Recently Valve presented the update of its operating system «Steam OS 3.2» that comes with the Steam Deck game console.
Unlike previous versions of Steam OS, the new branch of Steam OS 3.x is based on Arch Linux, uses the Gamescope composite server based on the Wayland protocol to speed up game launches, comes with a read-only root file system, uses an atomic update mechanism, supports Flatpak packages, uses PipeWire media server, and provides two interface modes (Steam shell and KDE Plasma desktop).
Updates are only available for the Steam Deck, but enthusiasts are developing an unofficial version of the holoiso, adapted for installation on regular computers (Valve also promises to prepare PC builds in the future).
Main new features of Steam OS 3.2
In this new version of Steam Os 3.2 that is presented, we can find that it stands out that chiller speed control implemented by the operating system, which allows the user the ability to more finely balance between frequency and temperature, as well as being able to adjust the behavior of the cooler according to various usage scenarios and minimize the noise level during idle . The previously used cooler control mechanism, which works at the firmware level, remains available and can be returned in the “Settings > System” settings.
Besides that, provided the ability to use a screen refresh rate different while running game applications. The frequency is automatically adjusted according to the specified parameters when the game starts and returns to its previous values after the game ends. Settings are made in the quick access menu: in the Performance tab, a new slider has been implemented to change the screen refresh rate in the range of 40-60Hz.
Another of the changes that stands out in this new version of Steam OS 3.2, is that a setting is also provided to limit the frame rate (1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 4), whose list of values possible is determined by the selected frame rate.
Also it is noted that the performance HUD now shows a more accurate reading of the VRAM used (previously limited to 1G used), plus more internal display resolution options have been added for games to choose from.
On the other hand, fixed gain staging is mentioned, which results in a higher maximum speaker volume and eliminates the white noise that comes through the 3,5mm jack with some headphones.
Also fixed PipeWire and Steam not being able to raise their thread priorities, fixed the language dropdown in the Warframe launcher, the microSD card formatting process now performs a quick format, and fixed an issue typing the € key using the Steam keyboard.
As for Steam client specific changes:
- Remote Play Together is now fully functional on the Steam Deck. Includes lodging and participation in game sessions. Try a compatible game and open the quick access menu to get started.
- Added a notification when the Steam Deck SSD has less than 2 GB of free space left
- Improved performance of Night Shift keyboard theme
- Added the ability to name controller layout commands.
- Added icons for gamepad and mouse commands displayed in virtual game menus.
- Fixed being unable to connect to hidden wireless networks
- Added time zone region for Saskatchewan
- Added the ability to close a window if the running app has more than one visible
- Added the ability to switch accounts from the power menu.
Finally if you are interested in knowing more about it, you can check the details in the following link