The Valve Index headset was not so convincing when it launched in 2019, but now Valve wants to try again. As the latest findings from Dataminers and patent applications from Valve itself suggest, the US software company is aiming for a brand new VR system. But how much do we know of these plans?
We know for a fact that Valve is looking to overtake its competitors in the platform space. And their VR venture is no different - their new system should be wireless and will, apparently, represent a paradigm shift in virtual reality gaming.
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The Valve VR Headset - 'Deckard'
The code name of the new VR project is 'Deckard'. The system is currently being worked on at Valve's headquarters. Valve wants to compete with the Oculus Quest 2, which not only comes with a wireless design but also boasts impressive specs under the hood and Wi-Fi controllers.
The word "standalone" points exactly to these goals. The Valve Index headset was still too dependent on other platforms when it was released, while Facebook's Oculus Quest could easily connect wirelessly to a PC for example. You could even run software on it, albeit the hardware couldn't withstand too much. The Oculus Quest was significantly more innovative than the Valve Index.
Of course, the headset will be built around Valve's own Steam platform. There are currently references to two different SteamVR menus. But that's all speculation again – especially because there are a few VR systems in development at the same time.
However, the different concepts go in different directions each. One prototype, relies on a connection to the PC or to the annoying SteamVR tracking boxes, just like the Valve Index. Another is based – as already mentioned – on the Oculus Quest. However, some sources mention, that there have been initial problems with the performance, so the prototype cannot quite keep up yet. But as you've read... it's just a prototype.
If you want to get more details about the new VR system from Valve, you should take a look at this video. All previous findings are listed and analyzed here:
How far the company is in development and whether there will be a release at all in the next year remains to be seen. But if you are interested in the development process of such a system... dive into the leak. Debug codes, patents, sweet little pieces of data... that's just heaven on earth!
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