Valve Revives VR Hardware Market with Semi-Modular Steam Frame
After a six-year hiatus, Valve is reentering the virtual reality (VR) hardware market with its new standalone headset, Steam Frame. The device promises to deliver low latency and efficient wireless streaming capabilities, catering to the growing demand for high-quality VR experiences.
The Steam Frame boasts a semi-modular design, featuring an interchangeable "core" module that can be swapped out by third-party manufacturers to add new features or reduce weight. This modular approach could lead to innovative hardware configurations, making the Steam Frame an attractive option for enthusiasts and content creators.
Compared to its predecessor, the Quest 3, the Steam Frame is significantly lighter, weighing in at 440 grams. The device's "core" module, which houses the majority of the headset's components, weighs a mere 185 grams. This design allows for greater flexibility and potential customization.
When it comes to wireless streaming, the Steam Frame uses a dedicated radio on the headset and a new "foveated rendering" technology to optimize the streaming experience. The headset will be able to connect wirelessly to a PC using an included 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E adapter. However, it's worth noting that Valve has ruled out wired connections as an option.
The Steam Frame features inside-out tracking cameras, which eliminate the need for external base stations. Instead, the device uses its own internal sensors to track hand movements and provide haptic feedback. The headset also includes Steam Frame controllers with buttons and sticks similar to those found on Meta Quest devices.
Valve has set a launch date of early 2026 for the Steam Frame, marking its return to the VR hardware market. While the company's previous efforts in VR were met with skepticism, this latest attempt promises to deliver high-quality wireless streaming capabilities and a modular design that could appeal to enthusiasts and content creators alike.
After a six-year hiatus, Valve is reentering the virtual reality (VR) hardware market with its new standalone headset, Steam Frame. The device promises to deliver low latency and efficient wireless streaming capabilities, catering to the growing demand for high-quality VR experiences.
The Steam Frame boasts a semi-modular design, featuring an interchangeable "core" module that can be swapped out by third-party manufacturers to add new features or reduce weight. This modular approach could lead to innovative hardware configurations, making the Steam Frame an attractive option for enthusiasts and content creators.
Compared to its predecessor, the Quest 3, the Steam Frame is significantly lighter, weighing in at 440 grams. The device's "core" module, which houses the majority of the headset's components, weighs a mere 185 grams. This design allows for greater flexibility and potential customization.
When it comes to wireless streaming, the Steam Frame uses a dedicated radio on the headset and a new "foveated rendering" technology to optimize the streaming experience. The headset will be able to connect wirelessly to a PC using an included 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E adapter. However, it's worth noting that Valve has ruled out wired connections as an option.
The Steam Frame features inside-out tracking cameras, which eliminate the need for external base stations. Instead, the device uses its own internal sensors to track hand movements and provide haptic feedback. The headset also includes Steam Frame controllers with buttons and sticks similar to those found on Meta Quest devices.
Valve has set a launch date of early 2026 for the Steam Frame, marking its return to the VR hardware market. While the company's previous efforts in VR were met with skepticism, this latest attempt promises to deliver high-quality wireless streaming capabilities and a modular design that could appeal to enthusiasts and content creators alike.
so they're bringing back steam again 
but what about all the other companies like oculus? i think it's cool they did a semi-modular design tho, it opens up possibilities for more customization and maybe we'll see some crazy configs 
. Valve's new Steam Frame is pretty cool I guess, modular design and all that jazz... reminds me of those old modding communities on Steam where people would just swap out parts to make their rigs better 
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. But hey, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this thing turns out... early 2026 can't come soon enough 
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anyone else waiting for it to come out? 
[link](https://www.thewirecutter.com/reviews/vr-headsets)
. still, if it means better wireless streaming and lower latency, i'm down. the fact that they're making it lighter is a nice touch tho 
440 grams might be a bit heavy for some, but hey, at least it doesn't feel like you're carrying around a small fridge in your face 
. foveated rendering tech sounds fancy, and who doesn't love wireless connections? 
the only thing that's got me skeptical is that they're ditching wired connections altogether... like, what if my internet dies mid-game?!? 
. It's not like it's going to make a huge difference in the end, you know? And 440 grams is still kinda heavy for a VR headset 
. And what's up with no wired connections? Can't they just give us an option to plug it in sometimes? 
and it looks like they're bringing some serious innovation to the table... semi-modular design? That's a whole new level of flexibility 
. I'm hyped about the idea of being able to swap out modules for custom features or to shave off weight 
, I mean who needs cables getting in the way of their VR experience? The fact that it's got inside-out tracking cameras too... no need for external base stations, just pure convenience 
️. Not sure about the 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E adapter tho... is that gonna be a thing everyone has? 