Coming to a TV near you: games streamed from your computer, courtesy of a new gaming-oriented operating system from gaming company Valve.
Valve, whose Steam platform has gained popularity among gamers, said the new Linux-based OS may stream Windows and Mac games.
"SteamOS combines the rock-solid architecture of Linux with a gaming experience built for the big screen. It will be available soon as a free stand-alone operating system for living room machines," Valve said.
It said SteamOS can run on any living room machine, and "will provide access to the best games and user-generated content available."
Also, Valve said SteamOS has achieved "significant performance increases" in graphics processing, and audio performance and reductions in input latency are in the works.
This early, it said game developers "are already taking advantage of these gains as they target SteamOS for their new releases."
On the other hand, Valve said SteamOS is not a one-way broadcast channel but a "collaborative many-to-many" entertainment platform.
"Content creators can connect directly to their customers. Users can alter or replace any part of the software or hardware they want. Gamers are empowered to join in the creation of the games they love. SteamOS will continue to evolve, but will remain an environment designed to foster these kinds of innovation," it said.
Valve said one can play Windows and Mac games on a SteamOS machine, and can share Steam games with family members.
A separate article on Mashable said SteamOS may power the rumored to Steam Box game console, Valve's reported first foray into hardware. — VC/TJD, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
