Steam Frame system software version 0.5.9 arrived on Friday via the Beta channel, bringing new VR streaming features alongside GamingOnLinux reporting on parallel updates for desktop users.
Valve released SteamVR 2.19.3 Beta for all VR gamers simultaneously, targeting various streaming and rendering bugs across different operating systems.
The release contrasts desktop VR bug fixes with dedicated hardware features for the standalone headset. While SteamVR 2.19.3 tackles low-resolution mirror window issues and Linux rendering faults, the accompanying SteamOS update introduces chroma key passthrough options for tethered play.
Valve structured the new passthrough features around two primary modes within the PC camera settings. TwistedVoxel said that users can switch between Protect Content and Key Content modes.
Enabling these mixed-reality capabilities requires opting into beta branches on both devices. Users must right-click SteamVR in their desktop library, go to Game Versions & Beta, and select the beta channel to make the desktop runtime compatible with the headset features.
X-Plane 12 adds support for mixed-reality streaming
Streaming PC virtual reality games to the headset previously caused the physical room view to vanish entirely.
Laminar Research updated its $59.99 flight simulator, X-Plane 12, to version 12.4.3 to support this mixed-reality workflow. The simulation software rewrote its VR architecture to include OpenXR mixed-reality support, serving as Valve’s primary example for blended streaming.
Standard passthrough on the headset operates in monochrome. Full color integration relies on the optional $149 Arcturus Vision camera accessory.
OpenXR games utilizing this pipeline depend on the XR_ENVIRONMENT_BLEND_MODE_ALPHA_BLEND standard.
SteamVR 2.19.3 fixes Linux rendering and hardware bugs
The companion SteamVR 2.19.3 update delivers multiple improvements for Linux users. Previous rendering issues tied to the streaming support introduced in version 2.19.1 have been resolved.
Valve also fixed right-eye flickering and scene distortion on HTC Vive and Valve Index hardware when the SteamVR dashboard is active. MIXED News reported that update addressed SteamRT3 client launch problems and corrected a bug where third-party controllers like the PS VR2 reported battery stats twice.
For Steam Link users, the latest build applies foveated sharpening during VR streaming sessions. Performance on Nvidia hardware with wired headsets also receives targeted optimizations.
Accessibility and Interface Fixes
New accessibility settings address diplopia, commonly known as double vision, by adding prism correction controls. Users can toggle these adjustments through Advanced Settings, General, and Prism Correction after updating their software.
The update links the Show Perf Overlay in VR and Draw Performance Assessment toggles together. Turning off the primary performance overlay automatically disables the developer assessment tool.
WebXR functionality received several bug fixes for Chrome and Chromium installations deployed via Discover as user applications rather than system-wide packages. System lock-ups caused by applications like VLC were also resolved in the 0.5.9 build.
How to access beta updates and color passthrough hardware
How do I access the SteamVR and SteamOS beta updates?
Users must manually opt into testing channels on both host and client devices. On the PC, open the Steam library, right-click SteamVR, select Properties, and choose the beta option under Game Versions & Beta. On the headset, go to Settings, System, and System Update Channel to select the Steam Frame Beta.
What hardware is required for color passthrough?
While the headset includes built-in monochrome cameras for standard Room View, achieving full color passthrough requires the $149 Arcturus Vision camera accessory. Without this add-on, physical objects rendered through passthrough appear in black and white.
Why does X-Plane 12 require version 12.4.3?
Laminar Research rewrote its virtual reality system for version 12.4.3 to add support for OpenXR mixed reality. This specific version update allows the flight simulator to accept blended frames from streamed PC sessions.
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