Savvy Linux users can test-drive Valve's new SteamOS starting tomorrow.
SteamOS, the highly-anticipated Linux-based operating system from Valve which will focus exclusively on running games will be available to download tomorrow but Valve is warning non-Linux-savvy users to wait a little while before trying SteamOS out.
The very first publicly available build of SteamOS will be ready to download absolutely free tomorrow, December 13th. However, Valve is warning potential users that this first public build will be very bare-bones and not nearly as user-friendly as the final iteration will be. Valve has said that users shouldn’t tinker around with this first version of SteamOS unless they’re an “intrepid Linux hacker.”
Newer, more user-friendly builds of SteamOS are expected to be available early next year but in the meantime it’ll be interesting to see what initial impressions first-time users will have. Valve also revealed earlier this week that they’ve selected the first 300 beta testers for their Steam Machines and Steam Controllers and are in the process of shipping out prototypes of both devices out to those lucky few.
Using new innovations such as SteamOS, Steam Machines, and their Steam Controller, Valve is hoping to signifigantly shrink the gap between PC gaming and living room couch console gaming. Judging from these recent announcements, it looks like we won’t have to wait too long to see what fans think of Valve’s next big push.
