That sounds like a no for me then, I’m not installing an app from Meta on my phone. But it’s cool there’s an option to side load updates, maybe I’ll look around and see if anyone has rooted it to allow use without the app.
I’m happy to spend twice as much for something that I feel respects my privacy more. I’m looking at the Bigscreen Beyond (want to see it mature a bit more) and Valve index, but I’m not in a hurry since VR content is still pretty limited, especially on Linux (and no idea how well the Bigscreen works on Linux).
Huh, maybe I’ll check out a YouTube video or something.
The larger issue is that Linux-compatible games are fairly limited, so I’d mostly be getting it for messing around with developing VR games. I’m guessing I’d have a much better experience with an Index and SteamVR than with a Meta product, but $500 is probably worth a day or two of pain.
I’m fine giving Meta a throwaway email if it’s a one-time thing (or only when it needs updates), but there’s no way I’m installing an app on my phone or creating an account with them. I’m also not letting it touch the Internet once it’s setup, and I can handle the router config for that (it’ll just go on the same DMZ with my cameras).
No prob! I was curious how far I could get with a low-effort decoupling from Meta, and I’m sad it turns out that that’s not very far.
I updated my post a little with some more thoughts about the situation.
I think it would be cool to root it, but the hassle then to update it would be too much for me at least. And you would want the updates too because they are still adding improvements to things like controller motion tracking and whatnot.
I’m excited for what this quest version of Steam link can do for getting more VR content on Linux. Without the need for Linux drivers for the headset, it can just be streamed and the hardware work is done. Valve is clearly talented enough to get the software side working. It would be cool as hell to have a mode that turns the Steam Deck into a WAP (easy on Linux as you undoubtedly know) and you just connect your headset and start VR gaming from it.
Thank you for the discussion by the way. You’ve inspired me to drop my unit into its own SSID now, and log what it’s doing to keep an eye on it.
Thanks so much for trying it out!
That sounds like a no for me then, I’m not installing an app from Meta on my phone. But it’s cool there’s an option to side load updates, maybe I’ll look around and see if anyone has rooted it to allow use without the app.
I’m happy to spend twice as much for something that I feel respects my privacy more. I’m looking at the Bigscreen Beyond (want to see it mature a bit more) and Valve index, but I’m not in a hurry since VR content is still pretty limited, especially on Linux (and no idea how well the Bigscreen works on Linux).
Not trying to convince you or anything, but the pairing process can be done via web, without the installing the app.
Staying away from meta products is, in any case, a good idea.
Huh, maybe I’ll check out a YouTube video or something.
The larger issue is that Linux-compatible games are fairly limited, so I’d mostly be getting it for messing around with developing VR games. I’m guessing I’d have a much better experience with an Index and SteamVR than with a Meta product, but $500 is probably worth a day or two of pain.
I’m fine giving Meta a throwaway email if it’s a one-time thing (or only when it needs updates), but there’s no way I’m installing an app on my phone or creating an account with them. I’m also not letting it touch the Internet once it’s setup, and I can handle the router config for that (it’ll just go on the same DMZ with my cameras).
Thank you for that info, now that I know that, I’m gonna switch to web only.
No prob! I was curious how far I could get with a low-effort decoupling from Meta, and I’m sad it turns out that that’s not very far.
I updated my post a little with some more thoughts about the situation.
I think it would be cool to root it, but the hassle then to update it would be too much for me at least. And you would want the updates too because they are still adding improvements to things like controller motion tracking and whatnot.
I’m excited for what this quest version of Steam link can do for getting more VR content on Linux. Without the need for Linux drivers for the headset, it can just be streamed and the hardware work is done. Valve is clearly talented enough to get the software side working. It would be cool as hell to have a mode that turns the Steam Deck into a WAP (easy on Linux as you undoubtedly know) and you just connect your headset and start VR gaming from it.
Thank you for the discussion by the way. You’ve inspired me to drop my unit into its own SSID now, and log what it’s doing to keep an eye on it.