As part of the SteamOS 3.4 preview package, Valve has today published an all-new beta version of the software for the Steam Deck. Deck users who have registered to the beta update track have received a broad range of critical enhancements and feature additions ahead of those who have stuck with stable SteamOS versions, and the current new update may be one of the most essential yet.
While the device has been criticised for its clunky UI and undeveloped operating system, the Steam Deck has received significant upgrades due to Valve’s high development pace. Simply using the tablet now is a different experience than it was a few months ago, and users can make use of some really unique new features, like the 40Hz screen refresh setting, which allows for a better balance of decent battery life with great gaming performance.
SteamOS 3.4’s beta release moves the operating system one step closer to the complete and free release of SteamOS itself. Valve has rebased SteamOS on the most recent version of Arch Linux, so users should anticipate significant stability and performance improvements across the board, including enhancements to KDE Plasma, the Deck’s primary desktop interface. This includes new themes, wallpapers, widget upgrades, touchscreen motions, and a slew of other enhancements, as well as improved security.
One of the most intriguing new features is one that CryoByte33 employed not long ago as part of his tutorial on increasing Steam Deck’s performance by up to 25%. CryoByte 33, in particular, was perplexed as to why Valve had not activated TRIM capabilities, which enhances the health of the onboard SSD and the added SD cards. Valve seems to have kept an eye on this adjustment, since the SteamOS 3.4 beta has TRIM completely enabled, however the rest of CryoByte33’s performance improvements have yet to be remarked on.
Because Valve intends to release Steam Deck 2 in the future, it’s almost probable that SteamOS will migrate to the next device as well. This implies that any enhancements the team makes to the device’s present operating system will be applicable in the future, making them even more important for Valve’s revolutionary portable gaming PC’s long-term health.
It’s also worth noting that customers will no longer be forced to watch Shrek while Steam Deck loads. One of the early beta upgrades included the ability to bypass the boot screen if the user so desired. A helpful feature in and of itself, but Valve seems to be working at methods to offer official alternative boot animations as well, with the Steam points marketplace gaining a category devoted to this form of customization.
