A little bit of info about the STEAM-Box

[Vindekarr]

So, the STEAM BOX, Valve's console project. This thread is just me passing on a bit of extra info you may or may not know about it.

 

Firstly, it's essentially going to be half-console half PC. It's based around STEAM, and works via the already existing Big Picture mode, hooked directly up to a TV like a stock console. The BOX itself will be purely electronic, with no disc drive or other hardware inputs, and running on a Linux OS, with the additional ability to run Windows, in addition to an app store and and a full web browser. Hardware is as of yet known, however the box is not proprietary, but rather the software is available on licence, with Newell envisaging a range of boxes, built to licence by other companies, as well as Valve's own works machine, which he says will be neither the most, nor least powerful of the offerings.

 

As far as unique features go, don't expect exclusives; rather the emphasis is more on an interconnected network of players, social media-like interactivity, player-made content sharing(mods!) and "in a future version" Valve hopes that the box will be able to act as a server, allowing a LAN to be hosted on as many as 36 monitors off one box running one copy of the game. Perhaps the most radical idea is biometric control. Though not confirmed for the initial launch BOX, Newell referred to existing motion-controller as "a failure of imagination" and hinted at "biometric" control options, without actually explaining what he meant.

 

Currently release dates and which manufacturers are making licenced boxes are unknown, but Xi3's Piston home console has already been revealed, and is the only Steam Box to have made a public appearance. It's an ultra-compact, vaguely X-shaped purple multigon in shape, without any external plug-ports of any kind, suggesting a heavy reliance on wireless tech.

 

Sources are Game Informer Australia, and The Verge magazines.

[JimboUK]

The licencing is good idea, it means someone else takes the risk. If the "player-made content sharing" is Valves vision of it they can keep it, I'm not paying for mods.