What’s the Latest News on Valve’s Deckard VR Headset?

Steam VR rallies new technological upgrades amid fresh headset rumours

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Virtual RealityLatest News

Published: July 26, 2022

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Rory Greener

Over the past month, Valve, the parent company of Steam and manufacturers of the Index virtual reality (VR) headset rallied its immersive hardware and software offerings; amidst new product rumours.

The firm succeeded with its Index gaming headset, and now Valve looks to follow on from its success. Rumours suggest the firm is creating a standalone headset similar to the massively successful Meta Quest device.

Previously, Valve created a VR headset that connects to an external computing device to offload processing power while requiring separate tracking cameras, although, with its rumoured Deckard VR headset, the firm may convert its hardware offerings into a standalone, mobile solution.

Hidden Features

In June, leaks suggested that Steam’s standalone VR headset may be closer than fans predicted. In a video posted by Youtuber Brad Lynch (SadlyItsBradley), he discovered features from Valve’s Steam VR hub, suggesting support for a native mobile VR headset.

The YouTuber found playroom setup features hidden on the current version of Steam VR. Unlike existing playroom options, the most recent function gives users increased setup control.

It also works similarly to playroom setup options found on the Meta Quest. Steam VR’s hidden feature enables users to assign their floor level and play-room boundary size, guiding the user through the process while still wearing a Valve-brand headset.

The firm’s hidden playroom process works differently from its current approach for the Valve Index, which users cannot set up while wearing the tethered device.

Instead, the latest feature suggests that Valve is debuting a service to enable users to create a playspace while wearing a standalone headset, similarly to the rumoured Deckard device.

Photogrammetry Environments

The news comes after the VR company introduced new environments to its Steam VR Home environment in May. In Steam VR  v1.22, the platform introduced immersive environments based on photogrammetry captures.

The update lets users download and explore an accurately captured path in Fornalutx, Mallorca. Valve digitised the real-world location using roughly 640 photos. Using Epic Games’ recently acquired Reality Capture software, the firm combined the 2D source files into a real-time 3D (RT3D) environment.

Valve Index, Deckard, Steam VR Reality Capture immersive environment
An example of Steam VR’s new immersive home location PHOTO: Valve

Valve also introduced a selection of new features in the same update, including improved UI, controller, and eye-tracking inputs. Additionally, the firm enhanced support for third-party services, including OpenXR, Windows Mixed Reality, and the Meta Quest.

Is Deckard Coming Soon?

Valve first leaked the headset in September last year, revealing Deckard as a standalone device.

In June 2022, Valve also filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which gave fans a first look at the Deckard device.

Valve’s USPTO request reveals that the device incorporates a sturdy head mounting system to improve conventional headset designs.

In its filing, Valve also hinted at mixed and augmented reality (MR/AR) functions, revealing that the Deckard device contains hardware that ensures passthrough quality and consideration.

 

 

GamingImmersive ExperienceMixed Reality HeadsetsVR Headsets
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