Valve Cast - Steambox?

[Herr Matzat]

Shit might hit the fan in 20 Minutes. Talk here. Be hyped.

http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom/

[thatshortguy]

I can't really think of any twists that Valve could throw in the mix that would make this a must-get.

I dare say Linux is behind Android as a gaming OS in the current climate. It's going to be difficult to beat the Ouya in price point, so I'm not expecting that. Making HL3 a SB exclusive would just be a dick move.

All of the reasonable potentials just don't move me. So surprise me, Gabe.

[TKz]

I can't really think of any twists that Valve could throw in the mix that would make this a must-get.

I dare say Linux is behind Android as a gaming OS in the current climate. It's going to be difficult to beat the Ouya in price point, so I'm not expecting that. Making HL3 a SB exclusive would just be a dick move.

All of the reasonable potentials just don't move me. So surprise me, Gabe.

Only thing I can think of is a super easy to customize machine. Some kind of cheap alternative to a gaming PC, simple case of plug in a new graphics card and hard drive in seconds and you're good to go. I know you can do that anyway with a little knowledge, but between making it simpler for those without the know how and making it cheaper maybe, it could work.

[Herr Matzat]

I just think it would be kickass if they had a console that brings a standart like a normal console to their games. Imagine some kind of "made for steambox" set of standarts that will alow you to experience your way cheaper PC games as seamless as you PS3/xBox games with all comming gennerations of SteamBox Hardware and games.

[thatshortguy]

Only thing I can think of is a super easy to customize machine. Some kind of cheap alternative to a gaming PC, simple case of plug in a new graphics card and hard drive in seconds and you're good to go. I know you can do that anyway with a little knowledge, but between making it simpler for those without the know how and making it cheaper maybe, it could work.

Combine that with a stupidly good price point (the one thing the Ouya got right) and you may be onto something. Perhaps the dimensions of a slim PS3 w/easy access to the HDD and video card. Bluetooth connectivity for controllers to conserve space.

Though a great trolling move would be to have a box that comes loaded with TeamViewer, have it log into your PC, and just play the games from there. Could be cheaper than a Chromecast

[Herr Matzat]

It seems like they anounce deteils each day. Today is SteamOS - their very own linux client. Thats pretty rat if you ask me. And it´s free. I hope Apple brings Bootcamp suport within the next five minutes.

[thatshortguy]

Okay, SteamOS is pretty huge on paper.

You can play all your Windows and Mac games on your SteamOS machine, too. Just turn on your existing computer and run Steam as you always have - then your SteamOS machine can stream those games over your home network straight to your TV!

My Chromecast-esque prediction came true!

This is their answer to the PS4's streaming feature, so I'll lump it in with the "I'll believe its viability when I see it running smoothly on my own TV" thought process.

The most pissed off people about this, though? Microsoft. Weeks ago, there were rumors about them spinning off the Entertainment division (XBox, effectively). No way in hell they do that now. Valve may be on the verge of taking away a noticeable market share of Windows users.

Edit: Think about it this way. SteamOS for the games, Plex/XMBC for your video streaming, Netflix via Pipelight, OpenOffice/LibreOffice for your documents. Bases be warmin' up 'cause they gettin' covered.

Editoo: Free to license for manufactures building "living room machines". Curious.

[MDK]

All your bases are belong to steam?

[thatshortguy]

All your bases are belong to steam?

Someone set us up the Box.

[Mick]

I dare say Linux is behind Android as a gaming OS in the current climate. It's going to be difficult to beat the Ouya in price point, so I'm not expecting that. Making HL3 a SB exclusive would just be a dick move.

Android is Linux

[thatshortguy]

Technically, yes. Strictly a phone OS until the Ouya or someone else can prove otherwise.

[Mick]

When it comes to an OS, technically is pretty big