Operating Systems
Ongoing coverage on Operating Systems.
Latest coverage
Valve's latest SteamOS is out with 'initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware'
Valve has released SteamOS 3.8, an update to its Arch-based Linux distribution for the Steam Deck and other hardware. This version introduces initial support for upcoming Steam Machine hardware and improves desktop mode performance by defaulting to Wayland over X11. The update also includes various other enhancements for display, audio, and system firmware across different Steam Deck models and compatible third-party handhelds.
Wear OS 7 arrives to Pixel watches with Gemini AI and live updates
Wear OS 7 is now available for Pixel watches, introducing a new interface, updated notifications, and Gemini AI features. The update also includes live updates for the operating system.
Google launches 'bubble' multi-tasking and foldable gaming mode with Android 17
Google has begun rolling out Android 17, introducing new features such as 'bubble' multitasking and a dedicated gaming mode for foldable devices. These updates aim to enhance user experience and optimize performance on a variety of hardware.
It looks like more handhelds will soon be able to run SteamOS if this MSI Claw gameplay test is anything to go by
Valve has added support for Intel processors to a beta version of SteamOS, allowing more handheld devices like the MSI Claw to run the operating system. While initial testing shows promise, some games may still perform better on Windows, and certain features like TDP adjustment require third-party plugins.
Sunday Tech Bits
This article rounds up several tech news items, including Intel's Z990 chipset focusing on Gen5 with reduced die size and increased power consumption, and Microsoft's admission of Linux's influence with Coreutils for Windows. It also briefly mentions RAM.
This gaming PC can boot to Windows in just six seconds, runs Unreal at 1300fps
A PC enthusiast has built a custom machine capable of booting Windows 95 in just six seconds, utilizing a combination of modern hardware like a Ryzen 9 9900X CPU and an NVMe SSD, alongside older components such as a PCI adapter and an Nvidia GeForce 7900 GS graphics card. This setup also allows for impressive performance in classic games like Unreal, running at 1300fps.
Siri AI & dedicated Siri app announced at Apple WWDC 26
Apple announced a rebuilt version of Siri, named Siri AI, at WWDC 2026, developed with assistance from Google. This new AI will be integrated into OS 27 Golden Gate and will also feature a dedicated Siri application.
Evening Mobilization
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 updates will not drop support for any iPhones but will remove support for a few iPad models. Separately, Apple is reportedly losing ground in the wearable update market to competitors like Samsung and Google.
Evening Tech Bits
Apple is phasing out Intel Macs with macOS 27 requiring Apple Silicon. In other tech news, Meta has launched a $115 million skilled trades academy that offers guaranteed jobs upon completion.
Reminder: macOS 27 won't work on Intel Macs
Apple has announced that the upcoming macOS 27 operating system will not be compatible with Intel-based Macs. Users will require Apple silicon hardware to run the latest version of the operating system.
Apple's new OSes are getting a massive speed boost
Apple's upcoming operating systems are set to receive significant performance enhancements, leading to faster app launches and improved features like AirDrop. These optimizations aim to provide a more responsive user experience across Apple's platforms.
Morning Tech Bits
Apple is expected to unveil significant updates at WWDC 2026, including a major revamp of Siri and the introduction of Apple Intelligence alongside iOS 27. Separately, reports indicate that a majority of new AI datacenters in the US will be constructed on land facing water scarcity issues.
WWDC 2026: Live updates from Apple Park on Siri, iOS 27, Apple Intelligence and more
Apple's "All systems glow" event, scheduled for WWDC 2026, will feature live updates from Apple Park. Key announcements are expected regarding Siri, iOS 27, and the company's advancements in Apple Intelligence.
Pipes.exe is a co-op horror game about the world's favourite screensaver
Pipes.exe, a co-op horror climbing game set in a '90s operating system, premiered at the PC Gaming Show. Players act as QA testers hunting for bugs in a world resembling an old Windows screensaver, with up to three friends. The game is set to release on Steam in Q3 of this year.
Steam Survey for May 2026 is out - Linux down at 3.99% but still above macOS
The May 2026 Steam Hardware & Software Survey shows a decrease in Linux user share to 3.99%, while Windows holds 93.85% and macOS 2.16%. This dip may be influenced by the Steam Deck's stock and pricing fluctuations, as well as the absence of Steam Machines and Steam Frames.
Intel Arc G-Series processors announced for next-gen handheld gaming PCs
Intel has officially announced its new Intel Arc G-Series processors, designed for next-generation handheld gaming PCs. These processors, including the G3 and G3 Extreme, build upon the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and feature Intel Arc B390 graphics. Hardware launches featuring these chips are expected in the coming months from manufacturers like Acer, MSI, and OneXPlayer.
The Witcher 3 reveals new system requirements and it's now Windows 11 or nothing
CD Projekt Red has updated the minimum system requirements for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, mandating 64-bit Windows 11 and dropping support for Windows 10, DirectX 11, and HDDs. These changes are being implemented to ensure compatibility and performance for the upcoming 'Songs of the Past' expansion, expected in 2027.
Linux Mint gets file manager improvements, a new screenshot tool and more
Linux Mint is implementing significant improvements for its upcoming release, including performance enhancements to the Nemo file manager and a new screenshot tool for the Cinnamon desktop. The update also features draggable confirmation dialogs, theme tweaks, and support for WPA3 and OWE Wi-Fi protocols. Founder Clément Lefèbvre also highlighted security updates and a warning about malicious websites impersonating FOSS projects.
Security researcher describes freshly uncovered Windows 11 vulnerability as 'one of the most insane discoveries I…
A security researcher known as Nightmare-Eclipse has discovered a BitLocker bypass vulnerability in Windows 11, dubbed YellowKey. The exploit allows attackers to access encrypted drives by abusing the Windows Recovery Environment, a vulnerability that does not appear to affect Windows 10. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue as a security feature bypass.
New SteamOS update finally fixes one of the Steam Deck's most irritating bugs
Valve has released the SteamOS 3.8.5 Beta update, addressing several bugs for the Steam Deck, including an issue where the speakers would not work after rebooting the Steam Deck OLED. The update also includes fixes for the ASUS ROG Ally and mentions upcoming Steam Machine hardware, suggesting a potential release is nearing. Additional improvements focus on video memory management and desktop mode stability.
