We are currently testing updates for Steam Deck, Valve’s portable gaming console for the PC, which includes improvements to the current fan curve and sound improvements that can boost the system’s maximum volume.
Notes on the patch have been posted on Steam blogwith designer Valve Lawrence Ian also tweeted the news, stating that “We remind you that these changes are in beta for testing, so please let us know if you have feedback!”.
We also just posted a SteamOS beta update for Steam Deck with an updated fan controller, sound enhancement and more. As a reminder, these changes are in beta for testing, so please let us know if you have feedback! Details here: https://t.co/mMXM6MFIuG pic.twitter.com/2qgLEV7yycMay 20, 2022
These updates are part of the beta version of SteamOS 3.2, which began on April 25, with the latest batch of changes updated on May 19. We don’t have a full update release date yet, so if you’re not experiencing significant issues with on the console you may want to sit back and wait for a full deployment while they’re still in testing.
One of the main problems is the control of the fan Steam Deck has been criticized for be particularly noisy even during periods of low performance. Upgrading the fan controller should help reduce noise if you’re not playing something too demanding or even just browsing on the home screen.
The full list of updates can be found below:
- The updated fan controller is now smarter, more stable and quieter overall
- HUD performance now shows more accurate readings of used VRAM (previously used 1G)
- Added additional internal partition options for games to choose from
- Fixed the gain stage, which increases the maximum volume and removes the white noise coming through the 3.5mm jack with some headphones.
- Fixed that PipeWire and Steam failed to increase thread priorities
- Fixed language drop-down menu in Warframe launcher
Analysis: When will Valve fulfill other Steam Deck promises?
It feels like Steam Deck is still in its infancy, especially with regard to various operating system updates, but the short time it has spent on the market is enough to turn me from a skeptic to a fan.
Gaming laptops will always have a place in the computing community, however it is this is the direction in which I see portable PC games. Frequent updates and transparency of Valve are refreshing, and despite the many problems, I don’t know many people who have purchased Steam Deck who regret it.
The valve too recently implemented performance settings for the game so I expect many of the teething problems identified by Steam Deck users to be resolved or even fixed in the coming months.
However, the world of technology is moving rapidly, and given that computing components such as processors and graphics (both integrated and discrete) are usually updated by a new generation every 1-3 years, I want to know what’s next. Will Fr. Steam Deck 2? Or maybe Valve hopes to upgrade its hardware with software updates without any current plans for the future.
What I’d like to see before the current version of Steam Deck starts to get old or needs updating is the cosmetic variety. Where are the different color variations or limited brand models? We know that there are white versions of Steam Deck, although these were supposedly just prototypes, and Valve previously teased that it plans to release the product in different colors.
It’s unlikely to break the deal, and Valve’s commitment to making the platform work has convinced me to believe a bit, but I’d still feel more excited about Steam Deck if it was available in shades that match my own aesthetics as well. many gamers who use hardware that defaults to more than just a black chassis.
https://www.techradar.com/news/the-new-steam-deck-update-makes-the-console-cooler-and-louder/
