Enlarge / The new SteamVR controller prototype (right) allows you to open your hand and then grip the controller to grip virtual objects. (credit: Robert Merki / Twitter)

OK, we didn’t really do that. What we did do is follow along with the dozens of developers who are livetweeting all the news from the opening keynote on the #SteamDevDays hashtag (and through very shaky Periscope streams). This kind of second-hand reporting means sifting through some obvious trolling from less than reputable sources, but when we see the same information tweeted from multiple attendees at the same time, we can be pretty confident it actually came from the show itself.

Valve seems to be focusing heavily on virtual reality at this year’s show, and that includes revealing a new prototype controller compatible with SteamVR. The biggest change in the new prototype seems to be the ability to open your hands completely without dropping the controller, making the prototype somewhat akin to Oculus’ own Touch controllers. Attendees also say the prototype does away with the annoying “grip buttons” on the side of the current HTC Vive controllers and simply recognizes when your palms and fingers grasp the side of the controller instead. It’s not clear from early tweeted pictures (above) just how that prototype attaches to your hand when it’s open, but we look forward to hearing more.