Home / Software & Gaming / SteamOS 3.7 update introduces support for more handhelds and improves desktop experience

SteamOS 3.7 update introduces support for more handhelds and improves desktop experience

João Silva 6 days ago Software & Gaming

The handheld gaming landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with Valve poised to expand SteamOS's reach beyond the Steam Deck. While Windows 11 handhelds have enjoyed a period of relative stability, bolstered by SteamOS's limited availability, Valve has consistently expressed its intention to open the platform to third-party devices. Now, that vision is closer to becoming a reality.

Valve has released SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, an update available for beta testers, signalling the beginning of this expansion. The update brings several notable changes, including a Linux 6.11 kernel upgrade and fixes to prevent Bluetooth devices from inadvertently waking the Steam Deck.

However, the most significant development is the inclusion of “beginnings of support for non-Steam Deck handhelds”. This statement confirms Valve's intent to broaden SteamOS compatibility, which has been expected for some time, with earlier hints suggesting a wider release. The implications of this development are substantial, particularly for the handheld gaming market. SteamOS offers many advantages over Windows on gaming handhelds, primarily its optimised performance and streamlined user experience. However, some users still prefer Windows's versatility and wider software compatibility.

Other improvements include various fixes and updates to the OS and graphics drivers, improved dock compatibility, and support for more controllers. The desktop experience is also being enhanced with the new KDE Plasma 6 update, which introduces a redesigned UI and effects, support for more apps, improved security and privacy features, and more. The detailed patch notes for the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview can be found below:

GENERAL

  • Updated to a newer Arch Linux base
  • Updated the Linux kernel to 6.11
  • Updated the Mesa graphics driver base
  • Desktop mode now ships with Plasma 6.2.5
  • Beginnings of support for non-Steam Deck handhelds

CONTROLLERS AND INPUT

  • Add support for the Proteus Byowave controller
  • Fixed an issue where Switch Pro Controller gyros might not work on first connection
  • Fixed an issue with stuck/hanging controller inputs when exiting Steam

BLUETOOTH

  • Fixed Bluetooth devices still being able to wake the Steam Deck from suspend, even when Bluetooth was disabled from Desktop mode
  • Enable HFP/HSP profiles, to allow using the integrated microphone from headsets and earbuds
    • Currently only available to select in Desktop mode
  • Added battery level display for supported Bluetooth devices
  • Include a bugfix for the Airpods when using the AAC codec
  • Bluetooth controllers can now wake LCD units from sleep, previously only available on OLED models
    • Known issue: Bluetooth LE based controllers are not currently compatible with bluetooth wake on LCD models

STEAM DECK DOCK

  • Made compatibility improvements for certain displays including TCL FireTV models and Dell VRR capable monitors

GRAPHICS AND PERFORMANCE

  • Enabled AMD P-State CPU frequency control
  • Fixed a performance regression for No Rest for the Wicked

DESKTOP

  • Updated to Plasma 6.2.5 (previously 5.27.10) – see the big changes in Plasma 6 here
  • Surround sound now works correctly
    • Enabling the setting is currently only available via Desktop mode
  • KDE Filelight is now installed by default for disk usage visualisation and low disk space notifications
  • Speed and robustness improvements when switching between desktop and game mode
    • Fixed a common cause of hangs when switching to desktop mode
    • Fixed some cases where Steam could take up to ninety seconds to exit on shutdown or switch to desktop
  • Added ‘gocryptfs' support to desktop session to enable use of the Plasma Vaults feature

MISC

  • Fixed some cases where “filter-chain” or other virtual sound devices would erroneously appear in the UI
  • Fixed cases where applying system updates could fail if certain configuration files were corrupted or malformed
  • Various enhancements to System Report functionality for support and troubleshooting
  • Fixed compatibility issue with certain DNS servers causing very slow domain lookups
  • Improved responsiveness of system when running into out-of-memory crash situations
  • Enabled IPv6 Privacy Extensions by default

KNOWN ISSUES

  • Creative Zen Air Pro earbuds display an unexpected all-zeros entry under the “Show all devices” section when pairing
  • Super NES controllers can erroneously show up as connected when they are not
  • DualShock 3 controllers are currently not able to be paired or used

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