassurance that these headsets will remain reliable for years to come.

This shift toward bespoke solutions and long-term support indicates a clear pivot away from the high-end consumer headset market. The Aero was Varjo’s maiden voyage into consumer territory, initially envisioned as a series for VR enthusiasts. However, when asked about future versions, Wyatt commented to Road to VR, “No one is gonna say ‘never’, but we’re definitely moving in the other direction.”

While this might be disappointing for VR fans, it’s a smart move for Varjo. Despite the visual brilliance of their headsets, their size has always been a challenge. The VR market is trending towards smaller, lighter devices—like the compact Bigscreen Beyond and MeganeX Superlight. Competing in this space would require Varjo to redesign its headset technology from the ground up.

Varjo has reported a growing clientele outside of the consumer sector, noting that military demand has doubled since the XR-4’s launch in early 2024. The company employs over 200 people and claims its tech is trusted by 19 of the 20 largest global defense and aerospace firms, as well as a quarter of Fortune 100 companies.