ALVR is a VR streaming application that transmits PC-based VR games to standalone headsets over Wi-Fi.
The tool solves the problem of tethering VR players to their gaming PC by streaming the video and audio output wirelessly to supported headsets. It works by encoding the PC's VR display on compatible GPUs using hardware acceleration, then transmitting the stream over a local network to the headset, which decodes and displays the content. This approach allows players to use high-end PC VR games on mobile VR hardware without physical cables.
The project supports a broad range of headsets including Meta Quest devices, HTC Vive Focus models, Pico Neo series, Apple Vision Pro, and several others, with varying levels of support. It runs on Windows and Linux PCs equipped with NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel GPUs that support hardware video encoding. Adoption requires a high-end gaming PC, a supported headset, SteamVR, and a local network with the PC and headset on the same router or routed connection. The tool is particularly suited for users who own standalone VR headsets and want to access their PC VR library without purchasing dedicated PCVR hardware. Some headsets like Oculus Go are no longer supported, and macOS is not supported on the PC side.
The project maintains active development with regular updates addressing compatibility across multiple headset platforms and operating systems. The codebase is written in Rust, indicating a focus on performance and safety-critical streaming functionality. The team provides comprehensive documentation including installation guides, troubleshooting resources, and platform-specific guidance for Linux users, suggesting ongoing attention to user experience across different system configurations.
