Microsoft's own VR platform, which launched a few weeks ago, doesn't have a lot of software
yet, which could be a dealbreaker for some. But a bridge to Steam's VR catalog could add some access to more games soon enough.
A Steam VR hook-in for Windows Mixed Reality, announced earlier this fall, is launching next week on Nov. 15 in a "preview" beta version. It's not a native way to play Steam VR games: it's a bridge, translating the apps into something Microsoft's hardware can use. But it ends up doing a better job than I expected. It's not an entirely complete link into Valve's VR catalog yet (it will be, eventually), but it should offer what Microsoft's Greg Sullivan says is a good amount of content.
I got to try the Steam VR bridge for a few minutes in a New York loft with Samsung's new Odyssey Windows headset. My experience was pretty good... except for how the controllers work. Basically, it's a launcher for Steam VR in Windows 10's VR environment.
The bridge launches Steam VR with the same interface that you'd get with an HTC Vive. Microsoft promises that all Steam VR apps -- except for Oculus and Vive-exclusive titles -- will work with Windows Mixed Reality VR headsets. A handful of plug-and-play headsets from Acer, Lenovo, HP, Samsung and Dell work functionally the same, tracking room motion in-headset without external camera sensors. Samsung's Odyssey has higher resolution OLED displays and better sounding integrated headphones, but also costs a bit more at $499. https://www.cnet.com/news/youll-be-able-to-play-steam-games-in-windows-vr-next-week/
