SteamVR: Difference between revisions
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|Website=[http://steamvr.com/ SteamVR] | |Website=[http://steamvr.com/ SteamVR] | ||
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[[SteamVR]] is a [[Virtual Reality Platform]] developed by [[Valve Corporation]] as an extension of the [[Steam]] digital distribution platform. SteamVR offers a 360-degree, [[room-scale]] [[VR]] experience, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in virtual environments. It was officially announced on March 1, 2015, during the [[Mobile World Congress]]. Valve partnered with [[HTC]] to release SteamVR's first [[device]], the [[HTC Vive]], a VR [[Head-mounted Display|HMD]] similar to [[Oculus Rift]]. Unlike early Oculus implementations, SteamVR features a [[holodeck]]-like experience, allowing users to move and position themselves freely within a defined physical space.<ref name="steamvr-announce">[https://www.roadtovr.com/ | [[SteamVR]] is a [[Virtual Reality Platform]] developed by [[Valve Corporation]] as an extension of the [[Steam]] digital distribution platform. SteamVR offers a 360-degree, [[room-scale]] [[VR]] experience, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in virtual environments. It was officially announced on March 1, 2015, during the [[Mobile World Congress]]. Valve partnered with [[HTC]] to release SteamVR's first [[device]], the [[HTC Vive]], a VR [[Head-mounted Display|HMD]] similar to [[Oculus Rift]]. Unlike early Oculus implementations, SteamVR features a [[holodeck]]-like experience, allowing users to move and position themselves freely within a defined physical space.<ref name="steamvr-announce">[https://www.roadtovr.com/htc-vive-steam-vr-headset-available-to-developers-in-spring/ Road to VR – ‘‘HTC ‘Vive’ SteamVR Headset Available to Developers in Spring’’ (Mar 1 2015)]</ref> | ||
As a platform, SteamVR supports various VR headsets beyond its own ecosystem, including [[Oculus]] devices, [[Windows Mixed Reality]] headsets, and others, making it one of the most versatile and hardware-agnostic VR platforms available. This cross-compatibility has helped establish SteamVR as a central hub for VR gaming and applications.<ref name="steamvr-compatibility">[https://store.steampowered.com/app/250820/SteamVR/ SteamVR on Steam - Supporting Various VR Headsets]</ref> | As a platform, SteamVR supports various VR headsets beyond its own ecosystem, including [[Oculus]] devices, [[Windows Mixed Reality]] headsets, and others, making it one of the most versatile and hardware-agnostic VR platforms available. This cross-compatibility has helped establish SteamVR as a central hub for VR gaming and applications.<ref name="steamvr-compatibility">[https://store.steampowered.com/app/250820/SteamVR/ SteamVR on Steam - Supporting Various VR Headsets]</ref> | ||
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===HTC Vive Developer Editions=== | ===HTC Vive Developer Editions=== | ||
'''[[HTC Vive DK1]]''' (or '''VDK1''') was SteamVR's first development kit. This HMD was a partnership between Valve and HTC. It was announced on March 1, 2015, and showcased during the [[Game Developers Conference]] (GDC) 2015 between March 2-6. When paired with two [[SteamVR Base Stations]] and two [[SteamVR Controllers]], the HTC Vive DK1 could accurately track the position and movements of the user's head and hands within a 15 by 15 feet space.<ref name="vive-dk1">[https://www.roadtovr.com/ | '''[[HTC Vive DK1]]''' (or '''VDK1''') was SteamVR's first development kit. This HMD was a partnership between Valve and HTC. It was announced on March 1, 2015, and showcased during the [[Game Developers Conference]] (GDC) 2015 between March 2-6. When paired with two [[SteamVR Base Stations]] and two [[SteamVR Controllers]], the HTC Vive DK1 could accurately track the position and movements of the user's head and hands within a 15 by 15 feet space.<ref name="vive-dk1">[https://www.roadtovr.com/htc-vive-developer-edition-signups-open-steamvr-free-selected-devs-not-for-sale/ Road to VR – ‘‘HTC Vive Developer Edition Sign‑ups Now Open’’ (Apr 21 2015)]</ref> | ||
'''[[HTC Vive Pre]]''' (or '''VDK2''') was SteamVR's second development kit. It improved upon the VDK1 in many areas, including the implementation of a pass-through camera on the HMD. 7,000 units were shipped to select developers in January and February 2016.<ref name="vive-pre">[https://www.engadget.com/2016-01-05-htc-vive- | '''[[HTC Vive Pre]]''' (or '''VDK2''') was SteamVR's second development kit. It improved upon the VDK1 in many areas, including the implementation of a pass-through camera on the HMD. 7,000 units were shipped to select developers in January and February 2016.<ref name="vive-pre">[https://www.engadget.com/2016-01-05-htc-vive-virtual-reality-chaperone.html Engadget – ‘‘HTC’s Vive Pre adds a front‑facing camera for mixed reality’’ (Jan 5 2016)]</ref> | ||
===Valve Index=== | ===Valve Index=== | ||
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==Features== | ==Features== | ||
'''[[Dashboard]]''' is the Steam overlay for [[VR Apps]]. It provides access to friends lists, the Steam store, system settings, and application switching without removing the headset. The Dashboard appears as a virtual panel that users can interact with using their controllers.<ref name="dashboard">[https:// | '''[[Dashboard]]''' is the Steam overlay for [[VR Apps]]. It provides access to friends lists, the Steam store, system settings, and application switching without removing the headset. The Dashboard appears as a virtual panel that users can interact with using their controllers.<ref name="dashboard">[https://store.steampowered.com/app/250820/SteamVR/ Steam Store: SteamVR overview — Dashboard & in‑VR overlay features].</ref> | ||
'''[[SteamVR Desktop Theater Mode]]''' allows users to play non-VR Steam games in VR on a large virtual home theater screen. This feature makes the entire Steam library accessible in VR, even if the games themselves weren't designed for virtual reality.<ref name="theater-mode">[https:// | '''[[SteamVR Desktop Theater Mode]]''' allows users to play non-VR Steam games in VR on a large virtual home theater screen. This feature makes the entire Steam library accessible in VR, even if the games themselves weren't designed for virtual reality.<ref name="theater-mode">[https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamVR/Desktop_Game_Theater Valve Developer Community: “SteamVR/Desktop Game Theater”].</ref> | ||
'''[[SteamVR Home]]''' serves as both a customizable virtual environment and a social hub for SteamVR users. Users can collect and display [[SteamVR Collectibles]] earned through achievements in VR games or purchased through the Steam marketplace. | '''[[SteamVR Home]]''' serves as both a customizable virtual environment and a social hub for SteamVR users. Users can collect and display [[SteamVR Collectibles]] earned through achievements in VR games or purchased through the Steam marketplace. | ||
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'''[[SteamVR Media Player]]''' enables users to view videos and images in VR, with support for 360-degree and 3D content.<ref name="media-player">[https://steamcommunity.com/games/250820/announcements/detail/1696059027982397543 SteamVR Media Player Announcement]</ref> | '''[[SteamVR Media Player]]''' enables users to view videos and images in VR, with support for 360-degree and 3D content.<ref name="media-player">[https://steamcommunity.com/games/250820/announcements/detail/1696059027982397543 SteamVR Media Player Announcement]</ref> | ||
'''[[Advanced Camera Settings]]''' on compatible headsets provide options for passthrough camera functionality, including reality overlay modes that blend the virtual and real worlds for mixed reality experiences.<ref name="camera-settings">[https:// | '''[[Advanced Camera Settings]]''' on compatible headsets provide options for passthrough camera functionality, including reality overlay modes that blend the virtual and real worlds for mixed reality experiences.<ref name="camera-settings">[https://help.steampowered.com/en/wizard/HelpWithGameIssue/?appid=250820&issueid=373 Steam Support: SteamVR camera & tracking troubleshooting guide].</ref> | ||
'''[[Steam Link for VR]]''' - Official Wi-Fi streaming app (Quest 2/3/Pro) released November 2023, allowing wireless streaming of SteamVR content to Meta Quest devices.<ref name="steam-link">[https://www.roadtovr.com/valve- | '''[[Steam Link for VR]]''' - Official Wi-Fi streaming app (Quest 2/3/Pro) released November 2023, allowing wireless streaming of SteamVR content to Meta Quest devices.<ref name="steam-link">[https://www.roadtovr.com/valve-launch-steam-link-meta-quest-steamvr-pc-vr/ Road to VR – ‘‘Valve Launches ‘Steam Link’ on Quest for a Direct Connection to SteamVR’’ (Nov 30 2023)]</ref> | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
'''March 1, 2015''' - SteamVR and HTC Vive were officially announced on March 1, 2015 in World Mobile Conference in Barcelona, Spain.<ref name="announce-date">[https://www. | '''March 1, 2015''' - SteamVR and HTC Vive were officially announced on March 1, 2015 in World Mobile Conference in Barcelona, Spain.<ref name="announce-date">[https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/1/8127445/htc-vive-valve-vr-headset The Verge: “Valve’s VR headset is called the Vive and it’s made by HTC” (Mar 1 2015)].</ref> | ||
'''March 2 - 6, 2015''' - SteamVR and HTC Vive were showcased first time to the public at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.<ref name="first-showcase">[https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/4/8150057/valve-steamvr-htc-vive-video-demo The Verge: Experiencing the HTC Vive at GDC 2015]</ref> | '''March 2 - 6, 2015''' - SteamVR and HTC Vive were showcased first time to the public at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.<ref name="first-showcase">[https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/4/8150057/valve-steamvr-htc-vive-video-demo The Verge: Experiencing the HTC Vive at GDC 2015]</ref> | ||
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'''June 5, 2015''' - HTC Vive Developer Editions (HTC Vive DK1) began shipping to developers selected by Valve.<ref name="dk1-shipping">[https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/4/8729097/valve-vr-developer-kit-htc-vive Polygon: Valve begins sending HTC Vive Developer Kits to selected developers]</ref> | '''June 5, 2015''' - HTC Vive Developer Editions (HTC Vive DK1) began shipping to developers selected by Valve.<ref name="dk1-shipping">[https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/4/8729097/valve-vr-developer-kit-htc-vive Polygon: Valve begins sending HTC Vive Developer Kits to selected developers]</ref> | ||
'''January 5, 2016''' - HTC Vive Pre (HTC Vive DK2) was announced at CES 2016. 7000 of the HMD will ship to select developers in Q1 2016.<ref name="vive-pre-announce">[https:// | '''January 5, 2016''' - HTC Vive Pre (HTC Vive DK2) was announced at CES 2016. 7000 of the HMD will ship to select developers in Q1 2016.<ref name="vive-pre-announce">[https://time.com/4167586/htc-vive-ces-2016-virtual-reality/ TIME: “HTC’s Virtual Reality Headset Just Got Even Better” (Jan 5 2016)].</ref> | ||
'''February 11, 2016''' - SteamVR introduces [[Direct Mode]], allows the display driver to render to the HMD directly, improving performance and reducing latency.<ref name="direct-mode">[https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/0/492378265884093631/ Steam Community: Direct Mode Implementation]</ref> | '''February 11, 2016''' - SteamVR introduces [[Direct Mode]], allows the display driver to render to the HMD directly, improving performance and reducing latency.<ref name="direct-mode">[https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820/discussions/0/492378265884093631/ Steam Community: Direct Mode Implementation]</ref> | ||
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'''November 9, 2016''' - The SteamVR Developer Hardware Grant Program was announced, providing free VR hardware to qualified developers.<ref name="dev-grant">[https://steamcommunity.com/games/250820/announcements/detail/289751074098300757 Steam Community: SteamVR Developer Hardware Grant Program]</ref> | '''November 9, 2016''' - The SteamVR Developer Hardware Grant Program was announced, providing free VR hardware to qualified developers.<ref name="dev-grant">[https://steamcommunity.com/games/250820/announcements/detail/289751074098300757 Steam Community: SteamVR Developer Hardware Grant Program]</ref> | ||
'''June 9, 2017''' - Valve announced the development of new SteamVR Tracking 2.0 base stations with improved capabilities and support for larger play areas.<ref name="tracking2">[https://www.roadtovr.com/ | '''June 9, 2017''' - Valve announced the development of new SteamVR Tracking 2.0 base stations with improved capabilities and support for larger play areas.<ref name="tracking2">[https://www.roadtovr.com/steamvr-tracking-2-0-will-support-33x33-foot-playspaces-with-4-base-stations/ Road to VR – ‘‘SteamVR Tracking 2.0 Will Support 33 × 33 ft Playspaces’’ (Jan 9 2017)]</ref> | ||
'''April 5, 2018''' - HTC Vive Pro was released, offering higher resolution displays and improved ergonomics.<ref name="vive-pro-release">[https://www.vive.com/us/newsroom/2018-04-05-viveport/ HTC Newsroom: VIVE Pro Now Shipping]</ref> | '''April 5, 2018''' - HTC Vive Pro was released, offering higher resolution displays and improved ergonomics.<ref name="vive-pro-release">[https://www.vive.com/us/newsroom/2018-04-05-viveport/ HTC Newsroom: VIVE Pro Now Shipping]</ref> | ||
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'''December 16, 2021''' - SteamVR introduced [[OpenXR]] support, allowing developers to build applications that work across multiple VR platforms with minimal changes.<ref name="openxr">[https://steamcommunity.com/games/250820/announcements/detail/3131689764662886553 Steam Community: SteamVR OpenXR Support]</ref> | '''December 16, 2021''' - SteamVR introduced [[OpenXR]] support, allowing developers to build applications that work across multiple VR platforms with minimal changes.<ref name="openxr">[https://steamcommunity.com/games/250820/announcements/detail/3131689764662886553 Steam Community: SteamVR OpenXR Support]</ref> | ||
'''October 25, 2023''' - '''SteamVR 2.0''' public release, unifying UI with [[Steam Deck]].<ref name="steamvr2-release">[https://www.theverge.com/valve | '''October 25, 2023''' - '''SteamVR 2.0''' public release, unifying UI with [[Steam Deck]].<ref name="steamvr2-release">[https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/25/23932715/valve-steamvr-2-0 The Verge – ‘‘Valve officially releases SteamVR 2.0’’ (Oct 25 2023)]</ref> | ||
'''November 30, 2023''' - Valve released Steam Link for Meta Quest, enabling official wireless streaming.<ref name="steam-link-release">[https://www.roadtovr.com/valve-launches-steam-link-on-meta-quest/ Road to VR: Valve Launches Steam Link on Meta Quest]</ref> | '''November 30, 2023''' - Valve released Steam Link for Meta Quest, enabling official wireless streaming.<ref name="steam-link-release">[https://www.roadtovr.com/valve-launches-steam-link-on-meta-quest/ Road to VR: Valve Launches Steam Link on Meta Quest]</ref> | ||