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We still don't know when the Steam Frame is launching, but I can't imagine it's too far off now. We're starting to see the final pieces fall into place, such as a recent update to SteamVR to bring some much-needed upgrades to the VR scene, such as an improved Steam Overlay and even a quick access menu similar to the Steam Deck. These updates will, of course, benefit other VR headsets such as the Meta Quest line.

SteamVR Beta
Image: Valve

Here are the release notes for the latest SteamVR Beta:

SteamVR Dashboard:

  • In-game Steam features are now accessible, including viewing achievements, community guides, notes, (and more).
  • The Quick Access Menu (familiar to Steam Deck users) is now available on the dashboard, integrating notifications, volume, brightness, and battery status.
  • The VR Dashboard bar now exposes shortcuts to common tasks on hover, such as exiting and redocking.
  • Added new slider in Quick Access to control environmental and camera brightness.
  • Overlay apps can be quit directly within the dashboard.
  • Improved orientation of overlays positioned above or below the player.
  • Quick Access Menu shows batteries for additional VR devices.

Steam Link:

  • Fix an issue causing 1 frame to be dropped every few seconds.

OpenXR:

  • Fix XR_EXT_view_configurations_changed event returning width for both the recommended width and height.
  • Fix XrEventDataUserPresenceChangedEXT's session parameter being unset when using XR_EXT_user_presence

Linux:

  • Improvements to stability and logging of error states on Linux.

Obviously, the big changes are the first 2, with the ability to see things such as achievements, guides, and notes from within whatever game you are playing, much like what the STEAM button does on the Steam Deck. We're also getting a Quick Access Menu (the "..." button on the Steam Deck), which will allow you to adjust certain system settings easily within the VR environment.

These are crucial updates that will benefit everyone using SteamVR, even non-Steam Frame users. And hopefully, it means that Valve is finalizing the software for the Steam Frame, with it due to launch later this year.

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Oliver Stogden
Oliver began playing video games at an early age, starting with the SNES console and Commodore Amiga computer. Nowadays, his interest is in the future of portable technology, such as handheld gaming systems, portable power stations/banks, and portable monitors. And seeing just how far we can push these devices.
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