If you've been waiting around to find out when the Steam Machine hardware beta would start then you're in luck, it starts this Friday. However, if you're living outside of the US and were hoping to get in on it, then get ready to make a sad face. Valve's original plan did involve a worldwide beta test but it seems ‘regulatory hurdles' have got in the way:

“It means we can’t collect beta feedback from Steam customers worldwide, which is pretty unfortunate. All things considered, we’re sure it was the right decision, because the alternative was to delay the whole beta beyond the point when we’d be able to incorporate any feedback into the 2014 products.” Valve was quick to point out that this does not affect any commercial releases due to come next year, it only affects the beta.

Valve's 300 selected testers will have been informed by now but since the hardware isn't shipping until Friday, we won't see much of it until over the weekend. That said, Steam OS will be available for all to download on Friday meaning that people outside of the US who were hoping to get a hold of the hardware will at least get to look at the operating system. The OS is still in its early stages though so Valve is trying to warn off people from downloading it just yet:

“It will be downloadable by individual users and commercial OEMs. But unless you’re an intrepid Linux hacker already, we’re going to recommend that you wait until later in 2014 to try it out.”

KitGuru Says: It's a shame that  the testing isn't going to be world wide anymore, it would have been nice to have a bit more warning as I don't think anybody saw this coming. I'm still looking forward to taking a look at Steam OS though. Are any of you guys looking forward to seeing the Steam OS in action?

Source: Valve

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