This seems a bit random. The Verge reports that Valve is working on a home gaming console named "Steam Box" with a few partners. Naturally, this is only a rumor but as it seems to be making the rounds we figured it was worth at least a mention here.
The rumor from The Verge continues on to say that meetings were apparently held during CES to demo a version of the device to potential partners.
The specs of the demo box included a Core i7 CPU, 8GB RAM, and an undisclosed Nvidia GPU. It will be able to run standard PC titles and other digital distribution software, such as Origin. There also won't be any required devkit for the device, no license fees either, and will provide a "clear product life cycle" for developers.
The rumor continues on to suggest that it will ship with its own controller, one that can be modded with swappable components. Interestingly, Valve filed a patent for such a device last year. It will also allegedly make use of biometric feedback devices and Valve's "Big Picture" mode that's been in development for Steam for ages now.
Even MORE speculation hints at Valve wanting to take on such devices as Apple TV and other closed platforms. Gabe Newell was reported as saying, "On the platform side, it's sort of ominous that the world seems to be moving away from open platforms. They build a shiny sparkling thing that attracts users and then they control people's access to those things."
The Steam Box "could" be revealed at this year's GDC, which kicks off in just two days.
So far, it's just a rumor. In fact, I don't even recall the last time there was such a spontaneous rumor of this magnitude made about a developer. If even the bit about an unveil coming at GDC is to be believed, we will see if any of this holds water next week. Though don't forget that Valve WILL have a private booth at this year's E3 event... Curious, isn't it?
According to sources, the company has been working on a hardware spec and associated software which would make up the backbone of a "Steam Box." The actual devices may be made by a variety of partners, and the software would be readily available to any company that wants to get in the game.
Adding fuel to that fire is a rumor that the Alienware X51 may have been designed with an early spec of the system in mind, and will be retroactively upgradable to the software.
Adding fuel to that fire is a rumor that the Alienware X51 may have been designed with an early spec of the system in mind, and will be retroactively upgradable to the software.
The rumor from The Verge continues on to say that meetings were apparently held during CES to demo a version of the device to potential partners.
The specs of the demo box included a Core i7 CPU, 8GB RAM, and an undisclosed Nvidia GPU. It will be able to run standard PC titles and other digital distribution software, such as Origin. There also won't be any required devkit for the device, no license fees either, and will provide a "clear product life cycle" for developers.
The rumor continues on to suggest that it will ship with its own controller, one that can be modded with swappable components. Interestingly, Valve filed a patent for such a device last year. It will also allegedly make use of biometric feedback devices and Valve's "Big Picture" mode that's been in development for Steam for ages now.
Even MORE speculation hints at Valve wanting to take on such devices as Apple TV and other closed platforms. Gabe Newell was reported as saying, "On the platform side, it's sort of ominous that the world seems to be moving away from open platforms. They build a shiny sparkling thing that attracts users and then they control people's access to those things."
The Steam Box "could" be revealed at this year's GDC, which kicks off in just two days.
So far, it's just a rumor. In fact, I don't even recall the last time there was such a spontaneous rumor of this magnitude made about a developer. If even the bit about an unveil coming at GDC is to be believed, we will see if any of this holds water next week. Though don't forget that Valve WILL have a private booth at this year's E3 event... Curious, isn't it?
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