Did you know you can technically play SteamVR games like Half-Life: Alyx (2020) on Vision Pro? Well, now you do, as the leading app dedicated to bringing SteamVR connectivity to a ton of standalone headsets is now available for Vision Pro on the App Store.
Previously offered as an invite-only beta, ALVR is now free on the App Store, allowing Vision Pro users to stream OpenVR games from your PC via Wi-Fi.
This includes support for Vision Pro’s hand gestures, however more than likely you’ll want some sort of controller to really make use of SteamVR content. Developer Max Thomas mentions ALVRsupports dual controllers such as the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, in addition to existing Lighthouse base station setups for enthusiasts already in the SteamVR tracking ecosystem.
To get up and running, you’ll of course need a VR-ready computer, either running Windows or Linux. Check here if your computer is capable of running VR games.
Another thing to check is that Vision Pro is on the same local network as the computer, which for best performance ought to be 5GHz 802.11ac router with speeds greater than 300Mbps, placed within 20 feet (6 meters) from your playspace. You can get away with less, but you may experience some pretty annoying stuttering.
Whatever the case, network activity from other devices should be at a minimal to keep bandwidth clear for PC-streaming, andthe hostcomputer should be connected directly to the router via Ethernet. Lastly, make sure AirDrop and Handoff are disabled during gameplay to reduce stuttering.
The official release of ALVR on Vision Pro follows early third-party attempts to hack the softwareinto working, which spurred indie developer Max Thomas (aka ‘Shiny Quagsire’) to start experimenting with bringing the streaming tool officially to visionOS.
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g-man
Glad this is available, though I’m curious how many games will work well with hand controls alone. Controllers can work but it’s pretty fiddly having to align the tracking etc.
Small correction: a dedicated 802.11ax (WiFi 6) AP wired to the PC would be optimal.
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ViRGiN
So Apple got VR streaming app under half a year; yet it took valve 4 years to develop steam link for Quest?
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Cl
We've had virtual desktop for a long time. Why are you comparing it to steam link?
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ViRGiN
Virtual Desktop wasn't available officially in the store "for a long time". Not the one with actual PCVR streaming capability. AVP got ALVR in 4 months.
Why not compare it to Steam Link? Are all these apps fundamentally so different? Or is it about never comparing to valve?Fun fact, it was ALVR who legitimized PCVR streaming. These bastards did it already during Gear VR era. Wireless DK2 felt awesome.
I hope all these hard working ALVR devs find success in their lifes. Virtual Desktop kinda had monopoly for years.
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Cl
Because you're saying it took 4 years to get wireless streaming when we've had it way before that. Why even mention steam link in this scenario.
Maybe if Apple made their own pcvr steaming app, then you could make fun of meta for taking so long, then it would be apples to apples. Valve doesn't even have a wireless headset.
ALVR is already created and it just needed to be ported anyway. I don't even get what you're trying to say. Actually I know you just like to find any excuse to whine about valve.
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ViRGiN
> you’re saying it took 4 years to get wireless streaming
No, I said “took valve 4 years to develop steam link for Quest”You are just against crapping on your perfect image of valve once again.
> Valve doesn’t even have a wireless headset.
They solved wireless issue like 7 years ago.> Apple made their own pcvr steaming app
Apple is literally a startup in XR field. Apple would have made their own streaming app, if Valve didn’t abandon MacOS support 5 years ago.> just needed to be ported anyway
Oh yeah, they just had to click recompile button and off we go.I don’t even get what you’re trying to say.
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Gabe Zuckerwell
What he's trying to say is you're a prick.
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ViRGiN
Oh hi gayben! Whyyyyyy are you undressed?
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Cl
I'm saying your statements aren't even related. Valve releasing a streaming app for quest and Apple getting it's first third party streaming app. You're making a comparison that doesn't make sense.
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ViRGiN
In both cases, it’s third party releasing vr streaming app for a headset that isn’t made by them.
You don’t make sense.
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Only trolls hide comments
One of the lasting legacies of Steve Jobs is that Apple has always been anti-gaming.
