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It seems Valve/HTC are the latest company to release something with Linux support listed right up to release, and then remove mentions of it. This time it's the Vive VR device.

This image was sent in by a user to show the difference:
image
I noticed it too, and it's a little weird of Valve/HTC to do something like this. More so on Valve's side, since it's their store and they would have been well aware of the status of SteamOS/Linux support.

On March 1st a Valve employee stated this:
QuoteWe are working on it but it's not ready yet.

Yet Linux/SteamOS was still listed.

A shame, as HTC originally said Linux would have support.

I've searched around, and couldn't find anything more recent on this. So it looks like it's another thing Linux/SteamOS is being left out on for now.

They also recently added VR icons for the Oculus Rift, and SteamVR:
image

Hopefully it won't take too long before it gains official Linux/SteamOS support. It's just really sad to see Linux left out like this, but I'm not too fussed personally as I still don't see VR being a major thing yet as others do. In a few generations when the technology has progressed some more and prices come down, I will be much more interested.

What's more sad is others like this person did pre-order it, and they don't seem too happy.

The issue here is again: Clear communication, and the complete lack of it. Also, don't pre-order. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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42 comments
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psymin Apr 6, 2016
I tried HTC Vive out last night on Gentoo and Ubuntu. SteamVR wouldn't function for me. It acted exactly as it does without a device connected. Alas.

But there have been recent steam updates for SteamVR so I think they're still on track to support us.
TheRiddick Apr 6, 2016
There was a VR headset toting 150-180degree immersion, and also some with 4k. The issue that they had at the time of showing their early versions was weight/size so if those guys manage to sort those problems out then I don't think it needs to be a decision between the 2 big VR headsets atm for PC

I will see where VR goes during 2017, atm I'm not overly impressed with the resolution and I feel I won't be liking 1200p setup given I have been using 2160p for a long time now (going back in resolution so far REALLY hurts!).

This does mean I'll also need a videocard 2-3x faster then my current 390x, AMD/NVIDIA claiming 21TFLOPs is going to happen end of this year or in 2017, then that should be ok.
slaapliedje Apr 6, 2016
Quoting: psyminI tried HTC Vive out last night on Gentoo and Ubuntu. SteamVR wouldn't function for me. It acted exactly as it does without a device connected. Alas.

But there have been recent steam updates for SteamVR so I think they're still on track to support us.

This is the kind of input I wanted to hear! SteamVR is installable in Linux. I don't get my Vive until May. Do you have the udev rules for Vive installed? Debian unstable has a steam-devices package with a udev line in it. If you could check that and see if SteamVR works, that can at least shut up the naysayers.
SketchStick Apr 7, 2016
Quoting: psyminI tried HTC Vive out last night on Gentoo and Ubuntu. SteamVR wouldn't function for me.

Everyone knows the SteamVR compositor isn't ready yet, but as a developer I'm more interested if the headset and controller tracking via. OpenVR works...
Cybolic Apr 7, 2016
Oh, this is horrible. From Big Picture, this page shows compatibility with Win, Mac, and Linux and when following through the links all the way to the preorder, that info is never disputed.

It's flat out false advertisement at this point.

EDIT: Screenshot of BPM.


Last edited by Cybolic on 7 April 2016 at 11:16 pm UTC
@limatangoalpha Apr 22, 2016
Quoting: CybolicIt's flat out false advertisement at this point.
I fully agree, and that's not the only problem:

https://medium.com/@limatangoalpha/open-letter-to-htc-vive-launch-d596a5d40e5f

#HonorTheCustomer
Hyperdrive May 8, 2016
Hi,

Don't know if you follow this thread anymore, but I'd like to share my experience with the HTC Vive with you. I've just received it and at the beginning it looked like it would work fine:
* Bundle on Steam installed after I submitted the code from HTC.
* When I plugged in the Vive, steam automatically installed SteamVR.

But..

A day later my programs were 'lost' from Steam. The option to install them didn't exist anymore. The steamvr button is there but nothing happens when I try to run it. There aren't much of comprehensible error messages too. No response from either HTC (which asked which OS I was going to use and gave me all reasons to believe they would support my choice) nor Valve so far. I hope it is because of the weekend.

I hope you've had more luck. Fortunately I had another computer with Windows (urk) which allowed me to try it anyway and.. yes.. this is a paradigm shift. The world is not the same. I really hope linux is on the train to the future.
@limatangoalpha May 9, 2016
Quoting: HyperdriveA day later my programs were 'lost' from Steam. The option to install them didn't exist anymore. The steamvr button is there but nothing happens when I try to run it. There aren't much of comprehensible error messages too.
Sorry to hear that, I've heard others had issues when using the Steam "Beta" client (Steam > Settings > Account > Beta Participation). The solution was to remove the "Beta Participation" which will return your Steam client to the standard version.


Quoting: HyperdriveNo response from either HTC (which asked which OS I was going to use and gave me all reasons to believe they would support my choice) nor Valve so far. I hope it is because of the weekend.
My experience of HTC's customer support wasn't positive but this appears to be more of a Valve issue (Steam), hopefully the weekend was truly to blame and you'll have feedback soon.


Last edited by @limatangoalpha on 9 May 2016 at 5:26 pm UTC
Hyperdrive May 9, 2016
"Message by Support Tech Raymond on Mon, May 9 2016 9:13
Hello Kristofer,

Thank you for contacting Steam Support.
We apologize for the delay.
At this time, SteamVR is not supported on Linux.
You will need to use a Windows based machine to run SteamVR.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
If you have any further difficulty, please let us know - we will be happy to assist you."


HTC has not replied yet. Although I'm completely convinced they lied right out. I filled out an order form with Linux as an option. There was no indication in any correspondence with HTC that this contract could be broken later on.

Not that this stops me from using the Vive, which is an awesome product of course, but this kind of ignorance really pisses me off and I would be satisfied with so little.
@limatangoalpha May 10, 2016
Quoting: HyperdriveAt this time, SteamVR is not supported on Linux.
While disappointing it's good to have official confirmation finally, if only HTC/Valve had made that clear on the Steam pre-order page instead of leaving any changes to the last minute then going publicly silent on the subject. Understandably that behaviour could be seen as "False Advertising" which is illegal in most countries, not a particularly sensible business practice as lawsuits and negative press may follow.


Quoting: HyperdriveHTC has not replied yet. Although I'm completely convinced they lied right out. I filled out an order form with Linux as an option. There was no indication in any correspondence with HTC that this contract could be broken later on.
If you're certain they lied and, more importantly, have proof you are well within your right to demand an official explanation and some level of compensation for your inconvenience.


Quoting: Hyperdrivethis kind of ignorance really pisses me off and I would be satisfied with so little.
I can assure you you're not alone, I wrote an open letter to HTC publicly detailing my (negative) experience. Perhaps it's worth you doing something similar to help clear any potential confusion/issues others may be facing, typically companies only take notice once enough momentum is generated and/or sales are affected.

#HonorTheCustomer
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