Every Other VR Headset is Obsolete Now - Steam Frame First Look
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Check out the Valve Steam Frame: lmg.gg Valve has announced the Steam Frame, Steam Machine, Steam controllers and so much more! Today Linus tries the new VR headset which uses Wifi 5Ghz and 6Ghz to deliver foveated streaming for a low latency high resolution experience unlike any other. But does it work as well as they claim? Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com
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Valve's Steam Frame is presented as a radical, self-contained VR device designed to redefine PC VR by combining lightweight comfort with high fidelity optics and aggressive modularity. The frame houses an ARM-based computer inside a compact core module, and it uses a detachable audio unit, a back battery pack for balance, and a flexible headstrap system to improve comfort and cable management. It relies on pancake lenses and LCD displays to deliver high resolution visuals with options for refresh rates from 72 Hz up to a 144 Hz experimental mode, explaining the tradeoffs behind LCD versus OLED choices. The headset supports inside-out tracking through multiple integrated cameras, infrared LEDs, and a robust eye-tracking system that enables foveated streaming, a technique Valve claims can significantly reduce encoding workloads while preserving perceived image fidelity where the user is looking. Valve also emphasizes wireless PC VR with a 6 GHz radio link, a dedicated Wi-Fi setup, and a system they call FEX that runs Windows x86 games via a Linux ARM environment, highlighting a strong emphasis on compatibility and performance. The hardware is designed to be highly customizable with optional accessories, prescription lens support, adjustable IPD, and a PCIe expansion port for add-ons, signaling Valve's intent to push Frame as a central hub for VR that can function even without a PC while still delivering PCVR-like experiences when connected wirelessly. The video also touches on potential industry implications, including the fate of the Valve Index ecosystem and the broader VR landscape, concluding with a sense of excitement about the possibility of wireless, high-fidelity VR becoming more mainstream. Note: This summary reflects the video content and key claims from the transcript, focusing on hardware design, software ecosystem, and the claimed capabilities of Steam Frame, as described by the presenter.
Topics · technology · hardware · virtual reality · streaming
Questions answered
- What are the key hardware features that define the Steam Frame as a standalone device?
- The Steam Frame combines a core module with an ARM-based computer, a detachable audio module, a back battery pack for balance, a customizable head strap, and an expansion port for accessories. It uses pancake lenses with 2160x2160 LCD panels, supports up to 144 Hz in experimental mode, and includes five-camera infrared tracking and eye tracking for high fidelity inside-out position tracking.
- How does Valve implement wireless PCVR on the Steam Frame and what is FEX?
- Valve uses a dual-radio setup with 6 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated antenna for controllers, to enable wireless data, downloads, voice chat, and streaming. FEX is a Proton-like compatibility layer that allows running Windows x86 games on the Steam Frame's ARM/Linux stack, effectively enabling desktop VR titles to run on the headset.
- What potential ecosystem and market implications does the Steam Frame have for VR?
- The Steam Frame could shift the VR market toward a more self-contained, wireless PCVR experience that reduces dependence on tethered PCs. It may nudge Valve Index users and third-party accessory makers to adapt or extend support for the new platform, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape against Meta Quest and other PCVR solutions.
- What are some noted caveats or limitations mentioned about the Steam Frame?
- Some caveats discussed include the light seal being not perfect compared to certain competitors, monochrome pass-through cameras, and the missing optimum dynamic range compared to the best displays. The device is also not the lightest or most compact option, and some features like prescription lenses and higher fidelity for certain applications were mentioned as future or ongoing developments.