We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.
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.
0 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
42 comments
Page: 1/5»
  Go to:

14 Apr 5, 2016
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
Well, screw pre-orders then.
Pecisk Apr 5, 2016
It was very obvious it won't arrive with release, due of lack of infrastructure around VR in Linux - neither OR or Vive gave any hints that it is coming any time soon, while rushing their Windows releases out.

I think due of price range we can relax quite a bit - unless VR drops to 400 USD, it really won't impact viability of SteamOS at this point. However I would like to see support delivered as soon as possible - otherwise this looks like bait and switch, which is in fact illegal in many places on Earth.
Linas Apr 5, 2016
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
Quoting: 14Well, screw pre-orders then.
This, along with many other things that don't work on Linux, go to my do-not-care-about-it section. If you cannot use it, why bother?
bubexel Apr 5, 2016
Arfff, i was expecting that, not surprised to be honest.

I hope this will be a short gap...
Teal Apr 5, 2016
I love how SteamOS still can't even stream games publicly.
Pecisk Apr 5, 2016
Anyone care to get technical response from HTC what's holding up Vive release on Linux? Lack of resources? Drivers (admittedly, they might for AMDGPU driver to be properly released and tested)? Something else?

I suspect it is most likely all major resources being thrown at doing Windows release ASAP, and Linux version being held up due of AMD driver situation and overall testing.

It is still wrong to not to say straight up front that Linux support won't arrive at release. They knew that most likely for some time now.
Kimyrielle Apr 5, 2016
A bit strange coming from the gaming company that's pushing Linux harder than any other. But it makes a -little- bit of sense from a business perspective not to wait. After all, the Rift already launched, and in business it's usually not a good idea to let your competition beat you to the market if you can help it. Being first on market is a tremendous advantage and if you leave the Rift alone there for too long they will scoop up market shares that will be very hard to gain back.
Teal Apr 5, 2016
Quoting: PeciskAnyone care to get technical response from HTC what's holding up Vive release on Linux? Lack of resources? Drivers (admittedly, they might for AMDGPU driver to be properly released and tested)? Something else?

I suspect it is most likely all major resources being thrown at doing Windows release ASAP, and Linux version being held up due of AMD driver situation and overall testing.

It is still wrong to not to say straight up front that Linux support won't arrive at release. They knew that most likely for some time now.

If Valve were a person they would turn up a week late to their mom's funeral.

They just can't keep deadlines.

Never ever.
Pecisk Apr 5, 2016
Quoting: KimyrielleA bit strange coming from the gaming company that's pushing Linux harder than any other. But it makes a -little- bit of sense from a business perspective not to wait. After all, the Rift already launched, and in business it's usually not a good idea to let your competition beat you to the market if you can help it. Being first on market is a tremendous advantage and if you leave the Rift alone there for too long they will scoop up market shares that will be very hard to gain back.

It would be very stupid for HTC to held up Windows release just because of Linux. HTC is cash strapped, they are banking a lot with Vive VR - and frankly I hope they will get bigger market share but Facebook spares no expense at advertising shit out of OR, despite being inferior product - still it doesn't justify their poorly managed communication with Linux community - again. This is just bad, and companies should understand it just creates quite a bad start with community.
Pecisk Apr 5, 2016
Quoting: Teal
Quoting: PeciskAnyone care to get technical response from HTC what's holding up Vive release on Linux? Lack of resources? Drivers (admittedly, they might for AMDGPU driver to be properly released and tested)? Something else?

I suspect it is most likely all major resources being thrown at doing Windows release ASAP, and Linux version being held up due of AMD driver situation and overall testing.

It is still wrong to not to say straight up front that Linux support won't arrive at release. They knew that most likely for some time now.

If Valve were a person they would turn up a week late to their mom's funeral.

They just can't keep deadlines.

Never ever.

It is not, however, Valve project. It is HTC. And Valve did provide OpenVR libraries for Linux.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.