SteamVR 2.0 Launched With New Retailer UI, Twin-Cursor Typing, Extra

Valve has launched its much-awaited SteamVR 2.0 replace, following a one-month beta testing interval in September. Whereas it is unclear whether or not the corporate is laying the groundwork for a brand new digital actuality headset, the replace brings a whole overhaul to the consumer interface, in a method that matches the present Steam Massive Image mode. The shop prioritises new and main VR releases on the prime, along with making it straightforward to navigate by means of a constant expertise throughout the desktop app, the Steam Deck, and different gadgets. The replace was initially imagined to drop in 2020.

Sustaining an analogous really feel to the Steam Deck’s interface, all of the notifications, chat messages, and even in-game screenshots are actually accessible immediately whereas sporting the VR headset. The keyboard has been up to date as nicely to permit for typing in new languages and utilizing emojis — the expertise will be additional personalised through downloadable themes. Twin-cursor typing ought to permit for fast problem-solving, and the dashboard comes with battery indicators and charging standing for every controller, akin to wi-fi earbuds. “That is our first large step in a bigger ongoing effort to higher unify the Steam ecosystem for all customers, offering a extra constant expertise throughout gadgets,” the weblog put up reads, indicating that the interface shall be continuously up to date and saved bug-free.

SteamVR 2.0’s launch has led to speculations that Valve is planning to launch a brand new VR gadget quickly. Studies from final month recommended that the corporate registered a thriller {hardware} in South Korea — a wi-fi gadget, which is presumably a successor to the wired Valve Index, which was launched in 2019, earlier than Half-Life: Alyx was launched. A de-facto Steam Deck 2 is out of the query, given its designer Lawrence Yang’s claims {that a} new one with a ‘important bump in horsepower’ will not be launched inside the subsequent few years. A standalone VR gadget codenamed ‘Deckard’ can also be allegedly within the works, which is poised to be a competitor to the upcoming Meta Quest VR headsets.

The SteamVR 2.0 replace is totally free and will be accessed by clicking Steam, adopted by the ‘Test For Consumer Updates’ possibility. It is not very frequent for somebody to fireside up their VR headset to play Video games — not a go-to possibility — so there is a good likelihood yours is perhaps outdated. Elsewhere, Steam has revealed its largest releases from September, which embody the rebranded EA Sports activities FC 24, the expansive house RPG Starfield, the gloomy Pinocchio souls-like Lies of P, and extra. The platform additionally has a Halloween Sale developing later tonight, October 26 at 10:30pm IST/ 10am PT within the US, bringing heavy reductions on choose scary Video games. Certainly, for those who’re ever anxious about discovering a greater worth on a serious sale, just like the upcoming Autumn Sale, you’ll be able to all the time verify the value historical past on Steam Database.