A solitary Microsoft employee has embarked on an ambitious project to revive Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headsets by developing a native SteamVR driver, aptly named “Oasis.” This initiative comes in the wake of Microsoft’s recent rollout of Windows 11 24H2, which has left many users of Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung PC VR headsets without functionality, as the update eliminated support for Windows MR headsets entirely.
Reviving Windows MR Headsets
Previously, Windows MR headsets relied on a specific runtime that allowed them to interface with SteamVR through a shim. However, with the latest update, these devices have become obsolete for users who wish to continue their virtual reality experiences. For those who own such headsets, the recommendation is clear: refrain from installing the update if you wish to maintain functionality.
Matthieu Bucchianeri, a seasoned software developer with an impressive resume that includes contributions to the PS4, original PlayStation VR at Sony, and projects at SpaceX, is now focusing his expertise on this new driver. Currently employed at Microsoft, where he works on Xbox, Bucchianeri has also played a significant role in the development of OpenXR and has created tools like the OpenXR Toolkit and VDXR, which is Virtual Desktop’s OpenXR runtime.
His work on the Oasis driver is described as a product of “deep reverse-engineering,” coupled with a mix of luck and perseverance. While Bucchianeri is confident that his efforts do not infringe on any intellectual property laws, he has opted not to release the source code to avoid potential conflicts with non-disclosure agreements and other obligations.
Technical Considerations and Future Plans
At present, the Oasis driver is confirmed to be compatible with Nvidia GPUs, as AMD’s VR direct mode is more tightly controlled. Bucchianeri is currently in discussions with AMD to explore potential compatibility options.
Looking ahead, Bucchianeri plans to release the Oasis driver for free in the fall. Should this project come to fruition, it could usher in a new era for affordable PC VR headsets. However, despite the promise of lower prices, previous attempts to gain traction in the market have not yielded widespread adoption for these devices.
