I like Windows 7 just fine :P I just don't like where MS is going with 8 and the whole XBOX brand BS, PC is about options, the more options, the better, since it'd create more competition and result in bigger better things. MS then would really have to work their asses off to prove they are better than a free OS that can function just as well if not better.

It's to make the console only gamers get intrested in steam and PC games.

i heard it's something like a server. i read it on GI a while back.

It's a mid range gaming computer with custom Linux as the opperating system (upgradeable to Windows) and wholesale purchased componants to get the price lower then if you built your own PC.  And very possibly a new style controller.

The media likes it because it is new, hence it is something to talk about.

Consumers on the other hand don't care. There are three groups that enjoy games. Console gamers, PC gamers, and Smartphone gamers. None of them have a reason to buy it.

i know all that.   just repeating wht was said on GI, and i'm way to lazy to look it up.

well i decided not to be lazy anymore. it's in the 7th paragrph, and there are 3 versions of the system. http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/145175-gabe-newell-reveals-juicy-steam-box-details-mobile-gaming-project-distaste-for-windows-8

Media wise i'd guess it's just people thinking it's the perfect Media PC for the lazy.

Interesting though is Valve's comments. They see Apple as more competition then the consoles. Which makes you wonder. Maybe they're planning it to be more like a game focused Apple TV?

Valve's small but they've got tons of cash and like zero overhead.  They're probaby in a better position to buy exclusives then Nintendo or Sony.  

Not that I think they will.  Instead they'll just focus on smaller indie games that won't make it to consoles.

Your question has nothing to do with the point I was making. I was never arguing wether exclusives are more fun than multiplats or not, you do not understand me. I was implying that without exclusives there is a very little incentive for people to get the console. If its just a lowend htpc and cost around €400 the same as next gen consoles, there will be even less incentive to buy it.

Kb+mouse is only better for shooters and rts, I don't play mmos, the other genres all work better with a controller. "most games have gamepad options in the settings" oh really? I thought Steam already lists what game is controller enabled or not, and of my 200 games only a few are controller enabled.

This is a really important point. Steam Box could take a lot of the guesswork out of PC gaming.

I think a lot of console gamers don't choose PC gaming because it's too impenetrable, and seems too expensive. With this new platform, Valve could make PC gaming more accessible, more straightforward, and less expensive.

I do think it has the potential to be revolutionary, but it really depends on how Valve plays its hand.