So, yesterday I told you about the SteamOS, but now we have new news. Valve will be launching a new category of hardware – Steam Machines – and you can even join the hardware beta.
According to the announcement page, there will be a variety of machines to choose from:
Entertainment is not a one-size-fits-all world. We want you to be able to choose the hardware that makes sense for you, so we are working with multiple partners to bring a variety of Steam gaming machines to market during 2014, all of them running SteamOS.
Do you want one to take part in the Steam Hardware Beta? Check out the announcement page for all the eligibility details, which include making friends and going on a beta quest. The beta hardware won’t be the only Steam Machine available, though. A variety of hardware manufacturers will be able to make their own unique machines. However, you can also build your own box to run SteamOS, or hack these boxes to change to a different software.
We’re conducting a beta of the overall Steam living-room experience, so we needed to build prototype hardware on which to run tests. At Valve we always rely on real-world testing as part of our design process. The specific machine we’re testing is designed for users who want the most control possible over their hardware. Other boxes will optimize for size, price, quietness, or other factors.
Also, it seems that Steam might also be working on a controller – according to the hardware beta sign-up page:
Valve Corporation (“Valve”, “We”, “Us” or “Our”) has developed and produced prototypes of entertainment system hardware and software, including a set-top box running custom software and a game controller (collectively: “Beta Products”). These Beta Products are currently being prepared for a limited beta testing program (“Beta Program”) involving select end users of Our online service known as Steam (“Steam”).
Yes, I want you to focus on the “set-top box running custom software and a game controller” section. So, we can expect a Steam Machine as well as a controller to go with it. Or you can build your own Steam Machine and use a keyboard and mouse. Or any other control mechanism. I’m excited to see the Linux approach combined with a free wheeling view of hardware. This could actually be a revolution in the living room. Or it could be a complete flop. But I must say that I have a pretty good feeling about how Valve is going about this. I certainly wouldn’t mind a Steam Machine, either a store bought one or a home-made version.
Last Updated: September 26, 2013
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Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 07:55
They’re really dribbling out the info here.
Hammersteyn
September 26, 2013 at 08:20
The “more” link is broken, please fix it.
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 08:32
This is Master Race business, if you don’t know how to find what you need, you shouldn’t be interfering ;P
Rincethis
September 26, 2013 at 08:57
Ouch 0-O And so eaaarly!
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 09:00
Just getting it in there before the GTA V ribbing starts 😉
Rincethis
September 26, 2013 at 09:10
I, I, I, *runs for more coffee, the day will be LONG…
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 09:15
You don’t have to make me coffee, but it’s very kind of you to offer. TROLLOL!
Rincethis
September 26, 2013 at 09:24
Oi, You! Not what I meant! *Stamps foot.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:59
BOOOOM, but Deon is a closet Master Race person, he games on PC more than console!!!
SaintsRowMurray
September 26, 2013 at 08:11
Okay. So Steam’s got a machine! Good for who exactly?
And it runs Linux. Maybe I should just hand in my Geek card, but I do not see any benefit to this…
Hammersteyn
September 26, 2013 at 08:21
Play the waiting game. I still think the are leaving Half Life 3 as a surprise or maybe it’s delusion?
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:23
Please let it be Half Life 3
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 08:29
I think the next announcement is going to be Source 2 and Left 3 dead 😛
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:38
Left for Dead has gotten a bit repetitive now. They need to spice that thing up if they want to bring us a new one.
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 08:42
That’s where it will get interesting, first thing:
1. Source 2 will run fine without directX. It’ll be able to run on Linux (obviously) and many other OS’s.
2. Left 3 dead will still have that zombie director, except this time a 5th player can join a game and spawn zombies. (Speculation here)
3. It could be any other game, and I really hope it is Half Life or even Portal 3. But it seems like most people agree that it will be Left 3 dead.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:44
Look, L4D and L4D2 were quite fun indeed, but I’m a bit zombie-d out at the moment. Unless they are headcrab zombies, then bring em on!
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 08:44
I know, how many times can you be left for dead without thinking you may be better off without those people. It’s like they only want you along because when the time comes they know they can run faster than you.
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 14:14
How about this: http://i.imgur.com/gk640KV.jpg
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:41
Hmmmm, Source 2. Now THAT is an interesting notion.
Also, did you mean L4D 3? or some new threesome?
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 09:11
Yup L4D3. I am almost convinced about source 2. Just not 100% sure about this left for dead speculation. But boy am I hoping it’ll be Half Life.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 09:13
Hoping right there with you dude!
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 09:17
Or maybe they are releasing something fresh: Half Life: Portal.
Chell meets Gordon meets potato.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 09:17
New Counter Strike?
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 09:23
Half Life: Portal Strike
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 09:24
I’d play that
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 09:37
The naming needs some work…
Half Life Portal strike 4 dead.
“One anti-mass spectrometer, one scientist, one test subject and a small team of highly trained AT enforcers against an invading world of Combine zombies – with the G man watching from every angle”
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 09:39
Make it so!
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 10:14
Half Way there: http://i.imgur.com/i8Eyolg.jpg
That took way too long to make. 😐
CypherGate
September 26, 2013 at 08:45
One can only wait so long for a game.
SaintsRowLee
September 26, 2013 at 08:57
Half Life 3 is done and dusted. Over at Valve, they are now having the realism debate. And that is what is keeping Half Life 3 from our eager claws. The debate? Can we at least get Gordon Freeman to yell “Fuck me! I am being shot to shit!”
Her Highness the Hipster
September 26, 2013 at 09:41
that’s how you ship new hardware – awesome release title 😉
Axon1988
September 26, 2013 at 10:30
Spanks! I even made a little title thingy for it: http://i.imgur.com/i8Eyolg.jpg
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
September 26, 2013 at 08:45
If I can get it on the PC running Windows, then great. Otherwise…Not interested… and Valve better plan that nicely…
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:46
Valve better plan it nicely?
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 08:49
Make HL3 a PC exclusive, with a rebate for a cheap Steambox that’ll do all the basics.
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:50
Boom!
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
September 26, 2013 at 08:51
Can Work 🙂
The last thing they must do though, is to lock the game to the Steam OS…. Even though it is a brilliant series, there is NO way I am getting ANOTHER device, for just one game….
SaintsRowLee
September 26, 2013 at 09:09
THANK YOU. SOME SANITY LEFT IN THE HUMAN RACE!
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 09:56
Me neither. I also won’t install another OS on my PC just to dual boot so I can play a game.
Uberutang
September 26, 2013 at 11:12
I would totally dual boot steamos the moment it releases.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 08:51
Pretty sure it will be like any other OS where you can dual-boot your machine in to either.
B4d R0b0t
September 26, 2013 at 08:45
Released with the BOX for sure, why not do it like the rest. Use a game to help ship hardware.
Her Highness the Hipster
September 26, 2013 at 08:50
There might be a rumour that the last announcement this week is of a game. If it’s HL3, I think the gaming community will explode 😉
Truan Frames
September 26, 2013 at 11:33
Well if they did release HL3, i’m pretty sure the world economy would crash because there would be no one working, they would all be playing that.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 08:34
Streaming games from PC, inter-connectivity between devices in the home AKA: You could link your Xbox, PS4 and PC all together if the right approach is taken, turning any non smart TV in to a smart TV with no more than a rasberryPi and SteamOS.
So you could with this turn your TV in to a smart TV that can recieve streaming media from your PC or can be remotely controlled with your tablet for all your movies, series, etc;
Your steam library can be run on your TV like you would run a console with a controller and everything. IE: Those awesome indie platformers and the like that would feel just right with a controller on a big screen TV without needing to lug your PC to the living room.
There are benefits and HUGE ones at that for the right people. You just need to think outside the box a bit to see the benifits.
That and it’s a cheaper alternative than buying a fully smart TV and all the bells and whistles to support etc.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:36
My name is Admiral Chief, and I approve of this rant
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 08:37
Woot! I got the ACSA (Admiral Chief Stamp of Approval)
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:37
And it’s something from Steam.
Steam FTW.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 08:38
Oh right. Missed that point 🙂
Umar Jaeger
September 26, 2013 at 08:44
Well said. Makes you think though, Would you go for a PS4 + SteamBox or an X1 which is aiming for a similar experience (minus the TV)? Or would you just get a SteamBox alone, I think it is very Interesting how everyone is entering this Smart Tv scene, even Sony with it’s Vita TV. With SteamBox running Linux, we will see some interesting homebrew software too probably.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 09:20
TV+Steambox+PC. Ultimate experience.
I already use my PC on my TV along with XBMC to have remote control via wifi to view my shows and stuff (Still need to figure out how to force XBMC to launch remotely without needing to get on the PC).
This would be awesome for me as I could then just network my PC to a small steambox and no more clunky big PC in living room 🙂
Guest
September 26, 2013 at 15:19
The Wake-On-LAN option is what you need to start/sleep/shutdown your PC/XBMC remotely. You would need to activate it on your PC, if it supports it and enable the option on the XBMC remote. Just google for the specifics.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 15:21
Thanx. That should set me in the right direction
SaintsRowLee
September 26, 2013 at 08:52
Okay. So I have a TV (not a very smart TV. It cannot make coffee or carry a decent conversation)
My TV has FOUR HDMI ports. So I can hook up an Xbox, PS, and Blu-Ray player to that. And still have one port open, should I decide to get a stylish PC built and plonk it down in my living room.
My Blu-Ray can play all sorts of video files. (Yes, I download TV series from torrents, but I do buy the originals when it is released)
My wall unit (which did not cost me a fortune I must add) accommodates all these quite beautifully. So, our living room does not look like Hurricane Hilda just passed through.
Now please tell me, how is this going to add any benefit?
Kromas
September 26, 2013 at 09:25
Drop the BR player and use the steam machine to play movies. Also they have been working on a stylish case for all the bits to plop into.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 09:26
You don’t want to see any benefit. So you wont.
Your setup works for you. Great. My setup could use a lot of work as I have a full tower case which, contrary to popular belief is not ideal in a 2 bedroom house where the living room isn’t very large. It takes up a rather large portion of space that could be open to make things look less cluttered. Not to mention the cable issue that is caused y having said full PC setup in the living room.
So if I could have my PC in the spare bedroom, out of eyesight and still have access to my steam games via a small unit plugged in to the TV then why the heck not? Not to mention that it then turns my 42″ TV, which also has enough HDMI ports, in to a Smart TV that can be controlled remotely without the need to have my PC plugged and visible in the living room then why the heck not?
If it doesn’t work for you great. But don’t be so closed minded and believe that just because it doesn’t work for you that it’s crap. Second I am so glad you have the cash to have this beautiful wall unit that can house a PC and multiple consoles and blu-ray players and that your living room is big enough for said unit so that it doesn’t make your place look clutterd. Because you know, everyone in the world can have such luxuriously sized rooms.
Good day to you sir.
Johan du Preez
September 26, 2013 at 10:00
Or get a raspberry pi and use XBMC 🙂
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 10:31
But it can’t stream my steam games 🙂
Weanerdog
September 26, 2013 at 08:57
They are trying to make a machine that is a PC and does all the PC stuff but that plays like a console. Now they just need to get a big enough market share and then the AAA games will come. Although releasing half life 3 on it exclusively and it may just sell like hot cakes. Otherwise tux racing for all early adapters.
Johan du Preez
September 26, 2013 at 09:59
Actually im playing dota2, X3 series, Serious Sam:BFE, Legends of Grimrock, Guns of Icarus, Left for Dead 2, Prey, Doom3, Neverwinter Nights, Bastion, Amnesia and a few more on Linux natively at the moment and not even mentioning the games that runs through wine.
Hardly tux racer ….
Weanerdog
September 26, 2013 at 10:41
Hey I love tux racer I even downloaded it for windows. :p
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
September 26, 2013 at 08:16
Aaaaand there goes my interest out the window….
Hammersteyn
September 26, 2013 at 08:23
It’s a machine not a console or a PC? So what exactly is it?
SaintsRowLee
September 26, 2013 at 08:27
It’s a machine, by Steam. Hence all geeks are required to worship at its altar.
Her Highness the Hipster
September 26, 2013 at 08:29
you can make one yourself using a console or PC, or you can have this magic machine. i really want a custom steam punk one….
SaintsRowLee
September 26, 2013 at 08:31
Zoe, please… end my misery here? So I can build a steam machine using a console or a PC. WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT IT???
Her Highness the Hipster
September 26, 2013 at 08:41
well, for me, it means i can play through my steam backlog of games from the comfort of my couch. it also means that any games (or video or music) can be streamed to the (steam punk) box. similar to the vita TV or apple TV, it’s yet another media PC for the lounge. Currently, my PS3 functions as the link between the media PC and the TV. Hopefully, because steamOS is Linux based, the Steam Machine will be faster and easier with streaming…
Hammersteyn
September 26, 2013 at 08:33
Intriguing, will need to see how people utilizes this.
Umar Jaeger
September 26, 2013 at 08:26
Hmm I wonder if this will pull Developers to release games on Linux too. Interesting, excited to see how this all plays out…also, HL 3
SaintsRowLee
September 26, 2013 at 08:29
My common sense is tingling. If developers are not swayed to Linux by now, why would a box by Steam do that now?
Umar Jaeger
September 26, 2013 at 08:32
Who knows, I don’t know. I’m just interested to see if it does, Ol’ Gabe is capable of many things
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 08:37
Because people using Linux are (in majority) not using Linux to game. This could bridge the gap as most gamers would love to actually move away from Windows to game but they had no real alternatives.
SaintsRowLee
September 26, 2013 at 08:38
But that leaves the obvious elephant in the room: Will devs jump on the same wagon?
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 08:41
Yes they will. Devs go (generally) where the majority go. The majority moved to consoles. So what did devs do? Start developing for consoles (way more exclusives there than on PC).
People started enjoying MMO games. What did devs do? Start turning even single player games in to online experiences.
Here is a device that can be both used as a console, is online and bridges the gap between living room and desktop PC? Yes. Devs will go for this.
Robert Infy Hart
September 26, 2013 at 08:41
They dont need to be swayed by Linux. The developer platforms these days generally support Linux as a feature. Compiling for Windows and Linux should not be an issue these days.
Kromas
September 26, 2013 at 09:21
Linux is currently the biggest gaming OS out there if you consider Android.Also it is all about the UI and the graphics library in use. If valve can fix both those they are in the money.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 26, 2013 at 08:29
Really excited for this
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:32
Same
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:29
I’d be all for testing this. I like the idea that they recognize that not everyone is looking for the same thing.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:32
Signed up
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:33
I would’ve if my company wasn’t blocking the damn site.
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 08:34
I would, but I don’t have a TV, so pretty pointless heh
FoxOneZA
September 26, 2013 at 08:41
But you have a monitor?
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:33
I’ll jump through these hoops for HL3 no problems
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:35
They can give us a Steam Machine, but they can never take our Mouse and Keyboards!
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 08:37
They’re like our sword & shield. There’s no way some console controller, which to extend the metaphor very badly would be akin to a lollypop, can compete.
Hammersteyn
September 26, 2013 at 08:38
I dunno, Diablo 3 handles pretty sweet 😛
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:41
What a great simile.
My mouse would be the Sword of Omens.
Thunder! Thunder! Thunder!!!
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 08:54
Right click for lightning!
Weanerdog
September 26, 2013 at 09:04
Funny thing was I really could not play mirrors edge on my PC. It was a bit like finger yoga and was seriously thinking of getting a controller to plug in and use to play.
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 09:06
I have an Xbox controller that I use for a couple of games. Works quite well. Especially racing games…using a keyboard for that is just silly, there’s no sensitivity.
Weanerdog
September 26, 2013 at 10:42
Yes absolutely, except when I went to buy a controller I came home with a new mouse.
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 10:48
Haha. Yes, well, that happens to the best of us. A friend of mine owed me, so he bought me a controller
Brady miaau
September 26, 2013 at 09:51
Be careful. You capitalised mouse. The people that took away 1313 may well take away your Mouse.
Oh, yeah and someone find the clip from Braveheart, FREEDOM and all that.
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 10:02
Shhhh
Tidycpc
September 26, 2013 at 08:38
Dont see the need
Weanerdog
September 26, 2013 at 09:08
You realise that you could probably load up your game from your library from your mobile phone so that by the time you reach your living room it has loaded and all ready for you.
Brady miaau
September 26, 2013 at 09:50
Yeah, pass. Neat idea, but to pay money for it?
Weanerdog
September 26, 2013 at 10:53
The point I was making is that the potential is somewhat unlimited. It could be what the Xbox one wants to be and that is a genuine all in one solution for your computer, gaming, media centre and PVR needs. Although the OS is tailored for gaming as a consoles is, it will also be able to do everything that a Linux machine can do. It could be huge or a flop but if it works well and gets enough consumer support this could be skynet we looking at.
Brady miaau
September 26, 2013 at 12:07
I get you.
FoxOneZA
September 26, 2013 at 08:39
Valve is driving the steak slowly and steadily through Xbox and PlayStation this week. There’s still one more announcement coming on Friday that should complete the Gable super combo 😉
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 08:39
They’re filleting them? 😉
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:41
Yo man, I be filleting my pockets with mah dough.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:42
HAHAHAHA
FoxOneZA
September 26, 2013 at 08:43
Fillet then flame grilling them. I like the part where it says multiple manufacturers will be making the Steam Machines. That’s going to outnumber the competition big time.
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 08:44
Medium rare please
Brady miaau
September 26, 2013 at 09:50
Too good for them
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 08:43
steak or stake?
FoxOneZA
September 26, 2013 at 09:08
The stuff you drive through the Twilight cast 😛
Brady miaau
September 26, 2013 at 09:49
Ah, a twenty ton mining truck, packed with explosives then?
FoxOneZA
September 26, 2013 at 08:49
And just like that, Nvidia are opening up there drivers Linux. AMD too, too.
Rincethis
September 26, 2013 at 08:57
There’s that legendary photoshopping skills of Zoe 🙂
Her Highness the Hipster
September 26, 2013 at 08:57
I know… not everyone can be as skilled as I am. It’s a gift 😉
Rincethis
September 26, 2013 at 09:09
Oh you’re ‘gifted’ all-right, in that ‘special’ sense 😉 HAHAHAH! Oh, I spoke to Evan Greenwood last night, pretty awesome chap. Had some very interesting things to say on ‘Let’s play’ sites like Machima and their impact on spreading the word on Indie games. He actually has a whole theory behind it. I told him LG now has an Indie writer fulltime and asked (in my LG T-Shirt!) whether he would be interested in an interview on this ‘new’ method of approaching Indie games.
Her Highness the Hipster
September 26, 2013 at 09:11
i would love to do a let’s play series on indie games! gotta make it happen 🙂
Umar Jaeger
September 26, 2013 at 09:16
Pweez make it happen your Highness!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flmlEJRLGxo
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 26, 2013 at 09:14
#ShamelessSelfPromotion
😉
Rincethis
September 26, 2013 at 09:25
How is that selfpromotion! That’s Indie promotion! 😛
Lara's John
September 26, 2013 at 09:02
I was just thinking that.
Umar Jaeger
September 26, 2013 at 09:06
It get’s better with every article…. how does one level up like that! Zoe must be a photoshop goddess
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 09:07
There must be some hidden master training her in the mysterious arts.
Umar Jaeger
September 26, 2013 at 09:08
I knew it, she is actually a Shoalin Monk… she had us fooled all along, and here we thought she was your average Hipster!!
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 26, 2013 at 09:14
It’s so obvious now. We should have known something was different when she didn’t have ironic facial hair.
Umar Jaeger
September 26, 2013 at 09:19
LOL @ ironic facial hair.
Yeah, How could we have been so blind too see, she doesn’t look homeless at all..
Her Highness the Hipster
September 26, 2013 at 09:43
i should hope not! and i’m not about to grow any ironic underarm hair, either!
Brady miaau
September 26, 2013 at 09:49
You get an upvote just for no underarm hair!
Johan du Preez
September 26, 2013 at 09:55
Im already accepted in the beta dammit i want this !
Her Highness the Hipster
September 26, 2013 at 10:03
already accepted? damn – that was quick. i’m jealous
Johan du Preez
September 26, 2013 at 16:30
Oh sorry I worded that wrong, I got accepted in signing up for the beta but we are already over 100000 people, out of the total amount of people only 30 steam consoles will be handed out.
Brady miaau
September 26, 2013 at 12:52
What does that mean for you, in reality?
Devourer of Small Bunnies
September 27, 2013 at 12:35
In Gabe we trust
Arko
October 1, 2013 at 15:16
http://adf.ly/WCaa2 wow look this !! 😀