They use Ubuntu Core 12.04 LTS as the basis of thier distribution.  This means a complete opensource robust OS underneath on which you can run just about anything.  On top of that they have added big picture and some steam logos.

No viruses.  Rock solid. Minimal overhead. No cost to you.  Really well supported (bugs fixed very quickly).  Very secure.

Downsides... while NVIDIA drivers are great, AMD are hit and miss but improving, Intel is quickly aproaching par.  On most other fronts, networking, CPU performance, disk performance, things are better than the windows world.  Some esoteric audio hardware may not function at peek efficiency (they dropped a hint about fixes in the works).

You can build your own and download and install the software.  Multiple manufacturers can build a steambox... competition in console providers.

No this is steam built from Linux.  Here I will break down why this is massive:

1) It's FREE.  This means:

-Those $400 budget builds that rival an Xbox One's performance now cost $300.

-Boutique builders can now sell their $600 entry level Alienware for $500

2) A consistent and tailor made gaming platform.

-Game makers no longer have to worry about what version of Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8) their fanbase will be using, or what version of Linux.  They now know ALL of their userbase will be using the latest Steam OS.  Less bugs and quicker updates.

-Games will perform better since the OS is made for gaming (Not gaming, Multitasking, Productivity).

-Valve will get into the living room without disrupting PC gaming.  They will only enhance it by allowing you to stream (Like VitaTV).

Overall this OS has potential to blow up as fast as Steam did or faster.  Prepare for the future OS of DIY!

Wow. I want this. Gabe newell, you are the man.

So this is very good news for Steam users! Cool! I personally don't use it much as my PC is crap but this sounds awesome. Say this is the first announcement, what are the other two? Are the telling us today or later this week?

It says to stay tuned over the next few days for more info; can't wait to see how Steam OS turns out.

Also, like I said in the other thread, there is probably going to be some Chromecast like device for streaming to older HDTVs.

To a certain extent, they are using ubuntu core so it will have no preinstalled desktop envrionments (but you can still install them) and linux multitasks and does productivity well... those parts just won't be installed by default.

Ok! Thanks . I think we could see Half Life 3 as an exclusive... that would be huge.

It can't be that new - all modifications would be public now because of GPL.

gabe is pretty smart. he watched what people say about ps4 and xbox one and which specs they have and now he will announce an own machine which will only have what people like about xbox one and ps4 and with hardware strong enough to play all next gen games (maybe little bit better looking as on ps4) but not too strong to waste resources only very few would really care about.

o.m.g. o.0


this is fucking amazing!! if reviews are good post release i'm going to wipe that windows 8 crap off my laptop.