Review – Is the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX a suitable enterprise VR headset?

Introduction

The brand Lenovo is already known in the enterprise market with its famous ThinkPad line with laptops. And in June 2023 they released the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the headset, focusing on its design, display, connectivity and its suitability for enterprise applications. We cover everything from its design and comfort features to its hardware and software capabilities to help professional users to evaluate the use of this headset in an enterprise context.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo ThinkReality VRX weighs 750 grams, making it heavier than both the Pico 4 Enterprise, which weighs 591 grams and the Meta Quest 3, which weighs 515 grams but still lighter than the HTC Vive Focus 3 with 785 grams. One of its notable design aspects is the battery placement at the back of the headset, enhancing comfort through better weight distribution. This is a great feature and an industry standard especially for enterprise headsets, this feature can as well be found on the Pico 4 Enterprise and the HTC vive Focus 3. In comparison the battery of the Meta Quest 3 is located in the front of the headset which makes it front heavy and can lead to discomfort of the neck.

Adding to the comfort, the ThinkReality VRX includes cushions at the front and back of the headset, making it suitable for extended VR sessions. An extra cushion included in the box allows for adjustments to fit different head shapes, which is particularly useful in enterprise settings where multiple users might wear the headset. The materials used for the ThinkReality VRX are chosen for their ease of cleaning, addressing hygiene concerns when the headset is used by various individuals. This focus on hygiene and comfort emphasize its suitability for enterprise environments, ensuring the device can be easily maintained and sanitized for multiple users.

Display and Optics

Passthrough functionality and quality 

The Lenovo ThinkReality VRX features dual color passthrough cameras, enabling both virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) modes. At the time of the release of the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX which was in June 2023, it was one of the first headsets to offer both VR and MR modes. Considering the release date, the quality of the passthrough feature worked very well for mixed reality applications. As technology evolves and new headsets are released, the quality of the pass-through and color accuracy improves, which is why newer releases like the Meta Quest 3 and the Pico 4 enterprise might have a more accurate passthrough.

Security-oriented enterprise Focus

The Lenovo ThinkReality VRX provides a full suite of enterprise services, including initial consulting, content creation, cloud deployment, and ongoing support. With this support businesses should have no issue to integrate VR technology into their operations. The headset is compatible with various enterprise systems and software platforms and can be easily incorporated into existing IT infrastructures. It has significant customization options, and it can meet diverse business requirements.

In addition, Lenovo holds several security certifications to ensure that its products and services meet high standards of security and privacy. These include ISO/IEC 27001 for maintaining robust information security practices and protecting customer data; ISO/IEC 27017 to ensure that cloud service providers and customers maintain strong security practices when managing and using cloud services; and ISO/IEC 27018 for protecting personal data in cloud environments.

Software 

Kiosk mode and MDM solutions

The Lenovo headset comes with an option to operate it in Kiosk mode which can be a useful feature, especially for an enterprise environment.  Kiosk mode allows the device to be locked to a single app or a set of apps when specific applications need to be controlled and displayed consistently, preventing users from accessing other functions or settings. This is usually being used for product demonstrations, training sessions and other focused applications.

Lenovo also provides its own Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution “Think Reality Platform”, a robust content management and deployment platform that enables IT administrators to manage apps and content across multiple devices. If enterprises need a secure deployment of custom software, this platform will ensure that data protection standards are met. IT administrators can use the system to monitor, update, and deploy applications across the ecosystem.

Open source software license and its advantages

Lenovo committed to an open-source software license, which is a significant advantage for enterprises concerned with privacy and data security. The open-source nature allows enterprises to inspect the code for potential vulnerabilities and that is to find out whether a proprietary code is collecting or transmitting sensitive data without their knowledge. The open-source license also provides enterprises with the flexibility to adapt and customize the software to meet their needs and also help integrate the headset into workflows and data management practices.

Lenovo has cultivated a broad network of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), which reaps benefits for enterprises as they can access a wide range of third-party applications tailored to specific use cases for training, simulation, collaboration, or design. The extensive ISV support amplifies the overall utility of the ThinkReality VRX and makes it versatile.

Additionally ThinkReality VRX is compatible with several MDM platforms such as Microsoft Intune, Airwatch, ArborXR, and ManageXR. That way enterprises can manage their headsets alongside other devices within the MDM infrastructure to simplify the device management. 

Conclusion and Recommendations

Lenovo ThinkReality VRX is recommended for:

• Enterprise environments needing a robust VR solution for a variety of applications, including training and remote collaboration
• Businesses requiring extensive customization and data security, thanks to the open-source software license and strong privacy features
• Industries with a focus on extended reality (XR) applications, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and engineering

Use Cases for Lenovo ThinkReality VRX:

• Employee training – healthcare, manufacturing, and aviation, where realistic simulations enhance learning outcomes
• Virtual collaboration and remote work

• For extensive customization, privacy, and data security, Lenovo ThinkReality VRX is an excellent choice, particularly for businesses that need to adapt the software to unique workflows and ensure data protection.

Overall the Lenovo ThinkReality VRX is a strong contender in its range and a good choice for enterprises. It offers a versatile and robust solution for various enterprise applications, with strong support, integration capabilities, and customization options.