Valve introduced its very first public SteamOS for Steam Frame update a couple of weeks ago, and it has quickly worked through several new versions since, the latest being SteamOS 0.4.3 Beta. Unlike the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, which currently run on the SteamOS 3.x branch, the new VR headset runs on its own specialized branch due to its ARM64-based processor.

One of the outstanding upgrades in SteamOS 0.4.3 for Steam Frame is improved power efficiency and battery life. Valve claims there are “gains of up to 12%” during both streaming and local gameplay. For reference, the headset runs on an internal 21.6Wh battery, with typical battery life varying between 1-2 hours, with standalone gaming being more battery-intensive than PC VR streaming.

SteamOS 0.4.3 for Steam Frame patch notes

This update is for the Steam Frame Beta channel, and includes new features that are still being tested. You can opt into this in Settings > System > System Update Channel.

General

• Improved power efficiency and battery lifetime during both streaming and local gameplay, with gains of up to 12%. Note: Result vary depending on framerate and content.
• Added accessibility option for users who want to limit eye tracking to a single eye. VR Settings -> General -> Track Dominant Eye Only. (requires enabling “show advanced settings”)
• Fixed an issue that prevented controller bindings from loading for certain games, including Google Earth VR and Thumper.
• Improved focus behavior when interacting with grab/resize handles

Streaming:

• Further VR streaming reliability improvements, including additional fixes for “Error 17.” Note: On the PC, you must also opt into SteamVR 2.18.2 or later to reduce “Error 17” connection issues. At the time of this release, SteamVR 2.18.2 is available on the SteamVR [beta] branch.
• Fixed steam frame wireless adapter connectivity issues that affected users in some countries.

This OS release includes SteamVR (2.18.2)

Source: Steam

As you can see at the top of the patch notes, this is not the stable version of the patch, so you’ll need to switch to the Beta version of SteamOS – at least until the changes are finalized. Reliable source of Steam Hardware and VR news & datamining, Brad Lynch, also points to a backend change not explicitly mentioned in the patch notes – a feature that improves depth-based reprojections in a wider range of games.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.