So common pcs with a custom Linux? Well, that's unexpected and I don't see where the difference is to nowadays pcs.

Well one benift will be that you wont waste resources that could be used for gaming on the OS. This will mean lesser powered systems will be able to play games that they once might not have been able to. That will depend on the size of the OS though and how much of your resources it needs.

Do developers pay MS for making games for windows? That could also make it cheaper

Hmmmmm if this turns out to be awesome I may push back my WiiU purchase and use the PS4 for exclusives and online play only, especially if it lets you use the DS4. I'll get the high end "Steam device" if it looks enticing and is a good price. We'll see.

This has the potential to be a very disruptive model if Valve are able to open up PC gaming to the living room for the mainstream. What it needs is either Valve or one of the manufacturers to produce a Steam machine that everyone want to buy.

I need steam friends.

superchunk2010

Interesting idea, though I don't think I'll get one.

Yeah, I know. And if you can put the Steam OS on any computer, I don't see the point of buying a Steam Machine over building one yourself, which will always be the cheaper route unless the manufacturer eats some of the cost like console manufacturers do.

I was very confused when they announced that there would be multiple manufacturers.  "Whats the point!  Its just going to be a PC!"

But maybe that is just step one.  Get the PC lovers to endorse it first, you know the people who really love steam.  Let them customize it, choose the specs, hack it any way they want.  Get them used to the idea of a PC in the living room.  As this happens word of mouth starts to generate and valves gets to test the waters.

Maybe step two, which is later down the road, is to get a little more restrictive with the hardware.  Maybe there is a "standard steam machine" down the line, which will come out for the less techie people, the people who don't want to hack and customize.

Maybe Valve is easing their way into this.

I think more likely targeted at competing with Windows and Mac.

This seems like Gabe's goal to me.  I can't help but wonder if they wouldn't spend their time better just making games.

This could hit, and hit big, but more likely it seems like it a will waste Valve's resources.   I wonder if that's why they got rid of so many people a while back.  I think much will depend on performance and price.

Well, they still have one more announcement.