Okay, let’s say it how it is: most of the best VR headsets on the market exist pretty much with the aim of entertainment. And that, for the most part, can be summed up as games. And do you know what’s a great place for games? That’s right: Steam, because even the upcoming Meta Quest 3 works with it!
So isn’t it just neat that Valve — the company behind Steam — doesn’t just support this huge online game marketplace, but also makes great hardware like the Steam Deck or the Valve Index: a fan-favorite VR headset, initially released in 2019.
While we’re all looking forward to Valve’s next headset, because the Index is getting a bit dated nowadays, we mustn’t forget that software is also a big part of what makes VR possible (and special). As such, SteamVR 2.0 was a long time coming and you can finally join an open Beta to see what it’s like!
What's new in the SteamVR 2.0 Open Beta?
The experienced among you will know that when devs label something as 2.0, it’s either 100% false marketing or a major revamp. Given that this is Valve we’re talking about, we can rule out the first, so let’s focus on what SteamVR 2.0 brings to the table:
Previously unavailable features from Steam and SteamOS are now integrated into SteamVR
Updated keyboard with support for more languages, emojis and themes
Steam Chat and Voice Chat are fully integrated
Improved Store that will show you VR-related content first (was about time!)
Of course, Valve is planning to expand further with new features, but those will come in the future. And likely, after the Beta has been stabilized. Speaking of which, if you are planning on testing this one out, you should report any uncovered bugs here.
How to join Valve's SteamVR 2.0 Open Beta?
Now, as most of you probably know: Beta builds aren’t final builds, but open access Betas are a great way to provide feedback about things you love. And if you are willing to put up with a possibly somewhat buggy experience, you can opt-in for the beta via the typical Steam steps:
Bring up Steam
Click on Library from the top menu
Find your entry for SteamVR
Right click on it and select Properties
Under Betas, select Beta Participation
Set to “SteamVR Beat Update”
Wait out the update and dive in!
This is basically the first huge revamp that SteamVR has received ever since it launched back in 2016. Now that features, typically associated with Steam as a platform, have become available, Valve may be planning to focus on VR-exclusive tweaks and modes for its platform.
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Stan, also known as Stako, is a smartphone enthusiast who loves exploring the limits of Android customization. His journey with mobile tech began with the Nokia 5110 and evolved with devices like the BlackBerry 9350 Curve and Samsung Galaxy A4. Despite his love for Android, he holds equal respect for Apple, considering the iPhone 4s as a significant milestone in mobile tech. Stan started his writing career early, contributing to MetalWorld, and harbors a passion for creative writing. Beyond smartphones, he's interested in photography, design, composition, and gaming, often preferring solo projects to hone his objective thinking. He's also an avid student of open-source technology and consoles, with a special fondness for the Pebble Watch, Arduboy, and Playdate.
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