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[SenjutsuSage]

Intel, Nvidia, AMD etc are just doing what makes sense. There's no way in hell either one of them actually believe Windows is in any danger of being completely replaced and abandoned anytime soon or in the distant future, and anyone who seriously thinks that's going to happen is delusional. No matter what Steam machines or SteamOS is, it's far from being a replacement for all that Windows is. Windows is popular not just because it's a popular place to play PC games, but because it's a popular place to play PC games that also happens to be useful for a heck of a lot of other incredibly useful things, too.

 

[Moral Panic]

But then again, there's family sharing, and the moving between regions thing is for select games in select places (unless i've missed some news?).

Doesn't matter. It's mere existence should have people screaming in anger like they did with XB1 DRM. People have put on their blinkers that Valve are the "good guys" so they can't see how ridiculously restrictive and terrible a DRM scheme it is becoming.

 

[Captain Tuttle]

Android tho?

Android's success is because it's on smart phones, not because it's Linux

 

[Vagabundo]

Because it seems that everything coming out of Polygon comes with x10000 hyperbole.

OMG Xbox from the future, amazing

2 months later

Steambox to stomp over that clunky MS box

Xbone was only one month in the future. It is now one month in the past.

So sorry.

 

[Synth]

Probably because x1's live didn't exist yet. They'll switch it over soon I'd imagine.

Yea, I get that it didn't exist to us yet. But I would have expected them to have an updated version ready for when the X1 released though. Maybe it'll switch over in their next major update. It's a bit weird that the X1 developer strategy looks to be aiming to combine the platforms, when the network can't even speak to each other.

Android's success is because it's on smart phones, not because it's Linux

It's definitely become something for them to worry about though. Android is currently occupying the position in the smartphone market which MS would likely have been imagining to be theirs with WP.

 

[StratJ]

I don't think there is any "alarming" focus on low-level coding. Especially in an age where the C++11 standard is implemented by every compiler.

That is what I referred to as "evolution" of OpenGL and others. APIs often evolve from very thin low level wrappers to mid-level wrappers that make tedious tasks easier. This would be enabled through competition to DirectX.

I'm compiling the same language, but I'm targeting certain hardware. If I use an alternative to Mantle, it'll be drastically different to Mantle which adds testing time and development time.

Of course I love the performance benefits of the freedom of a lowered load CPU, but I'm just worried where the market could be in PC gaming. Its just a concern of mine.

TBH, I don't feel Mantle will gain that much traction even with its changes.

 

[Dreams-Visions]

The only thing SteamOS means is that I may have to dual-boot in the future.

That's an annoyance, not a relief.

SteamOS isn't for you if you only have one computer and you use it for business as well as gaming. SteamOS is targeted at those who have (or are interested in) a having a secondary (or tertiary) computer that is primarily attached to their televisions and don't do much more than serve their entertainment needs. People and computers for whom dual booting isn't an inconvenience.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

I would love to not need windows and to have more reasons to use linux. I suppose I could keep my windows 7 key around for my old games that needed windows.

 

[Hari Seldon]

I would love to not need windows and to have more reasons to use linux. I suppose I could keep my windows 7 key around for my old games that needed windows.

Yeah this is exactly the threat to MS. If all of the new games coming out are going to support Linux/SteamOS, then there is absolutely zero reason to ever upgrade past windows 7 even for a desktop PC. However for this to work Valve needs to be working on an actual desktop OS, not some shitty living room OS that is too niche to ever matter.

 

[Captain Tuttle]

It's definitely become something for them to worry about though. Android is currently occupying the position in the smartphone market which MS would likely have been imagining to be theirs with WP.

I'd imagine that Android being linked to Google is hundreds of times more worrisome to MS (across all platforms) than Android being linked to Linux.

What OS do Chromebooks run? Honest question, I have no idea. Is it Linux-based?

 

[KKRT00]

Windows is not going away any time soon or even any time in the future.

People who think that gamers will dual boot systems just because one is SteamOS are crazy. SteamOS is in very bad position, because it does not give any benefits currently and comes with tons of drawbacks. People are used to not only gaming on PC, but also doing tons of other stuff in meantime or even in the same time.

That said SteamOS, with ton of focus from 3rd party, can be great alternative for console alike players that want simple PC system in their living room.

 

[SteveWinwood]

I'd imagine that Android being linked to Google is hundreds of times more worrisome to MS (across all platforms) than Android being linked to Linux.

What OS do Chromebooks run? Honest question, I have no idea. Is it Linux-based?

It's ChromeOS which is linux based yes.

 

[PandaPedinte]

Yeah this is exactly the threat to MS. If all of the new games coming out are going to support Linux/SteamOS, then there is absolutely zero reason to ever upgrade past windows 7 even for a desktop PC. However for this to work Valve needs to be working on an actual desktop OS, not some shitty living room OS that is too niche to ever matter.

Iirc SteamOS has a desktop mode.

 

[bj00rn_]

Microsoft may be king of the desktop, but it is a shrinking kingdom. Smartphones and tablets are making it increasingly irrelevant. On too of that, these Steam boxes aren't even aiming for the desktop, but for the living room.

Why would you want to play PC games (or any game for that matter) in the living room? To sit there looking awkward with a VR headset on? ;-) Anyway PC gaming on desktops and especially laptops is growing because of phones and tablets, not shrinking (just google it, it's a well known phenomenon).

 

[outunderthestars]

If they can get media content providers such a Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, and Google to make apps, I would be thrilled to own a Steambox in my living room.

 

[SteveWinwood]

Iirc SteamOS has a desktop mode.

yep

it looks like linux

If they can get media content providers such a Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, and Google to make apps, I would be thrilled to own a Steambox in my living room.

I haven't been following the steamdb, but didn't they find hooks for tons of that in there?

 

[Hari Seldon]

If they can get media content providers such a Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, and Google to make apps, I would be thrilled to own a Steambox in my living room.

Apps? Wtf do you need apps for? Just fire up the browser.

 

[StratJ]

yep

it looks like linux


I haven't been following the steamdb, but didn't they find hooks for tons of that in there?

That's the first time I've seen the desktop mode of Steam OS and now I'm even more confused towards their goals.

Why would they release a whole OS for desktops with a full-screen implementation of steam, when you could just run Debian (which its clearly based on) and Valve release steam supporting of it?

This is what I don't get. It's so hypocritical on the openness of it.

 

[Drkirby]

Hope someone can report or there is a transcript on that Virtual Economy talk that happens tomorrow, I like hearing about that kind of stuff.

 

[Off-Kilter]

Historically, any product dismissed by a MS exec will be dominating its market within a few years. Bodes well for SteamOS :lol

This post in on point.

Microsoft would do well to actually sweat it this time around.

 

[StratJ]

Apps? Wtf do you need apps for? Just fire up the browser.

Flash, flash everywhere.

 

[Exuro]

yep

it looks like linux


I haven't been following the steamdb, but didn't they find hooks for tons of that in there?

All I've heard is for spotify.

Apps? Wtf do you need apps for? Just fire up the browser.

Netflix isn't available on linux due to silverlight. I'm guessing other media sites are the same or similar.

 

[SteveWinwood]

That's the first time I've seen the desktop mode of Steam OS and now I'm even more confused towards their goals.

Why would they release a whole OS for desktops with a full-screen implementation of steam, when you could just run Debian (which its clearly based on) and Valve release steam supporting of it?

This is what I don't get. It's so hypocritical.

It's hidden away in a settings menu. I don't know if it's vestigial or meant only for "power users" or what.

All I've heard is for spotify.

Hmmm. My memory needs a check I guess. Getting old.

 

[Hari Seldon]

Flash, flash everywhere.

Oh god damnit.

 

[StratJ]

It's hidden away in a settings menu. I don't know if it's vestigial or what.

Oh so you can change it from the TV style steam to the normal desktop one?

If so, why don't just release a desktop client for Linux? It baffles the mind.

 

[SteveWinwood]

Oh so you can change it from the TV style steam to the normal desktop one?

If so, why don't just release a desktop client for Linux? It baffles the mind.

They already did a really long time ago.

Really long is like a year ago.

 

[EVIL]

'Fairness' is an odd concept in this discussion. You don't play potential; yes, given time and the right choices it might become great. But if it's not great right now, why should someone give it a shot when they have alternatives?

Then they shouldn't, its not as if Valve cares if you do. They don't earn money off of Steam OS, or Steam Machine license fees since its all free. There is no immediate urge to gain mass market appeal day one. If there was then you would have seen a much bigger push and a much more finished and polished OS.

Valve is playing the long game, they are preparing for a situation that might become a reality (MS claiming the PC platform for themselves) and they start at their strength (PC gaming).

There is no reason to switch to Steam OS at all right now, if you have any common sense and love PC gaming then you should stay on windows because it allows you to play allot more games.

 

[Spaghetti]

anybody thinking valve is taking aim at microsoft is dumb as a bag of bricks

it's about ensuring their own survival via an open platform

which is perfectly reasonable considering how flippant microsoft have been about pc and pc gaming while they've been gazing at markets apple and google are in with lustful eyes

honestly they kind of deserve to have a small rebellion from under them

 

[PlumCantaloupe]

Historically, any product dismissed by a MS exec will be dominating its market within a few years. Bodes well for SteamOS :lol

Ouch, but yes.

 

[StratJ]

They already did a really long time ago.

Really long is like a year ago.

God, I've been out of the PC scene a long time.

Well, my point isn't valid anymore. I like SteamOS now.

 

[rezn0r]

as much as I/everyone here love's gaming, it's not the main reason for Windows being huge, and Microsoft doesn't have much to worry about

and no I'm not anti-Steam in any way whatsoever, I just think it's easy to get carried away thinking videogames run the world

 

[Dibbz]

That's the first time I've seen the desktop mode of Steam OS and now I'm even more confused towards their goals.

Why would they release a whole OS for desktops with a full-screen implementation of steam, when you could just run Debian (which its clearly based on) and Valve release steam supporting of it?

This is what I don't get. It's so hypocritical on the openness of it.

What's so hypocritical about it? Valve wants to push PC development forward. To do that they need an OS that is designed with game creators in mind, unlike everything else that is out there. Just putting Steam on Linux gives them little control over that since there are tons of variants. Making a Steam OS allows Valve to tailor the OS to work hand in hand with Steam instead of them trying to shoehorn Steam onto every other OS.

 

[Synth]

I'd imagine that Android being linked to Google is hundreds of times more worrisome to MS (across all platforms) than Android being linked to Linux.

Oh definitely. I wasn't really discussing why they worry about it, just that there is something running linux (other than servers) that is a serious threat to them. It would have been a lot more difficult for Google to have beaten WP to market by a few years if it wasn't for Linux.. and I imagine the landscape would have been very different if WP had hit first with only the single manufacturer Blackberrys and iPhones as alternatives.

They've essentially let Google dominate the market that is a natural progression for their business, which is in turn legitimizing other areas which Google wuold likely have not been able to get into as easily (i.e. Chromebooks). Android tablets are also kinda blowing up their Windows 8 vision right now.

 

[jim-jam bongs]

The advantages of Steam OS moving forward:

- Having a totally open-sourced kernel and display server make slimming down APIs to maximise the performance of PC hardware a more viable option than it ever would be in Windows

- GNU Linux being free allows OEMs to put more money into the hardware when putting together a machine

- Major developers focusing on OpenGL over Direct3D means that multiplatform development is going to be cheaper and easier than ever before

- Microsoft will always treat PC gaming as a secondary concern as long as they own the Xbox brand and create an OS which attempts to be everything to everyone

Obviously Valve need to get people on board making games for the OS, but as someone said earlier if you own the main channel for distributing on a platform you have a lot of power. Offering a bonus 5% share of the revenue for their games on Steam for making a GNU Linux version of their games would be a pretty sweet incentive to publishers, though the decision to do so would need to be done before development in order for that to be financially viable.

I think it's short-sighted to dismiss Steam OS as a consumer or industry observer. Making silly comments like "Microsoft should be terrified" isn't helpful of course because it brings in the fanboys like flies to a pile of shit, but the overall direction is positive and the company behind it have enough power to make it plausible.

 

[outunderthestars]

Apps? Wtf do you need apps for? Just fire up the browser.

If I have to fire up a web browser while sitting on my couch then they have failed.

 

[SolidSnakeUS]

Microsoft needs to be forcibly removed from PC gaming. It will benefit the entire industry.

Thanks for doing what needs to be done, Valve.

Agree 100%. Seriously, if we can move away from the binding of MS and DirectX completely, we will be that much better of a community. If every game and app I own can run on Linux, good bye Windows forever.

 

[Exuro]

anybody thinking valve is taking aim at microsoft is dumb as a bag of bricks

it's about ensuring their own survival via an open platform

which is perfectly reasonable considering how flippant microsoft have been about pc and pc gaming while they've been gazing at markets apple and google are in with lustful eyes

honestly they kind of deserve to have a small rebellion from under them

Right. Their perfect future is having every steam game available on all platform(Won't happen but you get the idea). At the moment they're so heavily reliant on Microsoft that if anything happened with that platform they would be in big trouble, so moving to every platform, including one they have control over, provides not only security but also should provide increased revenue. Being on SteamOS would push devs to use opengl which would be much better for steamplay titles. Would be pretty cool to see them start selling android games and have pc to android steam cloud.

I'm hoping some cool stuff comes out of the steamdevdays. Would be amazing if they put the videos up to the public as well. I'm always fascinated by the stuff they talk about.

 

[ashecitism]

I haven't been following the steamdb, but didn't they find hooks for tons of that in there?

Music

Music is not available in this build of SteamOS/the Steam Beta. There are once again more changes to the backend which mostly seem related to UI stuff that isn't available yet. Spotify integration is still around, but hasn't seen any changes for a while. Let's hope it'll still be a thing when this feature ships!

Movies

As we expected, there's no sign of Movies/TV features yet. Either Valve hasn't started on this yet or they're being careful on what to put in the Steam client during development.

http://steamdb.info/blog/36/

 

[RedSwirl]

I don't think Valve and them are trying to forcibly remove Microsoft from PC gaming just yet. They're preparing for an eventuality that Microsoft might one day decide it no longer gives a shit about traditional PC gaming, or wants to restrict Windows gaming into a totally closed system. Again, SteamOS, right now at least, is an insurance policy.

 

[swcpig]

SteamOS is "just another linux variant". I work in an industry driven heavily by Linux (server side) but replacing Windows on the desktop? Yeah, that's got a long way to go.

I kinda like the idea of Steam but the more I hear about it the less I like it. And I really really wanted it to announce something awesome but it's just a jumbled mess right now. Which is fine - there's lots of divergent code initiatives out there which benefit from the open-source community to drive towards significant performance gains and benefits but then again it's hard to find the right horse to bet on.

Intel/AMD, et al already support Linux so there is only a side step necessary for them to begin supporting SteamOS more readily. But I think the hardware message is confusing and difficult to even communicate. Gabe's recent justification was honestly pretty limp as to why get a Steam Machine. And even then, I don't see why wouldn't create an HTPC machine with dual boot so I can get the best of both worlds.

Windows has no reason to sweat this because it'll be niche - one with likely a strong following but it won't move the needle significantly in my opinion.

That said, MS does have some worry since there are significant pressures coming from many different threat vectors (OSX, Linux in the server space, Cisco/Dell with OpenStack, Valve with Steam, et al)... that as a sum can chip away at their base in very real and meaningful ways.

But replacing gaming on the desktop? Impossible. The whole awesomeness of PC gaming is that kids can use their dad/mom's laptop or PC to play a few games in addition to it being a word processor, et al. If it can compute it will play games.

 

[btkadams]

i don't think steamos will initially be super successful, but i could totally see it dominating pc gaming in 4-6 years. it just needs to get the basics of any os (office-like apps, mail, internet browser, netflix, etc) and allow support for applications like origin and u-play, to ensure that everyone jumps on board. cutting out windows and providing gamers with a free platform is a fantastic thing. of course people don't need a word processor to use on their tv, but i think the key to steamos' success is grabbing both the desktop and tv gaming markets.

 

[fred]

I'll be all over whatever platform has VR nailed down. VR in gaming is something I've always dreamed about since reading Neuromancer by William Gibson, the guy that came up with the original concept of VR.

 

[Basileus777]

i don't think steamos will initially be super successful, but i could totally see it dominating pc gaming in 4-6 years. it just needs to get the basics of any os (office-like apps, mail, internet browser, netflix, etc) and allow support for applications like origin and u-play, to ensure that everyone jumps on board. cutting out windows and providing gamers with a free platform is a fantastic thing. of course people don't need a word processor to use on their tv, but i think the key to steamos' success is grabbing both the desktop and tv gaming markets.

Why would EA want Origin on SteamOS? Why would Valve want a competitor there?

 

[jim-jam bongs]

I find it funny how people keep characterising this as removing Windows from the desktop and not the living room. Considering the ubiquity of embedded Linux under TVs I think it already has better penetration than Windows ever will.

 

[miDnIghtEr20C]

A good piece by Polygon,

Wait, what? Alright! You guys are liking Polygon. I enjoy the site too.

And I also don't think MS has anything to worry about.

 

[btkadams]

Why would EA want Origin on SteamOS? Why would Valve want a competitor there?

why wouldn't ea want to sell their games on a popular platform? if steamos takes off, they will want to be able to access those customers.

valve wouldn't necessarily "want" them on there, but they're going to need to have steamos open for apps from 3rd parties if they want to really grab a huge chunk of the market. locking it down like psn or xbl would go against everything else that they're doing with the os, imo. i see similarities with android tbh, but maybe i'm off-base.

 

[Faddy]

If I have to fire up a web browser while sitting on my couch then they have failed.

Netflix doesn't work on Linux browsers without many work arounds

Install Pipelight (Silverlight workaround for Linux)
Install MS Fonts
Install Wine
Install Patches for Wine

Then you can have a hacky Netflix experience on Linux.

Of course you will need to hunt down the exact instructions for your distro and typing many commands into the terminal. Steam OS is built on Debian(?)

 

[jim-jam bongs]

Netflix doesn't work on Linux browsers without many work arounds

Install Pipelight (Silverlight workaround for Linux)
Install MS Fonts
Install Wine
Install Patches for Wine

Then you can have a hacky Netflix experience on Linux.

Of course you will need to hunt down the exact instructions for your distro and typing many commands into the terminal. Steam OS is built on Fedora(?)

Netflix is switching to an entirely HTML5 UI with no Silverlight because they have too many platforms to support, it's going to work fine in WebKit soon enough.

 

[Pain]

Xbox One has nothing to fear of the Steam Machines.
Windows does though.

 

[SteveWinwood]

Netflix is switching to an entirely HTML5 UI with no Silverlight because they have too many platforms to support, it's going to work fine in WebKit soon enough.

oh thank god it was about time