While manufacturers take care of the hardware, virtual reality performance ideally usually depends on the GPU.
Now, SteamVR introduces its auto-resolution feature that smartly adjusts performance settings. The software, developed by Valve, is intended to reduce the need to manually tweak settings for VR headsets. It closely monitors the potential capabilities of the user's graphics card and prompts the game to adjust the resolution output for the connected headset.
In terms of compatibility, Valve confirms that it will work with HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and the Oculus Rift.
One Less Thing To Worry About
The program will also help determine if the customer really needs to upgrade their rig once new gear with higher resolutions comes out. In the first scenario, the user's graphics card is unable to run a game or application on its recommended native resolution. Therefore, it immediately delivers the content at a lower resolution producing an ideal experience as to frame rate and smoothness.
If it's the opposite, everything will be configured to the best settings the GPU can manage without compromising its visual integrity.
Control When Its Needed
It seems that Valve's program targets 90 frames per second and scans the GPU's maximum capacity. Once measured, it guides the app to automatically make the adjustments that will ideally result in an enjoyable VR experience for the user.
"The best part is that consumers won't have to do anything to get the correct resolution settings. The Steam VR runtime does all the hard work. Of course, if one prefers a different resolution, it's easy to manually override this by editing the Video settings in SteamVR," explained Alex Vlachos, a Valve employee.
A Win-Win Scenario
The company believes that its approach will help gamers save money. The common practice among consumers is to upgrade their computers as soon as a new accessory becomes available.
If the app scans a rig and confirms that it is compatible and ready for virtual reality, then there should be no reason for PC owners to spend more money to upgrade their units.
According to Valve, just like how PC gamers opt to change their monitors into gaming displays without the need for upgraded components, SteamVR should push the same logic when it comes to VR headsets.
Game publishers should also benefit from the new component. This will allow them to test how well their software works on different video cards and VR headsets with assistance from the application.
