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
Quoting: wleoncioSounds 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.
Quoting: tonRThis 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 :)
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