We were so close to seeing another gaming handheld ship with Linux out of the box that isn't the Steam Deck, but it seems AYANEO with the AYANEO NEXT LITE weren't convinced enough and so they've changed their minds.
Originally announced as shipping with SteamOS, but then clarified later it would be HoloISO, which is a Linux distribution that's pretty close to SteamOS. AYANEO aren't entirely dropping it though, as they will still be offering HoloISO Linux (it's like SteamOS), but the device will now instead ship with Windows 11.
Writing on X (Twitter) they put out a statement and here's the relevent bit copied out of the image:
Following the announcement of the operating system for AYANEO NEXT LITE, players and friends have shown great interest and engaged in lively discussions. Some players provided feedback indicating the continued preference for a Windows operating system. "Real Gamers, Know Gamers," and in response to this valuable feedback, we are pleased to announce that AYANEO NEXT LITE will come pre-installed with the genuine Windows 11 64-bit Home Edition operating system. Of course, players can still choose to install HoloISO on their own. AYANEO's official website provides HoloISO system images that are officially adapted and compatible for players to download and experience. The streamlined and efficient HololSO system aims to offer players a more convenient game management, smooth and stable gaming performance, lower overall power consumption, and native compatibility with both controllers and touchscreen operations. This approach aligns with the gaming habits of handheld device users, providing players with a richer selection of operating systems.
Real Gamers, Know Gamers huh? That's…a peculiar thing to say here.
This is a shame to see, as this could have helped to continue the Linux push for gaming. At least they will still be offering it up for download, but as we long-timers know, most people don't generally change their operating system on any device.
Hopefully sometime soon Valve will finally properly release SteamOS 3 for other hardware vendors, as SteamOS carries more weight to it than community-rebuilds like HoloISO. A lot of it is in the name, as players and hardware vendors would likely be more confident with SteamOS directly.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
It feels like they are scared it would flop if users keep asking for windows and they don't deliver, so they do it even though they think it's wasting their device?
I certainly hope they realize no one is going to risk changing the OS on their word that it's better, they'd just return it because it performs bad. They should seriously consider selling the device with either OS, and when word gets out that the Linux one works fine and the windows one doesn't, people will start making the right choice.
Mountain Man Jan 25
Quote...it seems AYANEO with the AYANEO NEXT LITE weren't convinced enough and so they've changed their minds.I wonder how much Microsoft paid them?
Quoting: ShabbyXIt feels like they are scared it would flop if users keep asking for windows and they don't deliver, so they do it even though they think it's wasting their device?
It's not like there's a shortage of handheld PCs that run Windows - even from the same company - so people could just buy one of those instead if they're desperate for Windows, while this device could still get the benefits of using Linux. If they did just get steamrolled by astroturf without getting anything in return then they made quite a serious mistake.
They probably thought that if SteamOS (or their own Linux distribution) didn't violate Microsoft's patents they wouldn't have to pay, and Microsoft reminded them that doesn't get them out of the terms of the agreement because those devices can still run Windows so it wouldn't matter.
The only way out of it is to not be a Windows OEM at all, use some kind of Windows-incompatible boot process, or fight Microsoft in court over the terms of a contract they entered into, all of which Aya aren't willing to do.
Quotebut it seems AYANEO with the AYANEO NEXT LITE weren't convinced enough and so they've changed their minds
Shocker.....
Like nobody knows what's gone off behind the scenes there
I have no respect left in the tank for this outfit. Long live Stream Deck, basically.
"Worse than a Steam Deck for more money than a Steam Deck" isn't a great place to position your product.
QuoteSome players provided feedback indicating the continued preference for a Windows operating system.Market-players, with a preference for splashing lots of cash, I'm sure.
Quoting: scaineWhat a cop out. This isn't about gamers. They either buckled to MS pressure, or loud-voiced social pressure.Likewise. I'm as disappointed about this as I was when GPD had their hissyfit about the Steam Deck (and in GPD's case, I actually own some of their hardware - it's nice and I would've liked to see them embrace something that fit it well).
I have no respect left in the tank for this outfit. Long live Stream Deck, basically.
Quoting: DrNickHonestly, it's not worth getting involved with most of the chinese handhelds. Ayaneo especially have terrible customer service.
So, Asus and Lenovo are both Chinese as well. Is their customer service also bad, or is it only worth mentioning it's Chinese if it's bad?
Quoting: melkemindSo, Asus and Lenovo are both Chinese as well. Is their customer service also bad, or is it only worth mentioning it's Chinese if it's bad?
Right, we should use something like "small handheld manufacturers/companies" when referring to the likes of AYANEO, OneXPlayer, etc.
Let's not foster the subtly racist idea that "Chinese made/managed = inherently bad".
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