Valve has launched the Steam Frame, a wearable spatial computer designed primarily for gaming. The device is priced at $1,059 for the 256GB model and $1,299 for the 1TB version. It weighs 469g and features an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.
The headset supports multiple gaming modes, including streaming from a PC, native Linux-on-Arm titles, and VR games. It utilizes foveated rendering and eye-tracking to enhance visual performance. The device features LCD panels with a resolution of 2160 x 2160 per eye.
Users can manage multiple virtual screens simultaneously, though the system currently faces stability issues, including crashes and bugs when running complex setups. Connectivity relies on home Wi-Fi or an included 6GHz wireless dongle, which has a limited range of approximately 12 feet.
Valve has implemented a compatibility program for the device, currently featuring 130 verified titles. However, performance varies significantly across different games, with some titles failing to launch or experiencing long loading times. The device lacks dedicated apps for services like Netflix, but supports DRM content via its web browser.
