Valve is testing panel mode for Steam Link in Meta Quest

Image: Valve

With the latest Steam Link beta for Meta Quest, you can reportedly stream 2D ​​games directly to your environment.

FACTS

VR enthusiast Brad Lynch spotted the new feature on Platform X and released a short video showing it in action.

Previously, Steam Link for Meta Quest switched to a separate environment similar to Virtual Desktop and Air Link when you wanted to play VR or 2D games. The new beta will apparently let you play 2D games in panel mode, which is basically a window into your scrolling view or virtual environment.

Valve just enabled 2D streaming for Steam Link in Meta Quest

Requires the Public Beta build of the app to try. You can access the Public Beta channel using this link https://t.co/ti7KM7H9Si

Please submit all initial feedback for this feature here: https://t.co/IsCmmBOPpU pic.twitter.com/tvJFLFbdwV

— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) June 12, 2024

Streaming should work from any device that supports Steam Remote Play, according to Lynch, and it should be enough to pair a compatible controller with Meta Quest.

Valve has opened a public beta channel for the beta version, but it has already reached its user limit. As a result, MIXED has not yet been able to test the new feature.

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Stream VR and 2D games: Easier than ever with Steam Link

Steam Link for Meta Quest was released in late 2023 and was the result of a collaboration between Meta and Valve.

With Steam Link for Meta Quest, you can wirelessly stream SteamVR games from your PC to your VR headset over your home Wi-Fi or enjoy traditional games on a large virtual screen. The app does the same thing as Virtual Desktop and Air Link, but doesn’t require a streaming app on your computer other than Steam, making it easier to set up and use.

The advantage of a panel mode is that it simplifies access to 2D games on Steam and supports switching. A practitioner will need to show what difference this makes to the user experience.

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