What we know is that it is based on Ubuntu, but we don't know how much different it is. Best case scenario, you will be able to run pretty much all linux software on it.
Valve announces SteamOS
- Thread starter PartTimeWarrior
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What we know is that it is based on Ubuntu, but we don't know how much different it is. Best case scenario, you will be able to run pretty much all linux software on it.
Valve has already added non-game software to the store and more integration of popular tools is coming (e.g. Blender). It makes sense that they want Steam to not only be a platform to play games on, but to create them as well and for that you need a desktop environment.
The initial release of SteamOS will perhaps focus solely on the "living room experience", but I'd be surprised if SteamOS wouldn't facilitate desktop use in the end.
ashecitism
Member
Right now, we only have this:
Which makes me believe that while SteamOS is optimized for the livingroom, you can still use for other stuff, if you want. The tools will probably be there for it.
And I don't see why they wouldn't. I mean, outside of games they have non-game softwares to sell too (not sure how many of those are Linux compatible right now though) which are better suited for desktop use.
Sentenza
Member
"Less bloat" in the end means simply that it's not going to install/run unnecessary stuff by default.
That doesn't (well, shouldn't) prevent the user from installing and running other additional software at will.
Oh, I see. It should be as simple as adding a third party app and picking a grid image. That would be amazing...
Depends on how much console-like they're trying to be. It's still a computer, so I guess they'll keep some flexibility..
ashecitism
Member
Also, don't Valve want to have Adobe products on their service too? I recall them having a talk with how they could make PS free-to-play-esque for example.
iceatcs
Junior Member
That's even worse in the other way if I read that correctly. I don't see anything to do how PC work. I knew that it's technically possible but require thing (like software) to work.
It is mainly on software client.
Look, I'll classify for you:
[PC - A] Windows + Steam.
[PC - B] Windows + Steam
Will Valve allow streaming both without SteamOS.
For? low-end XMBC in the living room, and main computer in the office.
ashecitism
Member
iceatcs
Junior Member
Boom, thanks. Not easy to find with light blue background.
Glad it sorted - No need to install SteamOS on my XBMC station. Can't wait for Steam client update.
ashecitism
Member
What do you mean it wasn't easy to find? :lol It's in the middle of the announcement in a highlighted field.
edit: oh I see the blue made it harder for you.
edit: oh I see the blue made it harder for you.
The Cowboy
Member
This is something I really want to see as well.,what does the main interface/GUI look like and has the games page changed much over Big Picture etc?.
I really hope they post some pics or a video of it running soon.
iceatcs
Junior Member
Exactly.
AdmiralPain
Banned
The position of Microsoft CEO? DUN DUN DUN
I remember a comment (I think from Gabe) that they reached Adobe to talk about turning Photoshop F2P and a service-based software package. That at least hints that they are reaching to generic desktop software developers. Though it doesn't necessarily means that SteamOS UI will accomodate for other purposes than gaming I find that a bit reassuring.
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
God I would love to read their response to that.
oneils
Member
I'm excited too. I think we might see something that no one expected.
AdmiralPain
Banned
I just want to see a reasonably powerful box at a reasonable price. If the Steambox retails for less than $500, it's mine.
They told Gabe that they didn't know what he was talking about but it seemed like a bad idea. Hehehe
Horse Detective
Why the long case?
I wonder if the box will really be today's announcement.
I don't see how it could be anything else considering that the circle is steamOS, and today the circle is in a box.
I don't see how it could be anything else considering that the circle is steamOS, and today the circle is in a box.
FloatingDivider
Member
Who is this for honestly? I like - nay love steam (oh god how I've changed my 16 year old self would have never typed that - WON for life.) but why would I want to use linux when directx is still running the show? Is this just an overblown Microsoft tried to close the ecosystem hissy fit or something that would actually lead to any form of market control for linux?
angular graphics
Banned
"Watch for announcements in the coming weeks about all the AAA titles coming natively to SteamOS in 2014."
The hope is SteamOS will eventually be widely supported.
Graphics Horse
Member
It's the first step in not having directx running the show. But it's not necessarily for you right now.
fluffydelusions
Member
I'm really interested in seeing a controller. Especially if you can play something like dota 2 with it.
angular graphics
Banned
They absolutely aren't.
Sentenza
Member
I almost feel like there isn't much to reveal at this point.
We essentially already know what the Steambox is: a set of guideline standards to define an entry level gaming PC for the next years.
I'm quite curious about the design of Valve's official model, though.
P.S. The price will also be interesting. I don't expect it to be sold as subsidized and at loss, but if it's going to cost roughly on par with a "assemble-it-yourself" PC we may have a winner. If it's going to be overpriced like most pre-assembled are these days, not so much.
FloatingDivider
Member
I don't disagree with that sentiment, but I'm still wondering where the market for this thing is. I imagine hardcore gamers are fine with windows, have been fine with windows and will continue to be fine with windows. The same goes for casual gamers but it has never been a choice for them, windows is bundled on virtually every laptop that's not a netbook and it's the only choice for complete desktop purchases. So I just don't see anyone buying this besides a small curious fragment of the people currently using steam and maybe a few people that don't know any better when they go to pick up a new desktop that end up buying a steambox. The only way this could work is if for some reason manufacturers are sick enough of paying windows licensing fees to go with a free alternative, but they could have started installing linux at any point in time ages ago.
SolarPowered
Member
It can't be this. I'm pretty sure my cheekbones would break from the resulting smile on my face.
fluffydelusions
Member
If valve can get exclusive games on steam maybe that? I mean really that is all that sets consoles apart are exclusives. Make l4d3,hl3(lol) steam exclusive for instance.
There's a DOTA2 mode for the Razer Hydra, so it can work. Dunno if it is practical, tho.
angular graphics
Banned
That's pretty significant IMO. I'm super excited to see the HW and price of it.
Half Life 3 SteamOS exclusive: instant audience.
SteveWinwood
Member
Unless your goal is to be the worst dota player in the world, I really wouldn't mess with anything other than a mouse.
People keep saying this and the chances of it are zero.
fluffydelusions
Member
Yeah that is why I'm really interested to see the controller for this. I mean if there aim is truly the living room than I'm sure they will figure a way to make it work good.
FloatingDivider
Member
That'd be something but for as much as I love valve games I don't see myself switching my os to play a single exclusive game. Maybe I'd run it in dual boot but that'd be a lot of effort. I also think it'd be a loss as they might sell some more steamboxes but they'd also probably sell a lot less games.
ashecitism
Member
Valve won't make any of their games SteamOS exclusive. Steam exclusive? Maybe. But SO exclusive? No. It would piss off a lot of their customers.
fluffydelusions
Member
Not steamOS but steam in general would be the best thing to move units IMO. All valve games steam exclusive. People who can't afford to build a PC buy a steam box
FloatingDivider
Member
But unless something has changed significantly that I haven't heard about people that can't afford a pc that will buy a steam box will be unable to play a very large amount of the games currently on steam - all of the ones that use directx and that's a lot of titles.
fluffydelusions
Member
The same could be said for both Sony and ms.if they sold there first party games elsewhere they'd make more money but what would be the point in buying the console then?
FloatingDivider
Member
Sony and MS charge licensing fees, they make money off of third parties selling games on their system. They release first party titles to hopefully help drive adoption but they probably don't need to for them to make a healthy profit.
Edit: Although since Valve takes 30% I imagine they don't need to either, it just seems unlike them to do an OS exclusive title.
fluffydelusions
Member
I'm referring to the new games coming out. Steambox will be in same position as next gen systems in terms of games to play. There are actually hundreds of games that work on steamos so maybe they are better off actually.
AdmiralPain
Banned
Spot on. I'm almost certain that all Valve games will be Steam exclusive from now on. Wanna play Left4Dead? Buy it on Steam or buy a Steambox. Valve is not a third-party developer any more, it's a platform holder.
Various Artists
Banned
A steam os would make games run better too right? No windows overhead?
AdmiralPain
Banned
Supposedly so according to Valve.
childplease
Banned
Yes that appears to be true.
I wish I could find some preliminary figures on the fps difference for games running on windows vs linux but I do know there is a considerable boost from linux.
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