Valve currently markets its own portable console called the Steam Deck. This portable console uses the SteamOS operating system, a distribution based on Ark Linux that has just received an update. The new SteamOS 3.6 version, which has been in testing since May, is now available to all users and brings with it many improvements, optimizations and new features.
The interesting thing about the company is that they started developing video games, but its CEO, Gabe Newell, has seen better business lines. Currently, they are focused on their game store and developing different products, such as their Steam Deck console.
One of the big bets of Newell and his company is Linux, with which they have an enormous commitment. Although SteamOS is currently associated with its portable console, the truth is that this ‘distro’ has been around for years. This open source operating system now receives a huge number of improvements and optimizations.
SteamOS 3.6 arrives loaded with improvements, optimizations and corrections
It is not really an unknown update, since it has been in the developer channel in beta for months. The SteamOS 3.6.19 update has been in the testing phase since May to make it as polished as possible. It has many optimizations for games, as well as better reliability with microSD cards, a large Linux kernel update and much more that we will summarize below.
It has been achieved thanks to a better adaptation of the operating system to the hardware. The stability and security of the system has also been improved.
Implements improvements regarding the detection and reliability in the use of microSD cards. To date there were quite a few installation problems with these storage solutions and sometimes they were not detected. Suspend issues when changing SSD drive have also been resolved.
We also have improvements in terms of connectivity, correcting problems with Wi-Fi networks, including problems with WPA3 and supporting Wi-Fi 7.
Regarding Bluetooth, pairing with Apple AirPods has been improved. They have also included new profiles for this technology and devices, such as external controls. It also has improvements to account for stability and reconnection of the different synchronized peripherals.
Within the graphics and games section we have performance improvements thanks to the Mesa 24.1 update. There have also been fixes to the display and stability of games, including when using external screens. Includes HDR settings adjustments and game recording issues.
Color uniformity and brightness balance on external displays have been improved, in addition to solving other problems with these and with desktop modes.
Receive an improvement in the system’s response to possible GPU errors. Support for new drivers and settings is added for the OLED version. Battery life has also been improved for LCD models.
Includes improved development options to simplify modification of system files. Configuration preservation improvements are included and are guaranteed not to be changed in future updates.
As it could not be otherwise, the update resolves a huge number of known issues. Thanks to this, the stability of the system and the user experience are improved. Finally, a large number of security issues and vulnerabilities have been fixed.
