Thanks to Valve’s Index “Gabin and the company” has set a new standard for VR glasses PC. Another patent shows that Valve is planning something greater: a device with a built-in streaming VR on PC and fully self-contained VR glasses.
Since the launch of the Valve Index has been almost two years. Display with a wide field of view, excellent ergonomics, the unique dynamics and advanced controllers Valve Index VR do, perhaps the best glasses for PC VR, which you can purchase today.
However, the industry of virtual reality is not static and continues to evolve in the direction автономныхVR devices. This trend is easily seen in the current market situation: while the Oculus Quest 2 hits record sales , the market is PC-VR fluctuates slightly. Such large games like Half-Life: Alyx for PC VR can change it, but so far not so much. Stand-alone devices that we confess, will have a significant impact on the future of VR.
New patent proves that Valve does not stop and is working on further development of its VR platform.
More ergonomic VR-helmet
The patent was filed in the US Patent office in September 2020, and issued March 18, 2021.
The patent shows the various system VR-helmets and described a number of ergonomic innovations. The first option is similar to the Valve Index with reinforced top strap and dial.
Another variant shows the two adjusting wheels on the back of the headrest, and the top is used to adjust the top of the headband.
The third option shows support mount for the back of the head that can be adjusted.
The wireless module and antenna for streaming VR?
In the last two pictures seen bulky rear portion of the mounting head, which, according to the patent, can be installed electronics for Autonomous operation. In this context, the support device on the third drawing should be to improve heat dissipation, as the back of the head never comes in contact with electronics.
On the other illustration shows which electronics can be integrated into the hull points and the rear part of the mounting for the head, including a processor and a memory, a wireless unit and the antenna. According to the patent, the last two components can be installed both the front and rear to ensure the best streaming experience, regardless of the direction in which the user’s gaze.
What Valve plans?
Valve reveals his plans: when you start on a market Index, Valve CEO Gabe Newell said that they are exploring the possibility of wireless communication, and in the summer of 2020, the company confirmed that it will continue to work on wireless solutions.
Valve’s efforts are rooted in the past: in 2016, Valve has invested a significant amount into the American company Nitero, which specializiruetsya on wireless chips for mobile devices.
The question is, aspires Valve in the end? One would think of a new head mount for Valve Index with built-in Wi-Fi module or Valve Index 2, which are optimized for streaming VR on PC.
Unlikely, but it cannot be excluded that Valve is planning a fully Autonomous device like Oculus Quest 2. This Valve will have to abandon the traditional domain of the PC and to set up shop mobile VR content. Efforts can be not very large: the OpenXR standard developers should be easier than ever to transfer your Quest app on another mobile device. SteamVR, incidentally, is already supporting OpenXR.
Both variants are also possible: a self-contained Index 2, which are optimized for streaming virtual reality on a PC. With such a device Valve could jump on Facebook and satisfy the community’s demand for self-contained VR glasses without any registrations from Facebook. The market for virtual reality in desperate need of a competitor Quest, Valve could provide.
