Valve Lays Out Plans For SteamOS

Summary

In this interview with Pierre-Loup from Valve, we learn about Valve's partnership with Lenovo to bring SteamOS to new handheld devices. Pierre-Loup discusses Valve's goals of supporting diverse hardware vendors and improving the gaming experience across various form factors. The conversation highlights SteamOS updates, compatibility, and customization, emphasizing close collaboration with partners. The potential for SteamOS on more devices, including gaming laptops and set-top boxes, is also explored, along with Valve’s continued development of Steam Deck hardware. The interview concludes with a glimpse into the future of SteamOS and Valve's ongoing hardware efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Valve is partnering with Lenovo to bring SteamOS to new hardware, with Lenovo being the first to offer SteamOS-powered devices.
• 😀 SteamOS will be available for free to other hardware vendors who wish to ship with it, with Valve aiming to support various hardware types beyond the Steam Deck.
• 😀 Valve views the Steam Deck and other SteamOS-powered devices as complementary, not competitive, in the market.
• 😀 SteamOS will continue to offer the same customizable experience and modding potential that Steam Deck users enjoy.
• 😀 Valve is working on adapting SteamOS to new form factors, including gaming laptops and potentially set-top boxes, but is focused on handhelds for now.
• 😀 The experience of running SteamOS on a PC has improved significantly since last year, and Valve continues to refine hardware support for better compatibility.
• 😀 Valve uses a robust testing system with beta and preview channels to ensure issues are caught early and updates reach users smoothly.
• 😀 Despite expanding SteamOS to other hardware, Valve is still heavily working on Steam Deck updates and future hardware development.
• 😀 Valve is committed to providing continuous updates and support for SteamOS, including updates for all devices at the same time.
• 😀 The SteamOS expansion to other devices is part of Valve's strategy to diversify the gaming experience, with more devices and hardware compatibility to come.

Q & A

What is Valve's main goal for partnering with external hardware vendors?

Valve's goal is to support a wide range of devices with SteamOS, recognizing that different hardware vendors may prioritize different features like battery life, performance, and controls. They want to provide a seamless SteamOS experience across a variety of hardware options.

Why did Valve decide to work with Lenovo specifically for this SteamOS partnership?

Valve chose to partner with Lenovo because their hardware was a good fit for the timelines and compatibility Valve was aiming for. Lenovo was seen as the ideal first partner to bring SteamOS to market on handheld devices.

Does Valve see the partnership with Lenovo as a threat to the Steam Deck?

No, Valve does not see Lenovo's devices as competitors to the Steam Deck. The company views them as complementary offerings, expanding the variety of SteamOS-powered devices rather than replacing the Steam Deck.

Will Valve continue to work with other hardware partners in the future?

Yes, Valve is definitely interested in working with more partners in the future to bring SteamOS to a variety of devices, not just handhelds, but potentially other form factors as well.

How is Valve ensuring that SteamOS works well on different hardware, like the Lenovo device?

Valve is closely collaborating with hardware partners, ensuring SteamOS works seamlessly with their devices. This includes firmware updates, compatibility testing, and ongoing coordination for updates post-launch.

Can users still expect the same SteamOS customization options with partner devices?

Yes, users can expect the same SteamOS customization experience. Features like manual control over settings (e.g., refresh rates, performance modes) and access to SteamOS' UI remain the same across both the Steam Deck and partner devices.

Is there a difference in how SteamOS is implemented on Lenovo's device compared to the Steam Deck?

Yes, there are some hardware differences, such as Lenovo's device having a single trackpad instead of two. However, the SteamOS experience remains consistent, with adjustments made to accommodate the specific controls of each device.

Will SteamOS be compatible with other form factors beyond handheld devices, such as set-top boxes or gaming laptops?

Yes, Valve is working on expanding SteamOS support to other form factors. While the current focus is on handheld devices, Valve plans to explore options like gaming laptops and set-top boxes in the future.

How does Valve handle the testing and validation of SteamOS on multiple devices?

Valve uses a finely tuned system with data channels that allows them to test updates in stages (preview, beta, stable). This helps catch any issues early before they reach all users, even when expanding SteamOS support to new devices.

What is Valve’s stance on DIY users installing SteamOS on their own devices?

Valve supports DIY users and allows them to install SteamOS on their own devices. However, they also have a program, 'SteamOS Compatible,' for hardware partners who want to preload SteamOS on their devices and sell them as compatible with the Steam ecosystem.