Founded in 1966, Valve is one of the most powerful video game developers in the world. It is well known for creating Steam, a software distribution platform, and a multitude of popular games, such as Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Portal, Day of Defeat, Team Fortress, Left 4 Dead, and Dota 2.
Currently, Valve is working on a VR headset, which they teased last month. Now, all of the details of the new Index VR headset have been revealed. The headset also became available to pre-order.
The headset will retail for a price of $999. For HTC Vive gear owners, the amount is reduced to $400, as it does not include all of the controllers and sensors.
Technical Specs of the Valve Index VR Headset
According to what we know so far, here is a list of the most exciting details of the new Index VR headset:
- 1,440 x 1,600 pixel resolution for each eye
- RGB LCD screen
- 120 Hz refresh rate (plus an experimental 144 Hz feature)
- 135 degrees field of view
- Built-in speakers (plus the option to connect your own headphones through a 3.5 mm jack)
- Cameras with sensors to help you see objects in front of you
- Interpupillary distance slider
The high resolution and fast refresh rates of the specs promise to minimize blurring. The company previously worked with HTC on the HTV Vive series of headsets. If you purchased them, you can use the controllers and base station for Valve’s Index VR headset. This could save you a significant amount of money.
For those of you who haven’t tried the HTC Vive headset series, you will need to buy the whole Index VR package in order to enjoy the best experience. This includes custom-made controllers with 87 sensors that track the position of your hands, meant to enhance responsiveness.
Valve Index VR Headset Would Need Powerful Systems To Function Properly
According to Valve, you are going to need a powerful PC to use their new Index VR headset. Windows 10, SteamOS, or Linux are highly-recommended, as well as at least 8 GB Ram, a dual-core processor, and Nvidia GeForce GTX970.
Costs add up, placing the Valve Index at the higher end of the market. For this price, Valve guarantees the most powerful VR technology out there. No details have been announced, but Valve promises to release several games for their Index VR headset in the future. Of course, Valve Index also supports the Steam and Viveport libraries.
Agnes is a technical writer, being in touch with reports to come up with the latest tech leaks.