Fancy playing your Linux gaming library from Steam on your phone? You're going to be able to later this month. On top of that, they're also going to let you stream your video purchases too.
Here's the full press release they just sent over:
NEW STEAM APPS TO EXTEND SERVICE OFFERINGS
May 9, 2018 - Two free new apps - the Steam Link app and the Steam Video app - are preparing for launch in the coming weeks, both designed to extend Steam's suite of services and accessibility.
The Steam Link app, slated to launch the week of May 21st, allows gamers to experience their Steam library of games on their Android (phone, tablet, TV) and iOS-based (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV) devices while connected via 5Ghz network or wired Ethernet to a host system (Mac or PC), with Android access initially offered in beta. The Steam Link App will feature support for the Steam Controller, MFI controllers, and more across both platforms.
Later this summer, the Steam Video app is targeted for release, allowing users to enjoy the thousands of movies and shows available on Steam directly via their Android and iOS devices over Wi-Fi or LTE. In direct response to customer feedback, it will offer the ability to enjoy content in offline and streaming modes.
Steam is a leading platform for digital entertainment, offering thousands of games, movies, and films to millions of people around the world. For more information, please visit www.steampowered.com
One of the things that stopped me personally buying any video content from Steam, was that you needed the main Steam client directly to actually watch them (so, PC only). Allowing us to watch them on tablets and phones might tempt me to use that side of Steam a little more in future so that's great. Having the offline ability also sounds good, so hopefully we can download stuff while at home to our phones and tablets to watch on our travels.
I'm very curious to see how well the Steam Link app holds up streaming from Ubuntu to my Android tablet, could make for some interesting gaming sessions after a long day. I've asked Valve if it will fully support a Linux host machine, since for all we know "PC" may just mean Windows, but I hope Valve won't let us down there.
Update - 09/05/18 18:34 UTC - Valve have confirmed to me that Linux hosts are supported for the Steam Link app game streaming. They apologised for not mentioning it directly.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
I don't like the touch controls for games and the display is too small for watching films. So I will gladly pass this opportunity.
ElectricPrism May 10, 2018
Unless its just throwing darts blindfolded to see where they have success and then persuing the opportunity.
Maybe Valve will pump money into wine and stream all pc games from Linux to Androids and iPads locally XD
Arehandoro May 10, 2018
Sounds cool! I wonder if they would also target Chromecast devices, that might make me buy a Steam Controller.
That would be very interesting!
Mohandevir May 10, 2018
johndoe86x May 10, 2018
But for myself, I want truly mobile gaming devices. Streaming isn't substitute for my on-the-go gaming needs especially offline gaming.
This is for y'all that are living in place where's internet is the best in the world (connectivity, speed and ping wise), so Steam Link app might the best thing y'all.
But for myself, I want truly mobile gaming devices. Streaming isn't substitute for my on-the-go gaming needs especially offline gaming.
Services like this will likely help push countries with bad cellular connection in the right direction though. With more and more services requiring low latency and high speed connections, it'll likely affect the way things are built going forward. So in the end, it might just benefit you :)
I live in Romania and I'm not impressed, I don't like streaming. I still think it would be better if they start selling native Android games as well, many of the games on their Store already have Android versions.I do respect your opinion but I am totally disagree with Valve goes full Android. Let's be honest here;
I mean, sure, it could be nice every once in a while, but I don't see myself regularly using it, at all.
What I hope is that it will allow the Steam Controller to be used on native apps as well - that would be awesome!
Google = Android and;
Android ≠ GPL Linux.
Removing all G-Apps (Maps, Service, Music, Youtube etc) without no alternative replacement to G-Apps and you'll get smartphones which are 'dumber' than java/feature/S40 phones. Come on, remember Ouya?
Android was born by mixing all licenses together. Some permissive licenses plus shitty manufacturer and also that 'notorious GPL-violating ARM' chip maker are one of many reasons why Android are fragmented with so many outdated and unsecured versions. I don't want my Steam or any account be compromised. Hell, that the reason why I not doing online banking on phone.
In other hand, I do agree Steam Controller should be allowed on native apps.
Services like this will likely help push countries with bad cellular connection in the right direction though. With more and more services requiring low latency and high speed connections, it'll likely affect the way things are built going forward. So in the end, it might just benefit you :)Agree, but you what? I heard that same thing 10 years ago when 3.5G/HSPA started to rolled in Malaysia. 10 years past, the same problems 10 years ago still persist especially in my town/city. Here's the list:
- If heavy thunderstorm (both wire and wireless), your internet will blackout for 3 days,
- Sudden internet interruption without any warning plus some providers even not offer any replacement like free data as apology to interruption,
- If some fucking assholes stealing cables, 7 days blackout (heard stories some neighbourhood blackout almost a month).
- 10 years ago, it's known fact that internet is the fastest and most reliable on wee hours. Today, while internet speed is fastest on anytime, the reliability is absolutely uncertain.
Those are most frequent problems I faced recently. As world known on 10th May 2018, Malaysia have new 'chief' in town (same old leader but with new hopes, new missions and new crews behind). Let see how these crews administering our blessed country.
TheLinuxPleb May 11, 2018
for what is worth you can use an Android phone without google apps that's what amazon does for legal reasons (Fire OS) and there are a lot of android roms that work without google apps (ie copperhead os). I used lineage os without google apps for some time, the only thing that was missing is chromecast features that are part of google apps, but that was fixed with android oreo, now chromecast is fully part of Android open source project.- Agree, while possible to use G-less Android but one thing to remind is Amazon is abundance source of money, employees and probably IPs.
- I am using LineageOS too and I don't miss Chromecast at all. If I wanted streaming on TV, my kodi box doing it's job perfectly for now.
And if you are really paranoid and do not trust Android open source project based roms (that don't use google apps) you still have the alternative of Sailfish OS. Sailfish is a real linux system, rpm based.I'm not paranoid. Today, with Cambridge Analytica and mishandling data stuff (which changed my view on GDPR), I am just not a big fan on relying on Big Data and Silicon Valley on anything even on their open source projects.
I installed Sailfish on my phone but because it's not officially supported the support isn't stellar, but if you have a phone that's officially supported sailfish is great, privacy wise and has android app compatibility layer.
Right now, I am currently following these project:
Jolla Sailfish,
Purism Librem,
Ubports (Ubuntu Touch) and
Alpine Linux/PostmarketOS (thanks to MayeulC suggestion.
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