Read more.Optimising driver performance for OpenGL and tuning SteamOS for lower latency.
Read more.Optimising driver performance for OpenGL and tuning SteamOS for lower latency.
Given AMD's talk about Mantle, it looks like everyone's shaking down for a big head-to-head between AMD with the next gen console wins trying to make cross-developing between consoles and PC easier, and Valve/NVIDIA pushing "open" gaming on SteamOS with streaming support from PCs (and maybe consoles in the future?).
I have to say this makes me even more convinced that the third big announcement is going to be a handheld steaming device running SteamOS - perhaps it'll be an NVIDIA/Valve collaboration and we'll see Shield running SteamOS?
I sure hope AMD is in the bandwagon as well. Dont need the PC console divide to grow more because of AMD / nVidia.
If Linux finally does become a well supported gaming platform that's one of the last reasons to stick with Windows gone.
I'm pretty sure Valve will be talking to all parties, just nVidia want some tech headlines on the day AMD announce their new range.
Exciting times we live in.
Agreed, as soon as this comes out and is proven to support all the games I play or intend to buy then windows will be off my machine quicker than it takes to re-boot a windows machine!
Although saying that, it will still need to support other linux softwares such as Open Office for it to actually be feasible as a windows replacement on the main computer.
If AMD aren't involved then I've got to wonder about Valve's claims of a wide hardware choice. From AMD's point of view then if they haven't got themselves involved then they're mad - as it seems like a missed opportunity (AMD APU-based budget Steam Machine anyone?)
Libre Office, not Open variety.
Actually based on what skimpy information is available, it looks like the mainstream stuff - like LO - will probably work. But anything more offbeat - like some of those music sequencing packages etc - might be out.
I suspect by choice of hardware they mean Dell, HP, Acer...
The average punter probably couldn't care less what graphics card powers it, just how many GB of ram it has. Hence the qualification process to guarantee a minimum level of performance, else no-name junk will turn up on ebay with an Atom paired with a 4GB 6450 video card.
Microsoft's performance index always struck me as a fairly useless feature, but I am thinking that SteamOS could really do with that.
I'll disagree, based on various stuff out there, for example this quote from the official SteamOS page:
That - unless I've misread it badly - means no "black boxes", hence AMD has got to be in there with a shout.With SteamOS, “openness” means that the hardware industry can iterate in the living room at a much faster pace than they’ve been able to. ... Users can alter or replace any part of the software or hardware they want.
Yep, you're onto something there. I've always thought that the performance index itself was too simplistic and what was needed was a trio of benchmarks - cpu performance, storage and/or memory performance and video card performance. Get a standard (that is - included in the OS) benchmark suite that you could run after you have replaced "any part of the software or hardware" that would give you your three figures then express the minimum/recommended performance levels needed in a game as this trio.
As you say, we want to avoid junky systems that just leave a bad taste in the mouth.
The two main issues with the a Steam box is convincing people to drop Windows and competing with consoles under a TV.
If you play non steam games then you need 2 out of the three machines. A Windows PC will play steam games a console has a huge catalogue of exclusive games and standardised hardware that just works. I think dealing with the usual PC hardware/software config issues and somehow attracting buyers from the console market is going to be very difficult.
Pleiades (27-09-2013)
Even though the average gamer wont notice the difference in the beginning but as newer games become available upgrades will have to be made. If it keeps to a PC build upgrades will be fairly simple unless they have to be custom parts. I have to wait and see how the system will work and if upgradeability will be there when it is needed. The software could limit the games that can be available on that specific system where as PC is streamlined to work with the Software used.
So Nvidia are supporting linux systems now? That's a bit of a change of opinion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_36yNWw_07g
The fact they say machines are supposed to be approved by them to be sold as SteamOS is promising, that should hopefully limit the config issues. As I have said before, if they allow HalfLife 3 to run on SteamOS for free, then I am in and I expect others will as well. That is not an insurmountable problem, just down to how much they are willing to spend. Microsoft lost billions (and helped sink Sega's hardware division) getting into games consoles.
No, they are supporting open source. They always supported Linux, that is the only reason I always choose Nvidia even when their hardware is second place to ATI. It is usually with a closed binary, and lots of people don't like that. Now they are helping the open source driver be stable. That's nice, but I shall be running their closed source one as I want the performance.
"If Linux finally does become a well supported gaming platform that's one of the last reasons to stick with Windows gone."
I truly hope so, but I suspect this is why Microsoft and Sony have both stated they are watching Steam, undoubtedly with a view to trying to scupper it.
Patent trolling?
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