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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Valve's new Steam Machine and Steam Frame and implications for Linux (lemmy.zip)

submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by Cricket@lemmy.zip to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Valve today (12 November 2025) announced their new Steam Machine (x86 CPU, 6x more powerful than Steam Deck) and Steam Frame (self-contained and PCVR streaming VR headset with ARM CPU & "FEX" translation of x86 to ARM) to be released in early 2026. No prices yet.

I'm trying to speculate what effects this will have on the wider Linux ecosystem. Both devices will be running Steam OS and be open so you can run any OS.

First, I've read many people state that the Steam Deck considerably increased the number of devices running Linux, so it seems to me that these two new devices will accelerate that trend.

Second, it seems to me that the Steam Frame will significantly increase VR use and development for Linux.

Third, I wonder what the implications of Frame's x86 to arm translation layer (based on FEX, an open source project that I only learned about today) as well as Android compatibility (they state it can sideload Android APKs) will be. Could this somehow help either Linux on Apple silicon or Linux phone efforts? I'm very unfamiliar with what's going on with either of these efforts, so I may be way out on a limb here.

What do you think about all this?

Edit: this article may prompt some additional thoughts with its discussion of the openness of the Frame - https://www.uploadvr.com/valve-steam-frame-catalog-whole-compatible/

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[–] artyom@piefed.social 34 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (3 children)

Could this somehow help...Linux phone efforts?

I thought about this but the biggest problem with Android is lack of adoption from developers of third party app stores and UnifiedPush, and similarly widespread adoption of Play Integrity API. This won't solve those problems.

There's certainly the possibility that Android apps begin being distributed on Steam. But probably only gaming apps.

[–] Botzo@lemmy.world 14 points 3 days ago

For sure.

I am excited to see more arm-based Linux devices for consumers. And the Snapdragon-based VR is exciting on that front.

It definitely won't change anything for tomorrow or next year, but it does make me hopeful that better support is in the relatively near future.

[–] MirrorGiraffe@piefed.social 2 points 3 days ago

Yeah, there would need to be a major player investing in this route, coupled with strong integrity checks, to force banks and identity apps to make a third version of their apps.

[–] Cricket@lemmy.zip 3 points 3 days ago

Good points, thanks.