Valveis likely developing a new version of the Steam Frame VR headset with much higher resolution displays. In the open code of the Linux kernel infound references to a device codenamed Plano. He is credited with the resolution panels 3552 × 3840 pixels for each eye. However, Valve has not yet announced a new headset, and the project itself may remain experimental.
What is known about Steam Frame Plano displays
According to Steam Frame Hub, a development branch called Plano was discovered on October 14. The code specifies panels with a resolution of 3552 × 3840 pixels per eye. In comparison, the current Steam Frame uses LCD displays with a resolution of 2160 × 2160 pixels for each eye. If the Plano specifications are applied to a single device, the number of pixels in each panel will almost triple. Such a display would potentially provide a sharper image, reduce the visibility of individual pixels and improve the display of small details in virtual reality. Some publications suggest that Valve is testing MicroOLED– panels. However, there is no final confirmation. References to OLED and high-resolution display may refer to different hardware developments. The code also specifies a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz. Valve seems to be experimenting with the 120Hz mode, but it’s still unstable.
Why a higher resolution does not guarantee a better picture
According to preliminary information, Plano may use the same processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 3which is the current Steam Frame. This creates a limit for rendering the image at the maximum resolution of the new panels. The code specifies a standard rendering resolution of 1776 × 1920 pixels per eye. That’s down from the current model’s 2160×2160. The resulting image will have to be scaled to the physical resolution of the display. Experimental mode involves rendering at a resolution of 2368 × 2560 pixels per eye. It can provide more detail, but will require additional computing resources. It should help foveal rendering — technology that provides higher detail in the part of the image where the user’s gaze is directed. Peripheral areas are processed with lower detail, which allows more efficient use of processor performance. So just because panels have more pixels doesn’t mean users will see a corresponding improvement in image quality. Chip power, rendering settings, and software optimizations remain important.
When the new Steam Frame can be released
The discovery of the Plano code does not confirm that Valve is preparing the new headset for a commercial launch. According to Next Reality, this can only be an experimental hardware project, the software part of which has not yet been completed. Development reportedly lasted until at least October 2nd — already after Steam Frame pre-orders opened on September 14th. However, the company has not announced a release date or plans for serial production. A reference may be the Steam Deck OLED, which was released in November 2023, almost two years after the original model. If Valve takes a similar approach to VR headsets, an updated Steam Frame could theoretically appear in a few years. However, this is only a guess, not a confirmed prediction. Steam Frame Hub also lists Sony and Samsung as possible panel manufacturers. There is currently no confirmation that any of these companies will supply displays for the Plano.
Should I wait for the Steam Frame with OLED?
So far, there’s no good reason to hold off on buying Steam Frame because of the Plano leak. It is not known whether the project will become a commercial product and when this may happen. If Valve does release a headset with higher resolution displays, the result will depend not only on the panels, but also on the capabilities of the processor and the quality of the image scaling.
For now, Plano should be seen as an experimental development by Valve, rather than the confirmed next model of the Steam Frame.
