2023-04-14 15:07:46
Windows 11 may get a “portable mode” in the future, which would make it perfect for the Steam Deck console, or even other portable gaming devices.
This exciting reveal comes to us from WalkingCat, a regular purveyor of Microsoft rumors via Twitter (like the one spotted by Windows Latest (opens in a new tab)).
pic.twitter.com/RdSGMmhgBdApril 13, 2023
The story goes that Microsoft just held its Hackathon – where staff get together to explore potential new ideas. One of the projects discussed was “Handheld Mode”, specifically mentioning the Steam Deck.
Handheld Mode, which could apply to any handheld gaming device not just Valve’s, would usher in a redesign of the desktop, turning it into a launcher-like interface (for various stores, not just Steam ) with an interface better suited to a (relatively) small touchscreen.
This would include a better virtual touch keyboard, which could also be used with the Steam Deck controller, as well as interface optimizations, such as a streamlined taskbar and better UI scaling.
Portable mode could simply be toggled on and off as needed (via the taskbar), and it would allow full navigation of the operating system using commands from the Steam Deck.
It would also be possible to choose between better performance or better energy efficiency, which, in the latter case, would make it possible to extend the autonomy of the Steam Deck on the go.
Analysis: the improved Deck with Windows?
As you probably know, it is already possible to install Windows 11 (or 10) on the Steam Deck (although it is a bit tedious). However, the experience is far from ideal, since it is very basic and suffers from, for example, driver problems and numerous interface issues.
This is what all the previously mentioned measures aim to correct, with much of the work having to be done at the interface level. Especially when it comes to Windows’ virtual keyboard, which is very unstable on Valve’s handheld console, and the integration of Steam Deck controls into the Windows UI, as well as non-Steam games. Project leaders even mention direct collaboration with Valve on Windows drivers for the Deck.
In short, this could represent the end of Windows 11’s many flaws on the Steam Deck right now. Issues such as games not working properly with the screen or not recognizing the Deck hardware (can’t access VRAM for example) and not working at all.
Although SteamOS is excellent, the console’s default operating system has its limitations in terms of features and games. Installing a full Windows operating system on the Steam Deck improves things considerably, so that players can, for example, enjoy titles that the anti-cheat feature currently prevents from being used with SteamOS, or games not working properly for various reasons with Valve’s version of Linux. And of course, you can run games from any source, and even Windows apps, for that matter.
Before we get carried away with this portable mode, however, we must remember that this is still very early work. This is just a concept under discussion at the moment. so there is no guarantee that the mode will ever become a fully realized option in Windows.
Still, Steam Deck owners, as well as other handhelds in the same sphere, are thrilled to hear about it. Let’s not forget the recently revealed Asus ROG Ally, an AMD-powered device that actually runs Windows 11.
The emergence of Steam Deck rivals like this underscores the buzz around this area of hardware development, and it’s arguably exactly why Microsoft is looking into handheld mode in the first place.
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