Valve releases SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview with promise to support non-Steam Deck handhelds

Valve has unveiled SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, bringing a host of new features and upgrades to its gaming-focused Linux distribution. This update is built on a newer Arch Linux base and leverages the Linux kernel 6.11. Desktop mode now features KDE Plasma 6.2.5, replacing the previous 5.27.10 version, and the Mesa graphics driver base has been updated.

The highlight of this release is the promise for SteamOS to support non-Steam Deck handheld devices in the future, expanding compatibility to many other potential devices. Other enhancements include displaying battery levels for supported Bluetooth devices and a fix for AirPods using the AAC codec. It also enables HFP/HSP profiles for headset and earbud microphones and resolves an issue where Bluetooth devices could wake the Steam Deck from suspend mode even when Bluetooth was disabled.

Surround sound functionality has been corrected in desktop mode, and there are improvements in display compatibility, switching speed, and robustness between desktop and game modes. Several other enhancements and bug fixes are also part of this release.