ALVR for Apple Vision Pro download is open and forwards hand tracking to SteamVR

ALVR is a program that allows Apple VisionPro能够在SteamVR上运行的应用程序，现在任何人都可以下载使用。

If you're interested in virtual reality, you're probably familiar with makingMetaQuest头显在Windows上充当PC VR头显的三个最受欢迎的工具：Virtual Desktop、Steam Link和Quest（Air）Link。但你可能对开源替代工具ALVR不太熟悉，它在这些工具之前就已经存在。

Earlier this year, in February, we reported that software developer Zhuowei Zhang had successfully ported ALVR to visionOS. despite the many problems with the initial port, developer Max Thomas has been working on improving the code over the course of the six weeks.

Thomas has greatly improved the application's networking code, reduced jitter and lag, increased the refresh rate to 96 Hz, implemented HDR (High Dynamic Range) display output, and added the ability to convert the Proof gesture tracking passed to SteamVR skeletal input support.

Previously, using ALVR on Vision Pro required compiling the source code on a Mac using Xcode, but now the app has been approved for easy download on TestFlight. If you're not familiar with the Apple ecosystem, TestFlight is essentially Apple's version of Quest App Lab.

Approval on TestFlight means Virtual Desktop and iVRy will also be approved, and both developers plan to release apps for Vision Pro.

Of course, the Apple Vision Pro isn't a practical way to play most SteamVR games out of the box due to the lack of tracking controllers. SteamVR skeletal inputs are primarily used for the finger-tracking capabilities of controllers like the Valve Index, which include thumbsticks, triggers, and buttons.ALVR on the Vision Pro allows you to simulate these controls through a series of gestures, but that's obviously pretty clunky for most games.

However, you can provide these inputs via Bluetooth controllers such as the Nintendo Joy-Con. Their input is passed to SteamVR and haptic feedback is passed back.

However, all of this only applies to apps that support SteamVR skeletal input. Most VR apps on Steam don't support it, including VRChat, and even in the apps that do support it, the tracking quality is far below that of real VR controllers like the Meta Quest Touch.

To play most SteamVR games with excellent controller tracking quality, you can add a SteamVR tracking base station and Valve Index controllers and do the alignment manually using a tool like OpenVR Space Calibrator. But if you don't already have such a device, this will cost you about $600 and you'll need to do the alignment every time.

Despite the lack of a controller, the Vision Pro still serves as an excellent helmet for use with untracked input devices, such as a steering wheel for simulated racing or a HOTAS setup for a flight simulator.

You can now from TestFlightDownload ALVR.