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PayPalUpdate 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.
That said, I wish them all the best!
I want to see this market-segment grow, and not get crushed netbook-style.
QuoteSome of the company’s seed funding comes from blockchain companies
Quotemaybe players would buy games with cryptocurrencies
QuoteWe don’t care about running the hundred thousand games that are on Steam... we’re going to focus on the top games.
Quoteno Linux desktop modeAlso the mockup (since the device doesn't exist) doesn't have face buttons or d-pad.
It's a yikes from me bro.
Quoting: PenglingGiven the names involved, hopefully this won't end up being yet another one of those cases where it's revealed as a Linux box and then there's a bait-and-switch to "Oops, we're shipping with Windows instead because people asked for it!".Well, the entire idea is based around it being Linux, so that won't happen.
Quoting: Liam DaweWell, the entire idea is based around it being Linux, so that won't happen.I think I'm getting a bit jaded, Liam - I've heard it too many times!
They also have some investors like Polychain on the website, which doesn't rise the trust factor at all.
But well, lets wait and see i guess.
At least it might make Valve release SteamOS for other devices once and for all!
Quoting: XpanderThis sounds more like some pitch to get some investors in rather than something already somewhere. Sound kinda more like a scam even...
They also have some investors like Polychain on the website, which doesn't rise the trust factor at all.
It feels like something that was slapped together to make it appear as though they can achieve the goal of making Linux play every single game through launchers and by other means and I'd be surprised if they can make certain games like COD, Destiny 2 and others work with kernel anti-cheats. Also, making x86/x86-64 games run on ARM will be another challenge onto itself considering that you'll need some transitional layer to make it work and color me surprised if they pull it off.
Unless they got some other technology that can achieve what Proton has done for Linux/Steam Deck gaming, I'm not convinced that they can get this off the ground. In a way, I feel that we're more likely to hear internal conflicts from those involved with Playtron and probably empty promises along the way.
Overall, I don't have a problem with them competing but nothing really stands out to me with what they're selling
rustybroomhandle Mar 18
Quoting: ToddLUnless they got some other technology that can achieve what Proton has done for Linux/Steam Deck gaming, I'm not convinced that they can get this off the ground.Can't they just . . . use Proton?
Quoting: Purple Library GuyMost likely something like something like GE-Proton with ULWGL.Quoting: ToddLUnless they got some other technology that can achieve what Proton has done for Linux/Steam Deck gaming, I'm not convinced that they can get this off the ground.Can't they just . . . use Proton?
(I think that was the question being posed.)
slaapliedje Mar 18
Quoting: PenglingGiven the names involved, hopefully this won't end up being yet another one of those cases where it's revealed as a Linux box and then there's a bait-and-switch to "Oops, we're shipping with Windows instead because people asked for it!". As a video game character once amusingly said, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, stop foolin' me.".And The Who said they won't be fooled again!
That said, I wish them all the best!
Quoting: PenglingBut do those straight-up work on ARM with no difficulties? (I think that was the question being posed.)The announcement does mention Box64. How well that works in practice is a big question mark.
They are probably going to need to create their own rating system for the device...
Quoting: CatKillerIt very much sounds like a scam to extract money from venture capitalists.. . . Mind you, I don't have a big problem with that. Those folks clearly need money extracted from them.
QuoteAnd they say to expect "Playtron on Laptops & PCs, TVs, XR and in Car in the coming years",
i saw this movie before.
canonical promissing their own display server , promossing to make an OS for TVs, phones, Tablets, pcs...
looks like they are trying to attract investors by promissing more than they can fulfill, yet i never heard of this company before.
this mockup device on the picture dont help the lack of buttons proves they dont know what they are doing, maybe its just an concept pic and the real device will be different, but i wouldnt use an picture like this even as a concept if i wanted to inspire confidence, unless they are targeting mobile gamers.
Mar 19
QuoteTheir CEO is also Kirt McMaster
Isn't this the same guy that said he was "going to put a bullet in Google's head"?
I think I'll pass on anything this guy touches.
where are they again anyway?
took people money then disapear?
Quoting: Liam Dawethe issue is that this look like a solution in search for a problemQuoting: PenglingGiven the names involved, hopefully this won't end up being yet another one of those cases where it's revealed as a Linux box and then there's a bait-and-switch to "Oops, we're shipping with Windows instead because people asked for it!".Well, the entire idea is based around it being Linux, so that won't happen.
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