Tag: Deckard

  • Valve Deckard Specs Leaked: Next-Gen Valve Index Details Inside

    Valve Deckard Specs Leaked: Next-Gen Valve Index Details Inside

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve’s upcoming VR headset, Deckard, is seen as the successor to the Valve Index and may launch at a price of $1,200, up from the Index’s $999.

    2. Deckard is being developed on an ARM codebase, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which could improve performance and efficiency by 25% compared to the Snapdragon XR Gen 2.

    3. The prototype includes JDI-derived LCD screens with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 2,160 x 2,160 pixels per eye.

    4. Deckard reportedly supports tracking for controllers, the headset, and facial movements, but specifications are not finalized and may change in later prototypes.

    5. Valve is expected to unveil Deckard by the end of this year, with the current prototype being the final proof-of-concept before moving to engineering validation testing.

    Brad Lynch has uncovered some new info about the ongoing progress of Valve’s upcoming virtual reality (VR) headset. Up until now, Deckard has been seen as the long-anticipated follow-up to the Valve Index, which launched almost six months ago. A recent speculation suggested that Valve is aiming for a launch price of $1,200, which is an increase from the Index’s initial $999 MSRP.

    Development Insights

    Recent changes in the code indicate that Valve is building Deckard on an ARM codebase. In particular, a proof-of-concept (POC-F) prototype features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) chipset that is found in the latest flagship smartphones, such as the OnePlus 12, Xperia 1 VI, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. As noted by UploadVR, the Adreno 750 within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 could potentially give this Deckard prototype about 25% improved performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon XR Gen 2, which powers the Pico 4 Ultra, Quest 3, and Quest 3S (currently priced at $299 on Amazon).

    Technical Specifications

    This prototype is reported to utilize JDI-derived LCD screens that offer a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 2,160 x 2,160 pixels for each eye over a 2.8-inch display. Additionally, it seems to support tracking for controllers, the headset, and facial movements. Lynch emphasizes that the specifications linked to POC-F are not final.

    As a result, later prototypes and retail versions are likely to feature newer or more advanced components. That said, POC-F appears to have been the final proof-of-concept before Valve transitioned to engineering validation testing (EVT). If this holds true, it wouldn’t surprise us if future prototypes eventually come with similar hardware features instead of a leap to a much more powerful chipset or entirely different lenses that would necessitate a complete redesign. At present, Valve is anticipated to unveil Deckard by the end of this year.

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  • Valve Deckard VR Headset: Pricing and Availability Leaked

    Valve Deckard VR Headset: Pricing and Availability Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve is developing a new standalone VR headset called Deckard, priced around $1200, which is a significant upgrade from the Valve Index.
    2. Deckard’s controllers, named “Roy,” will feature a compact design without motion-tracking rings, resembling a traditional gamepad layout with enhanced buttons and triggers.
    3. The performance of Deckard is uncertain, with challenges expected in running games at 120Hz and 1440p on two screens, alongside concerns about battery life.
    4. There is speculation that Deckard may launch with a new Half-Life game to drive sales, similar to the promotion of Half-Life: Alyx with the Index.
    5. Ongoing leaks and code references suggest Valve is carefully preparing both hardware and software for Deckard’s launch, raising questions about its value compared to competitors.

    Valve is working on a new standalone VR headset called Deckard, which appears to be a significant upgrade from the Valve Index. Recent leaks from @gabefollower on X/Twitter suggest a price of $1200, alongside fresh information about its controllers and tracking technology. Earlier data mining has revealed mentions of Deckard’s controllers, known as “Roy,” in the SteamVR code.

    Changes in Controllers

    These controllers are set to undergo significant redesigns, eliminating the motion-tracking rings in favor of a more user-friendly and compact style. This change reflects current industry practices, similar to Meta’s move to ringless tracking with the Quest 3S, which is currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon. Initial prototype images indicate that Deckard’s controllers will feature a large D-pad, ABXY buttons, bigger triggers, and side-mounted triggers. This design hints at a more conventional gamepad-like experience, which could open the door for Steam Controller 2 compatibility.

    Performance and Features

    One of the biggest uncertainties surrounding Deckard is its performance. Running games at 120Hz and 1440p on two screens could challenge the capabilities of a standalone headset. Battery life will also be crucial. The absence of finger tracking—available in the Valve Index—might be seen as a drawback by some, leading to debates about whether this is a step back.

    Game Launch Speculations

    Another pressing question is whether Deckard will debut with a new Half-Life game. Valve used Half-Life: Alyx to promote the Index, and it’s possible they are planning another major VR release to boost sales of the new headset. However, if Deckard is Valve’s main focus right now, it could delay the launch of HLX, which has been in secret development.

    All these factors suggest that Valve is taking a careful approach to ensure both the hardware and the software are fully prepared for the launch. While the company has not revealed any official details, the growing number of leaks and code references is certainly encouraging. The real question lies in whether the hardware will be worth the price and stand up against other top competitors in the VR market.

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  • New Valve Index Controller Designs Found in SteamVR Code

    New Valve Index Controller Designs Found in SteamVR Code

    Rumors about Valve potentially replacing its Index virtual reality (VR) headset with a new version have been circulating for several years now. Currently, there’s a lot of evidence suggesting that the company is making progress towards launching a headset codenamed Deckard.

    New Developments in Controller Design

    Following the Blade Runner motif, Bradley Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) and others have unearthed new references to ‘Roy’, which could be the name for Deckard’s controllers. To give some background, a patent filed two years ago indicated that Valve was working on controllers featuring motion-tracking rings.

    In light of this, data miners have discovered that these controllers are present in the SteamVR code. However, Lynch’s latest finding implies that Valve has shifted its focus to tracking methods without rings, a technology that Meta is currently using in its budget model, the Quest 3S (currently priced at $299 on Amazon). According to the XR enthusiast, recent updates to SteamVR include models for the new Roy controllers, which we’ve provided images of above and below.

    Features of the Roy Controllers

    From the images, it appears that Deckard’s Roy controllers are equipped with a sizable d-pad, ABXY buttons, and two Steam shortcuts. Additionally, these controllers include comparatively large joysticks along with oversized triggers and side-mounted triggers. Interestingly, there’s also a new image circulating online that might be linked to the much-anticipated Steam Controller 2.

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