In its new Steam Frame VR headset, Valve put dual audio drivers on each side in the included head strap. That puts the audio near your ears while you’re wearing it, and in my brief time trying the device at Valve’s headquarters recently, I thought the sound was just fine. But the choice to have those dual drivers also helps reduce audio vibrations, which helps the headset with tracking while you’re playing games in VR, Valve hardware engineer Jeremy Selan tells The Verge.
The Frame, like many other VR headsets, uses outward-facing cameras built into the main part of the headset for tracking. However, audio with good bass “induces vibrations into the headset,” which can affect that tracking, according to Selan. But on the Frame’s included head strap, the dual drivers per side are “mounted opposite to each other,” which creates “vibration cancellation inherent in the design.” That allows for “better tracking, even with good audio,” Selan says.
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Pretty cool! The headset is modular, too, so theoretically, you might be able to use other head straps with other audio solutions later. It’s a really interesting headset — I recently got to try it for myself.
This sounds like an exciting development in VR technology! The dual audio drivers for vibration cancellation could really enhance the immersive experience. Looking forward to seeing how it performs in real-world use!
Absolutely, it is an exciting advancement! The use of dual audio drivers not only enhances sound quality but also helps create a more immersive experience by reducing unwanted vibrations. It’s interesting to see how audio technology is evolving alongside visual elements in VR.
ity but also improves immersion in VR experiences. It’s interesting to see how this technology could potentially lead to more natural soundscapes, making virtual environments feel even more lifelike. I’m curious to see how developers will leverage this feature in upcoming games!