headset Archives

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Portal 2 just got a Steam Frame compatibility rating, hinting at the VR headset’s imminent launch

Valve is set to launch the Steam Frame this summer, with the classic game Portal 2 receiving a compatibility rating of Playable. The Playable rating is due to the lack of support for the Steam Frame's native resolution, meaning while the game runs smoothly, it won't utilize the headset's full resolution capabilities. The Steam Frame features a resolution of 2,160 × 2,160 for each eye, an upgrade from the Valve Index's 1,440 × 1,600 resolution. It also offers standalone gaming capabilities, unlike the Index, which required a PC connection. Valve's compatibility rating system includes Unsupported, Playable, and Verified categories. A late August release for the Steam Frame is anticipated, following the timeline of previous product launches.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

Steam Machine reservations are already being resold on Ebay for up to $2900

Valve's Steam Machine has faced challenges due to scalpers exploiting its limited availability. Despite measures like a randomized queue and one-unit purchase limits, resellers have listed the device at inflated prices on platforms like eBay. For example, a 2TB Steam Machine bundled with a controller is priced at ,899.99, over double its retail cost of 8. Listings for 2TB models range from ,700 to ,899.99, while a 512GB model without a controller is offered for ,800. Resale practices mirror those seen during the Steam Controller launch, where buyers could purchase multiple units for resale. The Steam Machine's higher starting price of ,049 makes reselling less feasible for many. Valve has indicated that as they process reservations, cancellations may open opportunities for others on the waiting list. Additionally, there is speculation about the demand for Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, amid existing competition.

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

The Steam client was hurting PC gaming on Android — Valve’s VR headset accidentally solved it

Playing Windows games on Android has become feasible due to Winlator and open-source technologies like Wine, Box64, and DXVK. User-friendly applications such as GameHub and GameNative have emerged, enhancing mobile gaming experiences to rival dedicated handheld consoles. A major challenge was the reliance on the x86 Windows Steam client, which was resource-intensive on mobile devices. GameNative 1.0 introduced an experimental feature that eliminates the need for the desktop Steam client by using Valve's native Android libraries, improving the gaming experience significantly. Valve released Steamworks SDK version 1.63 in November 2025, which included native ARM64 libraries for Android, allowing for essential Steam functionalities without a translation layer. GameNative integrated these libraries, replacing the desktop client with a more efficient "bionic" Steam client that operates without a user interface, streamlining DRM and matchmaking processes. GameNative now supports Steam Guard TOTP sign-in, enabling smooth authentication and access to the user's Steam library. It downloads games natively, supports cloud saves, and is compatible with most single-player games with Steam DRM. The application boasts a high compatibility rate, with 221 out of 241 games in one user's library showing as compatible. GameNative 1.0 has improved performance with a Vulkan renderer and reworked controller stack. Despite its success, GameNative is not yet available on the Play Store, with nearly a million users sideloading the application. Developers aim to create a Play Store version that complies with Google's policies for easier installation.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2026

XREAL’s Android XR glasses launch ‘this fall’ with Project Hail Mary & Fallout games, $99 reservations open

XREAL's Android XR glasses, Aura, will be launching this Fall with reservations open today. The glasses operate as a mixed form factor powered by Android XR and have optical passthrough to the outside world. The launch will include Best Buy Stores in the US, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Japan, with European markets coming soon after. Customers can pre-order the glasses with a registration deposit and some of the confirmed apps and games include Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars and Fallout: Factions.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

A new Steam Frame setup video leak hints at imminent release date

A video demonstrating the setup procedure for the Steam Frame has leaked, showcasing the user experience and referencing the upcoming device. Valve is expected to release the Steam Frame this summer, following the successful launch of the Steam Controller. The Steam Frame and Steam Machine are part of Valve's new hardware lineup. The setup video, shared on Reddit, features a "Welcome to Steam Frame" message and guides users through powering on controllers and connecting to a PC. The Steam Frame will be a standalone headset with 2,160 x 2,160 LCD screens for each eye, offering both independent gaming and PC connectivity, and it eliminates the need for base stations.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

If a decade-old Nintendo Switch can run PC games, your next handheld doesn’t need to be x86

Arm chips have traditionally excelled in Android gaming and emulation, while x86 architecture has dominated serious PC gaming. A modder successfully ran Steam on the original Nintendo Switch, which features an Nvidia Tegra chip, due to the introduction of Arm support in Proton 11's beta version. This achievement indicates that PC gaming on handheld devices may not be limited to x86 architecture. However, running Steam on the Switch requires complex workarounds, resulting in low frame rates and various limitations. The process involved using Box64 and community-developed projects to facilitate the installation, as the Switch's outdated kernel posed challenges. Despite the limitations, the ability to run x86 games on an Arm chip suggests that hardware constraints, rather than translation feasibility, are the main obstacles. Modern Arm chips have shown the capability to run PC games, with driver issues being a significant challenge for non-gaming devices. Valve is developing the Steam Frame, a VR headset powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which runs SteamOS natively on Arm and utilizes FEX for x86 game compatibility. Early benchmarks indicate promising performance on Arm devices, suggesting a potential shift in the handheld gaming landscape. While x86 remains the safer choice currently, the barriers for Arm-based handhelds are gradually diminishing, indicating a future with more options beyond x86 architecture.

BetaBeacon

May 31, 2026

The Best Android Games for 2026: Your Next Mobile Gaming Addiction Starts Here

The Android gaming market offers a variety of outstanding games, including indie hits, retro classics, and Nintendo-published originals. Some Android games are comparable to AAA console and PC titles. Subscription services like Google Play Pass and GameClub offer access to hundreds of games without microtransactions. Google's licensing of Android to more partners has made it a popular platform for gaming-focused mobile hardware. Despite some failed initiatives like Google Cardboard and Google Stadia, Android remains a strong gaming platform with options for all tastes.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Herman Miller has finally made a gaming desk, and it costs less than its $2,000 chair

Herman Miller has launched the Coyl gaming desk, marking its entry into the gaming desk market. The desk features a distinctive coiled red power cable that powers its electronic sit-stand adjustable-height legs and an integrated multi-socket extension cord. It includes a cable tray with a flip-down fabric cover for easy access, a pegboard/accessory mount section for various holders, and a dedicated headset hook. The height control system uses a large knurled knob instead of conventional buttons. The desk is available in multiple finishes and comes with a 12-year warranty. The starting price is ,475, and it is currently available for purchase in North America.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

You think you’ve seen it all and then there’s a Wayland Compositor inside Minecraft on Linux

A developer named EVVIE has integrated a Linux Wayland Compositor with Minecraft, enabling users to display Linux desktop windows within the game. This integration allows for an immersive experience similar to using a virtual reality headset. In a demonstration, EVVIE played the rhythm game Osu! while navigating the Minecraft interface. The project is available on GitHub under the GPL license and requires Minecraft version 26.1.2, the Fabric mod loader, xkbcommon library version 1.11.0, and xkbcommon tools. Additionally, recent updates for Minecraft have introduced a friends list feature for the Java version.

AppWizard

May 9, 2026

Logitech G325 Lightspeed Gaming Headset Hits an All-Time Low Just Weeks After Launch, Enjoy PC and Console Games With Zero Distractions

Logitech is offering a 25% discount on its G325 Lightspeed wireless Bluetooth gaming headset, originally priced at 9.99, now available for 2.49. The headset is compatible with PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, the Switch, and the Switch 2, but not with Xbox. It features ultra-plush dual-layer memory foam ear cups and a soft knit headband for comfort, dynamic 24-bit drivers for rich sound, effective noise reduction technology for game chat, and over 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. The headset is available in black and white.