Update 11/01/24 10:18 AM UTC - AYANEO replied to my email to give a tiny bit more info on their Linux OS use:
The SteamOS pre-installed on NEXT LITE is adapted and optimized by AYANEO based on HoloISO. Users also can install Windows system by themselves after purchasing NEXT LITE, and download Windows driver from AYANEO official website.
HoloISO is not actually SteamOS, but very close. So this is not in any way a partnership being done with Valve. HoloISO for those not aware can be found on GitHub and anyone can use it. I've asked if they can share what changes they've made.
Original article below:
Finally we're seeing another handheld vendor jump in with Linux. The AYANEO NEXT LITE was announced today and much like the Steam Deck, they plan to ship it with SteamOS! AYANEO are one of the top brands when it comes to PC handhelds, so it's really interesting to see them be one of the first to jump in like this. If Linux is a success for them, no doubt they will do more and other vendors will follow along.
Don't go expecting some next-gen power-house though, this is a "value-for-money option" but with various great sounding features like Hall Effect Joysticks, a 7-inch 800p display, a 47Wh battery, X-axis linear motors "and other features".
Now, this forward-looking flagship handheld, AYANEO NEXT, returns in full force with the rejuvenated AYANEO NEXT LITE. Building upon the foundation of top-tier flagship design and texture, AYANEO NEXT LITE comes pre-installed with the SteamOS gaming system for the first time. AYANEO NEXT LITE integrates outstanding cost-effectiveness, lowering the entry barrier while further popularizing numerous flagship features, offering an upgraded experience to more players, and allowing them to enjoy the endless fun and convenience of gaming handhelds.
AYANEO
AYANEO say "subscriptions" will open 9:30 PM EST on January 11th EST / 2:30 AM January 12th UTC. They haven't revealed specifications or the pricing yet, so we assume that will be revealed then. The announcement post also showed off two different colour variations with a white shell and orange shoulder buttons like above, plus a black shell with grey shoulder buttons.
Currently it's not clear how they're using SteamOS. As Valve have not announced any kind of partnership, and there's no official public SteamOS 3 release yet. We know Valve wanted to get SteamOS on other devices, and all those discussions would have of course been behind closed doors until an announcement. So maybe Valve will say something soon. I've reached out to both Valve and AYANEO for an answer anyway.
Interestingly, they were previously working on their Linux-based AYANEO OS that was due in 2023, but perhaps that was shelved in favour of SteamOS directly to prevent fragmentation.
What do we think, AMD still like most others or Intel this time like the MSI Claw?
See the announcement here.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Quoting: Purple Library GuyThey might pay Valve to help them with itI'm pretty sure Valve would be happy to "support" this device by themselves for free. Especially if it sells well.
As HoloISO dev said, TDP values are hardcoded for Steam Deck currently. Even if they take HoloISO or whatever and modify it, they can't modify Steam client itself, which is where all controls are implemented
Quoting: sarmadSounds like they are going in the other direction and targetting lower prices rather than fancier spec sheet. That's smart if they manage to bring the price down to something below the price of Steam Deck.
It's extremely unlikely to be cheaper than the Deck. Valve have economies of scale that Aya Neo don't have, and Valve don't actually need to make money on the hardware. The Next (which this is supposed to be a cheaper version of) is $1,315, and their cheapest product is $899.
Quoting: sonic2kkLinux was a great decision, but this is another handheld that missed the trackpads and handheld ergonomics that Valve have perfected on the Steam Deck.
Steam Deck's trackpads are good, but honestly most people just don't use them (because they don't know how good they are unfortunately). For these people this device can literally be Steam Deck Lite, because it certainly would be smaller in size. I know a few people who liked SteamOS, but don't like the size of Steam Deck. They might be interested in this
Last edited by satoridepon on 10 January 2024 at 8:18 pm UTC
StoneColdSpider Jan 10
Quoting: PenglingNow THAT's more like it!Kind of spooky..... We were just talking about something like this the other day........Ayaneo has been in this game for quite a while, and it's nice to see them not pitching a hissy-fit like GPD did.
I'll be interested in seeing how they price it. If this does well, we could end up seeing further disruption* of the marketplace, with any luck.
*Disruption in the Blue Ocean Strategy sense, for anyone who's familiar with that.
Mohandevir Jan 10
I'll be surprised if they are able to match the Steam Deck price brackets.
rustigsmed Jan 11
Mountain Man Jan 11
Quoting: satorideponQuoting: sonic2kkLinux was a great decision, but this is another handheld that missed the trackpads and handheld ergonomics that Valve have perfected on the Steam Deck.
Steam Deck's trackpads are good, but honestly most people just don't use them (because they don't know how good they are unfortunately). For these people this device can literally be Steam Deck Lite, because it certainly would be smaller in size. I know a few people who liked SteamOS, but don't like the size of Steam Deck. They might be interested in this
I love the track pads! I almost never touch the joysticks on my Steam Deck.
Quoting: StoneColdSpiderKind of spooky..... We were just talking about something like this the other day........Now let's see how much else of what we discussed shows up here.
Quoting: MohandevirLow cost, entry level handheld with SteamOS... Direct competitor to the Steam Deck... I was expecting a high end SteamOS based handheld... Would have made more sense, imo. Unless they aim to sell it where the Steam Deck is unavailable?The high-end SteamOS handheld is the Steam Deck. Really, though, this makes perfect sense, but only assuming it's as low-cost as the literature so far implies.
I'll be surprised if they are able to match the Steam Deck price brackets.
The "Blue Ocean Strategy" has a term for this, and it's how all market disruption starts: "Crappy products for crappy customers.". That's not crappy as in low-quality, but rather "crappy" as in the big players in the market rejected them and refuse to cater to them even though there's a ready-made market just waiting to hand over their money (the fact that Linux gaming recently overtook Mac gaming, but we're still seeing companies refusing to support Linux whilst making large concessions for MacOS also plays into this).
The lack of certain features isn't a problem, either, for that reason - in fact, some more "Lite" options are likely to help adoption (as well as hopefully cover regions where the Steam Deck is not yet available).
Last edited by Pengling on 11 January 2024 at 5:51 am UTC
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