Update 13:34 UTC, 19/03/24: One of the videos Playtron supplied to The Verge, showcasing some tech used on mobile in the article linked below, wasn't even their own and was taken uncredited from another person on YouTube, who hit them with a copyright claim and had it taken down. It seems this was some kind of "misunderstanding", and was just supposed to showcase what the tech they use could do.
Original article below:
Playtron have teased their PlaytronOS, taking aim at the gaming space to compete with SteamOS with a Linux-powered system. Could be exciting times ahead.
They've managed to pull in developers from ChimeraOS, Box64, Heroic Games Launcher and more so they have some people involved who certainly know their stuff when it comes to Linux gaming. Their CEO is also Kirt McMaster, a name some might recognise from Cyanogen. Many others are involved who have developer experience previously from the likes of Google, Amazon, Red Hat, Meta, Samsung, SEGA and more. So they've built up quite an experienced team overall.
Unlike SteamOS, it's not going to be so tied to the Steam store. Although you can install pretty much anything in the SteamOS Desktop Mode, the Steam Deck is obviously a Steam-first device. Playtron saying it's "Locked to the Valveverse" is simply false though. Playtron say PlaytronOS aims to be "compatible with every game store" and to expect "many 3rd party integrations to come".
Pictured - device mock-up from the PLAYTRON website.
PlaytronOS plans to supports both ARM and X86 based PC architectures. And they say to expect "Playtron on Laptops & PCs, TVs, XR and in Car in the coming years", so they're certainly aiming high with it. Potentially impossibly too high? Their current plan is to launch PlaytronOS for Steam Deck and other handheld gaming PCs "later this year" and that "Playtron 1st hand held PCs coming soon" — so we can expect to see some future handhelds launch with PlaytronOS.
Later this year they also plan some sort of "direct publishing" option for game developers.
Sean Hollister of The Verge got an early look for a bit more info, and Hollister also noted Valve actually told them that they're finally working to bring SteamOS to more handhelds.
While exciting, they have a huge uphill battle here and will no doubt have to do a lot of convincing when it comes to hardware vendors to actually use it. So while exciting, right now it doesn't mean too much - especially until we actually see a first initial release (and even better - a hardware vendor actually releasing with it). One to keep a close eye on because it could be a game changer, but it could just as easily fizzle out.
More on the website. They're also at GDC this year.
It's pretty clear at this point that the Steam Deck with SteamOS has really begun to change the gaming world. While there were obviously other handheld gaming PC vendors before, Valve really lit a fire didn't they.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Quoting: Liam DaweOne of the videos used in The Verge's article supplied by Playtron was also hit with a copyright strike, as Playtron took it from someone. Not a good start....
QuoteMany others are involved who have developer experience from the likes of Google, Amazon, Red Hat, Meta, Samsung, SEGA and more.
Do any of the people from these companies have actually said they're involved in Playtron and do they work for Playtron?
With the video being stolen this is starting to smell more like a scam that's trying to look legit by throwing around big names.
Quoting: kerossinDo any of the people from these companies have actually said they're involved in Playtron and do they work for Playtron?They work for Playtron, previously at those other companies. Added "previously" to clarify that.
Last edited by Liam Dawe on 19 March 2024 at 1:47 pm UTC
And something more interesting for linux gaming than another console.
Quoting: pleasereadthemanualOh man, I just realised how problematic this claim is, too - they're literally talking about including a means to cheat!QuoteMcMaster tells me Playtron’s definitely skewing more toward the ease of use of a Nintendo Switch, partnering with Perplexity on an AI agent that could keep “core-casual” gamers from ditching games prematurely just because they got stuck on a challenge or puzzle. There’ll be no Linux desktop mode.
And that, at the same time as claiming this will allow Fortnite and Roblox when even Valve couldn't make that happen. 
As an aside, I don't see what including a cheat-engine has got to do with the ease-of-use of a Nintendo Switch - Nintendo might be fine with allowing cheaters on their paid online service, but they don't provide customers with the means to do so.
Now we wait and see if they do more than just a mix of Lutris, Heroic and Linux with a bit of duct tape.
I'd love to see more platforms in OpenSource being supported , MS Gamepass,Rockstar, countless others where the OpenSource community hasn't solved the puzzle yet.
Just getting money out of community projects is lame.
At the moment, what I'm seeing is lots of promises and very little evidence to demonstrate that they can achieve their goals.
Quoting: Liam DaweQuoting: kerossinDo any of the people from these companies have actually said they're involved in Playtron and do they work for Playtron?They work for Playtron, previously at those other companies. Added "previously" to clarify that.
Fair enough, then it seems it's not a complete sham. But then it's really weird that they have all these experienced people and they make such a stupid decision of grabbing someones elses video.
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