I hope this means the GPU and drivers is advanced enough to run fully featured modern video games.
Windows for ARM was kinda sunk by the fact that the GPU wasn't compatible enough due to the crappy drivers and outdated GPU uArch optimized for mobile games.
I'm still kinda on the fence about VR, but I hope ARM + Linux succeeds in a big way and this'll make a truly handheld Steam Deck possible.
Being able to run games on device (and on ARM) is very cool, but I wonder if there is a cheaper/lighter/longer-battery-life version of this that is stream only? That's probably a better fit for me personally, I can't imagine not having a streaming device nearby when I would be using it.
Also hate to be picky, but looks like the frame controllers pair directly to the headset so maybe can't be used on their own? Would be nice to use them standalone too.
I assume they will have put a lot of work into an emulation layer (maybe an existing one like FEX) to make it usable similar to what they did with Proton? This could be really good for the Linux ARM ecosystem in general
But isnt that what Rosetta2 is for on mac anyway?
I'm super excited for this launch and for all the crazy open source builds, mods, and fun that are going to come from an open VR system (or at least that's my hope).
On the other hand, it will be highly subjective. I have found that the sharpening algorithms they have put into apps like Virtual Desktop to be sufficient for me to read text with, but it will probably bother some people. The Quest 3 and Valve’s will have very similar resolutions.
And although it looks like this Valve product will actually be quite light, the weight could be another factor in its use over many hours.
For some people, XR glasses with OLED screens might provide a better experience as well if you are looking solely for monitor or tv support. I kind of like going to an entirely new environment to work in for a while, so I appreciate the VR aspect, but if you are looking only for screen support, XR glasses may be the better choice (there are quite a few models, though, and I unfortunately don’t know the market well enough to make suggestions on that).
I love my steam deck, but lately find myself reaching for emulation handhelds like the Retroid Pocket 5 more due to smaller size, especially when I'm leaving the house. There's already projects like GameNative that try to hack steam onto these devices, but if valve offers an official client on Android and other arm devices that would be incredible.
Edit: Some interesting insights in the FEX FAQ about why it's not a great fit for Android right now [0]. Interested to see if this ARM version of steamos is installable on other devices though. RP5 can already run alternatives like Rocknix
Yes, I want to see standard batteries being used more. Too bad they didn't go with this on the Steam Controller.
But rechargeable lithium batteries in AA form factor are cheap and cheerful. Even low quality ones will get 20 hours in that situation. So I have no more room to complain.
Valve is weirdly good at making controllers efficient. The original steam controller could get 80 hours out of two AAs if you turn off rumble.
While chargeable needs just a usb-c socket.
Standard AAA or AA can be rechargeable so you don’t need to keep buying more. I’d suggest buying like a 100 pack or something, they’re not expensive.
https://addison-electronique.com/en/aaa-li-poly-rechargeable...
Has technology gone too far