Valve might have had a long collaboration with HTC on the topic of virtual reality, but now the company is ready to present an own headset-- the Index, a device set for a May 2019 launch.
So far Valve offers no information on the Index, outside of a single teaser image and the aforementioned release date. However the image offered by Valve does match a previous leak posted by UploadVR on November 2018. The report suggests the headset offers a 135-degree field of view with "Vive Pro resolution," and what look like SteamVR tracking photodiodes under the plastic. It also has two wide-angle cameras taking care of inside-out tracking, allowing players to move around a round without need for base stations or external tracking cameras.
As for control, we wouldn't be surprised if the Index will be compatible with the "Knuckles" controllers shown previously by Valve in prototype form. These look similar to the Oculus Touch controllers, and feature motion tracking capabilities, hardware buttons and a 7-8 hour battery life. Furthermore, UploadVR claims the headset will be bundled with a VR game based on the popular Half Life franchise.
We will have to wait until May in order to learn more about the Index headset.
Go Valve Index
Go Valve Planning 135° VR Headset Bundled With ‘Knuckles’ Controllers And Half-Life VR (UploadVR)
