The SteamVR Beta 2.17.5 dropped Friday to those opted into the scheme.
Valve’s VR control room has had slice of life additions to desktop mode.
But why is this new update important and what does it imply?
SteamVR Beta 2.17.5
The latest SteamVR Beta 2.17.5 version is mainly a UI optimizer for desktop mode.
Because before operating the desktop was a bit tricky with the way the headwear handled. However now a button has been added that allows users to show their desktop. Very handy for those using a single monitor.
Also, the scene app displays a full screen window instead of just part of one.
But for those wondering why they are not seeing it the answer is simple. Firstly, you need to opt into the new UI through the Steam Client Beta. This can be changed in your update settings. Secondly you will also need a VR headset.
Although this may seem obvious, I have received complaints for worse. But also added to SteamVR Beta 2.17.5 are features from the main screen. We are talking viewable achievements, community guides, notes and more!
However, for me the best addition is the hover shortcuts added. Now like any other PC you can hover over shortcuts like exit and redock as you want to like you can on any desktop right now.
Although it does not seem like much in practice it adds a lot to the experience. Because there a lot of things you realize you take for granted while just on a regular desktop. You do not have the precise movements of a mouse to account for screen buttons and aggressive tabs.
Again, if you have not tried SteamVR this seems like common sense. However, some things do not translate to a 3D motion-based environment nor do they seem compatible.
But the best quick settings adjustments have to be the brightness settings for each window now available at the bottom. Because getting flash banged by some web pages is not fun in VR.
The Future Is Near
However, the most notable additions from SteamVR Beta 2.17.5 come from the back-end. Firstly, Valve has added a bunch of open bindings like joysticks and D pad configurations.
This is interesting as most VR controllers do not have a D pad so either they are planning a new controller with a D pad. Although more likely this may be a way of adjusting in non-VR games.
Also added were some lines for app throttling which controls the output performance of certain apps. This is controlled in order to optimize battery life most likely aimed at hardware like the Steamdeck.
But more on the AR front support room view seems to suggest a tighter focus on AR compatibility coming up. Most companies have lines like these for generating room views through the safety lenses. But more and more games in VR have been utilizing room generation. Even some games generate your room into the game itself as a level or sandbox!
With the upcoming VR headset perhaps these all point to dedicated chip-sets set to prioritize on certain aspects mentioned.
But for now, the slice of life adjustments is making the experience a lot nicer. However, it is still 30 degrees Celsius in the room so I am taking this thing of!
