Steam Deck is now even better in Desktop Mode thanks to new Plasma update
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The Steam Deck is one of the most popular handheld gaming devices. It lets you play PC games on the go, but it also has a special feature called Desktop Mode. This mode allows you to use the Steam Deck like a regular PC outside of its default console-like interface. And if you often use this mode, you will be happy to know that Valve has made big improvements to it.
While the Steam Deck is mainly a gaming device, its Desktop Mode transforms it into a full PC. This means you can browse the internet, install different applications, and run software outside of the Steam ecosystem. You can also use a mouse and keyboard for a more traditional computer experience.
What does the new Steam Deck update offer?
Valve recently released SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, the most notable patch note of which revealed “Beginnings of support” for more handhelds. Since it is a “Preview” update, it is still being tested. This means it is not available for everyone yet. However, if you want to try it early, you can enable it by going to Settings > System > System Update Channel and selecting the Preview channel.
This update brings many changes and fixes. It adds support for the Proteus Byowave controller and now displays battery levels for supported Bluetooth devices. It also fixes some performance issues in No Rest for the Wicked and includes other improvements. However, the most exciting change is the update to Steam Deck's Desktop Mode.
With this update, Valve has upgraded the Steam Deck's Desktop Mode to Plasma 6.2.5. Previously, it was running on Plasma 5.27.10. If you are not familiar with Plasma, it is a desktop environment used in Linux-based systems. Plasma is known for its modern design, customization options, and user-friendly interface.
According to KDE, the developers behind Plasma, this update includes two major changes. First, it moves to the latest version of Qt, which is an important software framework. Second, it switches to Wayland, a new Linux graphics system that improves performance and security. Even though these are big technical changes, KDE has designed the update to feel the same as before. This means everything will look familiar, but under the surface, the system is now faster, smoother, and more secure.
The latest Plasma update includes many new features and improvements. One of the biggest additions is a new overview effect, which makes it easier to manage multiple windows. The update also brings partial support for HDR, which means better colors and brightness on supported monitors. There is also a new Scarlet Tree wallpaper, a fresh floating panel design, and several other visual improvements.
Along with upgrading to Plasma 6, the new SteamOS update also fixes and improves several things in Desktop Mode. Surround sound now works correctly, making audio better for those who use external speakers. A new tool called KDE Filelight is now installed by default. This helps users check their disk space and get warnings when storage is running low. For a full list of changes and improvements, you can check out the official SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview update log.
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