Valve is betting on the power of Arm-based technology to revolutionize its SteamOS lineup. With its upcoming Steam Frame console, comfortable new controller, and an arm-based headset that can run Android apps, the company is looking to expand its reach beyond gaming PCs.
According to Pierre-Loup Griffais, a software engineer at Valve, Arm's potential is vast and could lead to a wide range of devices being powered by this technology. These include ultraportables, more powerful laptops, handhelds, and even desktop chips in the future.
Griffais believes that companies are already reaching out to Valve about incorporating Arm-based hardware into their products, with One-Netbook recently experimenting with high-performance Arm chips for its handheld devices.
However, Griffais seems cautious when it comes to the lower-end of the spectrum. He suggests that Arm technology is competitive with x86 offerings in certain segments, but notes that there's still a need for further development to bridge the gap between lower-power devices and Steam Deck-level performance without sacrificing battery life.
While Valve hasn't explicitly stated its plans for future SteamOS devices using Arm chips beyond its current console offerings, Griffais' comments imply that the company is actively exploring opportunities to expand its product lineup.
According to Pierre-Loup Griffais, a software engineer at Valve, Arm's potential is vast and could lead to a wide range of devices being powered by this technology. These include ultraportables, more powerful laptops, handhelds, and even desktop chips in the future.
Griffais believes that companies are already reaching out to Valve about incorporating Arm-based hardware into their products, with One-Netbook recently experimenting with high-performance Arm chips for its handheld devices.
However, Griffais seems cautious when it comes to the lower-end of the spectrum. He suggests that Arm technology is competitive with x86 offerings in certain segments, but notes that there's still a need for further development to bridge the gap between lower-power devices and Steam Deck-level performance without sacrificing battery life.
While Valve hasn't explicitly stated its plans for future SteamOS devices using Arm chips beyond its current console offerings, Griffais' comments imply that the company is actively exploring opportunities to expand its product lineup.
. Valve's Steam Frame thing sounds like just another way for them to get into the handheld gaming market, which is already crowded enough 
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. Pierre-Loup Griffais' caution about bridging the performance gap between low-power devices and Steam Deck-level gaming is spot on – can't we just get some decent battery life out of these things? 
. Time will tell! 
I mean, who wouldn't want a comfy new controller with some serious gaming power under the hood? And can you imagine being able to run Android apps on your headset?! That's just crazy cool 
The potential for ultraportables and powerful laptops is HUGE too... this could change the game for people on-the-go! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they can make it work for lower-end devices too, no one should have to sacrifice battery life for better performance 
. Griffais says Arm can do great things, but lower-end devices still need work 
. Companies like One-Netbook are already experimenting, though 
. Still, I'd bet on some kinks getting worked out before we see a mass rollout 
. Valve's got its work cut out for it 
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! I mean, think about it - an arm-based headset that can run Android apps? That's like something out of a sci-fi movie! 
. But at the same time, I get why they're being cautious about the lower-end devices - you don't wanna sacrifice battery life just to save some cash 
Running Android apps on a gaming headset? That's like a whole new level of gaming possibilities 
I'm already imagining myself playing games for hours on end without any fatigue 
Pierre-Loup Griffais is low-key genius 
I love how Valve is thinking outside the box and exploring new tech. But yeah, there's still some work to be done to make Arm tech more viable for lower-end devices...let's hope they can get that figured out ASAP 
, but I think Valve's getting ahead of themselves if they think they can just waltz in with these new devices and make them a hit without putting in some serious R&D 
. I mean, those lower-end devices? They're gonna struggle to keep up with the Steam Deck performance-wise, especially when it comes to battery life 
. And what about all the existing x86 users out there? Are they just gonna ditch their PCs and laptops for these new Arm-based contraptions? 
I don't think so 
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, right? But think about it, what's really going on here? They just wanna get away from those Windows and Linux users who are always complaining about performance 
Valve wants a piece of the pie, but they need to figure out how to make it work for everyone, not just the high-end gamers 
and I'm thinking about how cats have this amazing ability to find comfort in the simplest things, you know? Like, my own cat is obsessed with knocking over plants and then looking all innocent like "who, me?" 
. Anyway, back to Valve... I wonder if they'll release a SteamOS device for smart home security systems or something 
. And let's hope they're not gonna leave the lower-end spectrum in the dust 
. We need more affordable options that don't sacrifice performance, you know? 
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. More options would be great for gamers who want something portable but still powerful. Fingers crossed they can get the kinks worked out 
. Still, it'll be cool to see more companies getting on board with arm-based tech and pushing the limits of what's possible 
the possibilities are endless!!!