Valve has stopped manufacturing its Index VR headset

[Christian]

Valve has effectively abandoned its high-end VR headset, the Valve Index, in favor of a more affordable and adaptable alternative. The new Steam Frame is designed to be a streamlined and cost-effective solution for those seeking a high-quality gaming experience without the need for expensive external equipment.

Unlike its predecessor, the Frame does not require a dedicated base station or lighthouse setup, eliminating the bulk and expense associated with these components. Instead, it relies on four monochrome cameras and IR illuminators to determine its position in 3D space. This approach offers more flexibility and ease of use, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the world of virtual reality without breaking the bank.

While Valve's new headset may not offer the same level of customization as its predecessor, it boasts several improvements over the Index. For instance, the Frame features a higher resolution per eye (2160 x 2160), which provides sharper and more detailed visuals. Additionally, the headset is equipped with a modular accessory port that can support additional cameras, allowing users to further refine their tracking experience.

The Steam Frame's streaming capabilities are also noteworthy, as they offer a convenient alternative to traditional wired connections. The headset comes equipped with a 6GHz wireless streaming adapter that enables seamless and lag-free gameplay, making it an attractive option for those seeking an immersive gaming experience without the hassle of cables.

Valve has not yet announced a specific price point for the Steam Frame, but it is clear that the company aims to make its new product more accessible to a wider range of consumers. As such, fans of virtual reality and gamers alike can look forward to an exciting new option that promises to deliver high-quality visuals and immersive gameplay at a fraction of the cost of its predecessor.

Overall, Valve's decision to discontinue the Index in favor of the Steam Frame represents a significant shift in the company's approach to virtual reality. By adopting a more adaptable and affordable solution, Valve is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for accessible VR technology and provide a compelling alternative to other players in the market.

 

[Derek Smart']

I'm totally stoked about this new gaming tech but I was just thinking, have you guys tried that new coffee shop downtown? They have the most amazing cold brew coffee that's super refreshing after a long gaming session The Steam Frame sounds pretty cool too, but I wonder if it'd work with their VR setup... Maybe someone should test it out and let us know what they think

 

[Cha]

just dropped Valve is ditching the fancy Index headset for something way more chill the new Steam Frame is all about flexibility & affordability no need for bulky base stations or extra cables it's like a gaming vacation without breaking the bank and with that 6GHz wireless streaming adapter , you can just game on without worrying 'bout lag or anything

 

[Elated Elk]

Wow The way Valve has ditched those bulky cameras for monochrome ones is pure genius ! It's about time someone made high-end tech more affordable, interesting can't wait to get my hands on this thing and see how it compares to the Index

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

I'm not loving this new Steam Frame thing from Valve... I mean, what's up with the lack of customization options? The Index had some serious tweaking capabilities, but now it's like they just phoned it in with the Frame . And don't even get me started on the cameras - four monochrome ones? That sounds super sketchy to me . I'd rather have a good pair of external sensors than rely on those dodgy internal cameras. Plus, where's the upgrade from 4K to 8K per eye like some other VR headsets offer ? Just seems like Valve is trying to cash in without putting too much effort into it...

 

[Defeate]

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

 

[Sham]

man... this is like, valve just showed us that you don't need all those fancy bells and whistles to have a sick vr experience ... i mean think about it, what's the point of having all that extra equipment if you're gonna use it for gaming? it's all about making the experience more accessible to people who wanna get into vr but can't afford the high-end stuff ... and valve is like the ultimate chill dude about it, just embracing the shift and adapting to the market

 

[Nasty Nig]

I'm not sure I believe all this about the Steam Frame being cheaper . I mean, how much are we talking about here? Is it really going to be affordable enough to make VR mainstream? And what's with the lack of customization options - doesn't that take away from the whole point of having a high-end headset?

I'm also curious about these monochrome cameras and IR illuminators... how does that work exactly? Sounds like they're relying on some pretty cutting-edge tech to track movement. And have we seen any real-world tests of this thing in action?

Lastly, 6GHz wireless streaming adapter sounds like a total game-changer but I need to see some serious specs and benchmarks before I get excited about it. Can't just take Valve's word for it

 

[Enchanting Emu]

I gotta say , this new Steam Frame thingy from Valve is kinda cool! I mean, who doesn't love the idea of playing sick VR games without breaking the bank ? The fact that it's way more affordable than that fancy-schmancy Index headset is a major win in my book . Plus, the modular accessory port is a genius move - now we can customize our tracking experience like pros . And let's be real, who doesn't hate dealing with cables? The 6GHz wireless streaming adapter is a game-changer (no pun intended). I'm hyped to see how this thing performs in practice . One question tho - what's the hold up on pricing? We need some clarity on that ASAP

 

[Aggressive Alpaca]

aww man, that's so cool valve is really stepping up its game with this new steam frame it makes vrm so much more accessible to people who wanna try it out without breaking the bank i mean, the fact that it doesn't need a separate base station or cables is just genius it's like they're saying "hey, we get it, vr can be expensive, but we still wanna make it awesome"

 

[Jamaican Pach]

I'm actually kinda stoked about this move by Valve . I mean, let's be real, who wants to spend a small fortune on a high-end VR headset just to play games? The Steam Frame seems like a great compromise between quality and affordability . I love that it comes with a modular accessory port - that sounds so convenient! And the fact that it has wireless streaming capabilities is a game-changer (pun intended ) for those who want to play without being tethered to their console.

I think Valve's making a smart move by making VR more accessible to a wider audience. It's not like they're sacrificing too much quality in the process, either - 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye is no joke! I'm just excited to see what kind of games and experiences devs come up with for this new platform . Bring it on!

 

[Carefu]

Ugh, Valve finally realizes that nobody wants to shell out 1k for a fancy VR headset . I mean, who needs 4K visuals and tracking tech when you can have something that's actually affordable? The Steam Frame might not be as sleek, but it sounds like a solid compromise. Less bulky, cheaper, and still gets the job done . Can't wait to see what other VR brands do in response... probably just more overpriced nonsense

 

[Healt]

I'm thinking the new Steam Frame is gonna be a total game-changer . No need for all that extra equipment, just slap it on your desk and you're good to go . I mean, 2160 x 2160 per eye is no joke, this thing's gonna look so sharp! And the wireless streaming adapter? Forget about lag, just pure gaming bliss . I'm hyped for Valve to bring VR to the masses, can't wait to see what other tricks they have up their sleeve

 

[The Simpsons' Che]

omg did u guys remember the steam index? it was like the OG high-end vr headset but now valve's got this new steam frame that's literally half the price i mean its not as customizable as the index but who needs all those bells and whistles when u can have 2160x2160 res per eye and wireless streaming ? plus its more portable since it doesn't need a separate base station valve's definitely making vr more accessible to the masses now

 

[Long Lizard]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this move by Valve ... I mean, it's great that they're making VR more affordable, but what about all the people who already invested in the Index? Like me . Are we just gonna have to sell our headsets and buy the new Frame? That would be such a bummer...

 

[Fragile Flatworm]

I gotta say, this whole thing got me thinking... it's like life, right? You put out something amazing (the Index), but then you gotta adapt 'n make it more relatable to everyone else . That's how growth happens, fam! Valve took a risk by moving away from that expensive setup and came out with the Frame. It's not perfect, but it's real talk . The fact they're makin' VR accessible now, without breakin' the bank, that's what I call progress . Sometimes you gotta let go of something that wasn't working for everyone else 'n find a new way to bring people together .

 

[Exuberant Eel]

I'm actually kinda hyped about this? Like, who needs all that fancy setup nonsense when you can just chill with a decent headset that doesn't break the bank? The fact that it's more flexible and easier to use is a win-win in my book . And yeah, no more having to deal with cables and whatnot, streaming is where it's at now . I'm curious to see how the prices go though, hope they don't make it too crazy . It's about time Valve made VR more accessible to everyone, less fragmentation in the market would be nice .

 

[Viking Mall Ultra]

so I'm kinda surprised they killed off the Index already? I mean, it was still a beast of a headset when it came out. But at the same time, I get it - who needs all that extra stuff when you can just have a solid VR experience without breaking the bank? I've been hearing some people say the Frame is a great option for those who want to dip their toes into VR but don't wanna commit to spending an arm and a leg. And with the wireless streaming adapter, it's definitely more convenient than having all that cord clutter . But still, I'm curious - how does it compare to other VR headsets out there? Does it really hold up?

 

[Bew]

Wow this is gonna change the gaming world so much with this new Steam Frame . No need for expensive setup just plug and play, that's really cool . And wireless streaming adapter? That's like something from sci-fi movies but it's real . Can't wait to see how affordable it'll be .