The HTC VIVE Focus 3 Facial Tracker is a USB-C accessory for VIVE Focus series headsets that captures facial expressions and mouth movement at 60 Hz, making it suitable for VR developers and creators building expressive, lip-synced experiences with supported SDKs.
Recommended For
- VRChat users with a VIVE Focus 3 and a face-tracking-compatible avatar who want their mouth and facial expressions reflected in social VR.
- VTubers and avatar-based creators using a supported VIVE headset who want facial movement captured for virtual performances or content.
- Unity, Unreal, or native XR developers building compatible Focus-series apps who need real-time facial-expression input for avatars or interactive experiences.
- VIVE Sync meeting or collaboration users who want facial expressions to accompany their avatar in supported VR sessions.
Real-World Use Scenarios
- In a supported VRChat session, a user wants their avatar to show mouth and facial movements while talking or reacting; with a compatible avatar and setup, those expressions can make conversations feel more personally expressive.
- During virtual meetings or events, a participant wants their avatar to communicate more than words alone; in supported apps, tracked facial expressions can make their reactions more visible to others.
- A VTuber or virtual performer wants their character’s mouth and facial expressions to follow their own while creating content; compatible software and a properly set-up avatar can translate tracked movement into more responsive on-screen performance.
- A developer building a Unity or Unreal VR experience wants to test facially animated characters; the tracker can provide expression data for supported projects, helping them check how character reactions appear in use.
- In presentation or customer-service training, a trainee wants to practice emotional communication in VR; a compatible training application can use facial tracking to represent expressions on an avatar, though the exercise and feedback depend on the software.
Spec Summary
| Attribute | Value |
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| Best For | Facial-expression tracking as an accessory for HTC VIVE Focus-series standalone VR use |
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| Tracking And Sensors | Camera-based tracking with camera, accelerometer, and gyroscope sensors; 60 Hz tracking rate |
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| Connectivity | USB connectivity |
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| Color | Black |
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| Model Identifiers | HTC VIVE Focus Series Facial Tracker, model 99HATH003-00 |
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Reference Q&A
Q: Does the VIVE Focus 3 Facial Tracker work with Focus Vision, or do I need a different tracker?
A: The same Facial Tracker for VIVE Focus Series works with both VIVE Focus 3 and VIVE Focus Vision. Choose based on the headset you own; the tracker itself provides 38 facial blend shapes at 60 Hz on either supported headset. Compatible apps or avatars are still required.
Q: VIVE Focus 3 Facial Tracker vs. the original VIVE Facial Tracker: which one fits my headset?
A: Choose the Focus Series tracker for VIVE Focus 3 or Focus Vision. The original VIVE Facial Tracker is for the VIVE Pro and VIVE Pro Eye series. They are different accessories for different headset families, so choose by headset compatibility rather than assuming they are interchangeable.
Q: Should I buy the Focus 3 Facial Tracker or the Focus 3 Eye Tracker?
A: They track different things: the Facial Tracker captures mouth and lower-face expressions, while the Eye Tracker captures gaze and eye movements. Choose the Facial Tracker for expressive avatar mouth movement; choose the Eye Tracker for gaze-related features. For both types of tracking on Focus 3, VIVE says both accessories must be installed, and supported content is required.
Q: Is the VIVE Focus 3 Facial Tracker worth adding if I mainly use VRChat?
A: It is a useful add-on if you want your avatar to reflect facial movements and your VRChat avatar supports VRCFaceTracking. Without the tracker, you do not get facial-expression input from this accessory; with it, the headset can provide supported facial-tracking data. Check app, avatar, and setup compatibility before buying.
Q: Which VR headsets is the VIVE Focus 3 Facial Tracker compatible with?
A: It is compatible with the VIVE Focus 3 and VIVE Focus Vision. It is not listed as compatible with other headset models, so check exact model support before buying.
Q: Does the facial tracker work with VRChat or PC VR?
A: It can work with supported VRChat and PC VR content, but compatibility depends on the software and avatar. VRChat avatars must support VRCFaceTracking; PC VR apps must support a compatible facial-tracking API or SDK.
Q: Do I need an adapter or extra cable to connect it?
A: No separate adapter is needed. The tracker connects to a compatible headset through its built-in USB-C port. Supported software or content is still required to use the tracking data.
Q: Does it track eye movements as well as facial expressions?
A: No. This accessory tracks facial expressions across the lips, jaw, cheeks, chin, teeth, and tongue; eye tracking is not listed as one of its functions.
Q: Will the VIVE Focus 3 Facial Tracker work with a Quest 3, Valve Index, or another non-Focus headset?
A: It is designed to connect to a VIVE Focus headset, not to work as a general USB facial tracker. Reddit discussions report that it does not provide facial-tracking data on Quest 3 or Valve Index; choose a tracker made for your headset instead.
Q: Can I use the tracker with a PC or VRChat without a VIVE Focus headset?
A: No. The tracker connects to a VIVE Focus headset, which handles its processing; it is not a standalone PC accessory. For VRChat, you will need a compatible headset and software setup that can use the tracking data.
Q: Is this tracker only for VR avatars, or can it be used in professional applications?
A: It can support applications that use facial-expression tracking, not just avatars. HTC describes uses such as training simulations, language learning, and market research; the product information also lists Unity, Unreal Engine, and certain native SDK support. Suitability depends on whether the target software integrates with the tracker.
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