Valve’s long effort to reduce Steam’s dependence on Windows began with SteamOS and Steam Machines, but became practical through the Steam Deck. Rather than persuade developers to make Linux versions of their games, Valve built Proton, which lets many Windows games run on Linux. Proton combines Wine with tools such as DXVK to translate Windows and DirectX functions, allowing developers to keep building for Windows while SteamOS handles compatibility. The approach helped make Linux gaming viable and gave Valve more control over its platform.
Steam Frame extends that strategy beyond operating systems: its Qualcomm Snapdragon chip uses Arm, not the x86 architecture common in gaming PCs. Valve’s FEX translates a game’s x86 CPU instructions into Arm instructions; Proton, Linux, and graphics drivers can run natively, so translation is largely limited to the game’s own CPU code. Valve says the overhead should be modest for games mainly limited by graphics performance, though speed still depends on the hardware. Code caching, potentially coordinated with Steam’s shader pre-caching, is intended to smooth performance. The broader ambition is a Steam library that can run across different operating systems, processor architectures, and eventually device types. Developers may not need to create separate builds: Valve aims to make compatibility its responsibility, turning hardware differences into performance considerations rather than barriers to playing.
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The EU’s new Return Regulation expands the grounds and duration for immigration detention, including for children, and increases deportations. Critics warn that surveillance-based alternatives and externalization measures extend coercive migration controls beyond detention centers. (statewatch.org)
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden says the PS6 should prioritize affordability over more processing power, arguing a $300 console would be real innovation. He says rising console prices are shutting out buyers and Sony should focus on making hardware smaller and cheaper. (gamesradar.com)
EyesRhythm is an offline desktop app that uses a webcam to track blink rate and regularity, then offers gentle reminders and practice exercises. It also tracks head movement to encourage neck breaks, while keeping video on the device. (eyesrhythm.com)
Satellite images show Iran building new facilities near the Garmdareh and Shahroud missile bases and repairing damage at at least 12 other military sites. The work follows months of US and Israeli air strikes, according to analysts who reviewed the images. (bbc.com)
Stunt Car Racer’s computer opponents use three spring-mounted wheels to follow the track and cannot fall off. Drivers share the same engine but differ in their habits and swerving frequency; the AI also adjusts its speed and position around the player. (gamesexplained.com)
GeoWorks was a graphical operating system for PC-compatible computers that competed with Microsoft Windows in the 1990s. It offered a desktop interface on relatively modest hardware but failed to gain broad adoption as Windows became dominant. (atlasobscura.com)
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