US video game development firm Valve is updating its Steam virtual reality (VR) operating system to beta version 1.19.6, adding small but notable changes to increase collaboration and virtual desktop functions.
The update is for Valve’s ‘Index VR’ headset and any user can opt into the beta via its desktop application.
SteamVR Beta 1.19.6 improves virtual desktop functions introduced in a previous update, version 1.17.7, and improves navigation, moving desktop panels in VR environments, and in-game overlays.
Additionally, version 1.19.6 added Facemouse support which enables control of mouse pointers with a user’s head movements.
An Introduction to SteamVR
The news comes as Valve explores new hardware ventures amid its digital distribution platform Steam’s rapidly growing popularity in recent years.
The Washington-based company achieved modest success as a hardware distributer after releasing a line of wireless controllers.
Conversely, when Valve’s Index headset hit the market in 2019, it saw mass adoption.
Valve later gained further notoriety after it released a sequel to hit video game franchise Half-Life exclusively for the headset.
The sequel, named Half Life: Alyx, was a perfect demonstration of Valve’s hardware, including many features which highlighted the Index’s potential.
The experience runs on Source 2, a highly customisable developer platform.
Developers can easily access tools to create their own Source 2 immersive experiences and, alongside the Steam digital distribution platform, developers can release titles to a massive userbase.
Enterprise Potential and Immersive Learning Opportunities
The powerful Source 2 engine has not seen much adoption in VR production, and even Valve has not released many applications despite the new solution being early in its lifespan.
But Valve did snatch up development of ‘Sandbox’ from US developers Epic Games, who are announcing VR developments at SIGGRAPH this week.
Based in Bellevue, Washington, SteamVR is prized for its third-party support, which consists of immersive learning and remote collaboration applications.
There are a large number of collaboration platforms on SteamVR, including Engage VR, RecRoom, and Spatial, and the platform is rivalled only by the diverse Oculus Quest storefront. While Oculus, Varjo, Pico, and other hold the VR market, Valve is steadily building a strong foundation for its business.
