SteamOS 3.8 update adds key features, revives Steam machine support

Valve has rolled out a preview for SteamOS 3.8.0, and it’s packed with features.

Noteworthy as the first version to prepare for the upcoming Steam Machine for living room gaming, it introduces eagerly awaited functions for Valve’s portable devices and extends more compatibility to other companies' handhelds — presently supporting Microsoft and Asus' Xbox Ally series, Lenovo Legion Go 2, OneXPlayer X1, and new updates for MSI, GPD, Anbernic, OrangePi, and Zotac.

Several Windows computers outlast the Steam Deck in sleep mode due to their self-hibernation capabilities, unlike the Steam Deck’s instant resumption sleep feature.

Additionally, Valve has introduced an option within the gaming mode enabling the use of Bluetooth headset microphones — a request I've had from the start. 

Also, the Steam Deck LCD now supports Bluetooth Wake again, allowing you to power on a TV-connected Deck using a wireless controller from your couch.

The update is loaded with numerous enhancements for the Linux desktop modes, potentially useful for a Steam Machine linked to a TV or monitor, covering desktop HDR, VRR display compatibility, per-display scaling, "advanced window handling for Proton-run games," along with an upgrade to KDE Plasma 6.4.3, among others.

For those with a Steam Machine or Steam handheld linked to a home theater system, they can now recognise your HDMI's audio channels to activate surround sound.

The update brings a new Arch system base and an improved graphics driver.

Unexpectedly, the "Non-Deck" segment of the changelog is extensive. Valve indicates that long-pressing the power button should now function across various devices for shutting down, rebooting, or switching to desktop mode. 

It’s now possible to tweak your processor’s power modes on the Xbox Ally, and night mode with screen colour adjustments should function on AMD Z2 Extreme handhelds generally.

There are also marked improvements in video memory management on discrete GPU platforms. 

You can now restrict battery charging levels on any Lenovo Legion Go handhelds (in desktop mode), and it adjusts “pale colors for Zotac and OneXPlayer devices with OLED screens.”

Valve started providing SteamOS to non-Valve handhelds last May, although their hardware team typically avoids making extensive support promises and does not currently allow the majority of competitors to market handhelds with pre-installed SteamOS — Lenovo is the only known partner, with its second SteamOS handheld to be a Legion Go 2 variant in June.