Valve has confirmed that Android titles are now officially supported on SteamOS, allowing developers to publish their Android or Meta Quest VR APKs directly to the platform without creating a separate version. Valve has also implemented its Proton compatibility layer to enhance the gaming experience on Steam. They are launching a developer kit program to help developers port their games.
The ES-DE 3.4.0 update brings new features and expanded Android support for various systems, including Sony PlayStation 3, Valve Steam, and the Epic Games Store. It also introduces a time tracker feature, DeX support for Samsung users, improved support for dual-screen Android devices, and ARMSX2 as an alternate emulator for PS2 emulation on Android.
Linuxfx has released version 11.25.09 “NOBLE,” a Windows-style Linux distribution aimed at revitalizing older laptops and desktops. It replicates the look and functionality of Windows 10 and 11, built on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, and offers five years of free updates. The operating system uses KDE Plasma as its desktop environment and includes a new Redsand theme, kernel 6.14.0-29 for improved hardware compatibility, and over 1GB of package updates. It supports Wine Stable for running Windows applications and includes pre-installed applications like Microsoft Teams and Oracle Java 24. PowerTools version 1.8 is available without a license key, with additional features accessible through donations. Linuxfx requires only 2GB of RAM and a dual-core 64-bit CPU, making it less demanding than Windows 11, which has higher hardware requirements.
Chromebook users have experienced the disappearance of the Google Play Store and Android applications, attributed to software updates, device compatibility issues, and changes in Google’s policies. Chrome OS selectively supports Android applications, with devices launched in or after 2019 generally able to access the Play Store, while older models may lose access during updates. Troubleshooting often involves checking settings or performing a factory reset, but these do not always resolve the issue. Google is phasing out legacy Chrome Web Store applications in favor of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which disrupts Android app access. Workarounds like sideloading apps from APK files exist but require technical expertise and raise security concerns. Google is integrating new features into Chrome OS, including Play Store filters, but persistent app disappearance issues could undermine user trust. The situation reflects broader tensions in Google’s ecosystem management, impacting the adoption of Chromebooks as professional devices. Users have expressed frustration over unexplained app losses, highlighting the need for clearer communication from Google.
Transitioning from Windows to Linux can be challenging due to the variety of distributions available. Users often experiment with different options using virtual machines or dual-boot setups. Ubuntu is a popular choice, especially within the Windows Subsystem for Linux and Hyper-V, but Zorin OS is highlighted as a more seamless alternative for users familiar with Windows.
Zorin OS provides a desktop experience similar to Windows, making it user-friendly for new Linux users. It allows customization of the taskbar's position, reminiscent of earlier Windows versions. Zorin OS also supports running Windows applications through preconfigured Wine and Bottles, simplifying the process compared to Ubuntu.
Zorin OS performs well on older hardware, with its Lite version using the XFCE desktop environment to enhance responsiveness, unlike Ubuntu, which can be sluggish on legacy systems. Zorin Connect enables integration with Android devices, allowing users to sync notifications and control their desktop from mobile devices.
Zorin OS is noted for its minimalist approach, optimizing resource usage and avoiding unnecessary applications, particularly in its Lite version. The author currently prefers Zorin OS over Ubuntu Core for its user-friendly design and performance but remains open to exploring other Linux distributions.
Apple is forming an "Android Working Group" to support its Swift programming language for Android app development. This marks a shift in Apple's strategy, as Swift, previously focused on iOS and macOS, will now be officially supported for Android. The group's objectives include enhancing Android support for Swift, proposing improvements to core Swift packages, collaborating with the Platform Steering Group, establishing supported Android API levels, creating a continuous integration framework for testing, identifying best practices for bridging Swift with Android's Java SDK, developing debugging support, and integrating Android support into community-driven Swift packages. This initiative represents Apple's formal commitment to facilitating Swift's use on the Android platform.
Huawei has launched the Huawei Pura X smartphone in China, which is the first Huawei device to operate without Android, using HarmonyOS Next instead. The Pura X does not support Android applications and does not offer a choice between Android and HarmonyOS. The phone features a 3.5-inch outer OLED screen, a 6.3-inch foldable OLED screen, and a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor. It is powered by the Kirin 9020 chip, supports up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and has a 4720mAh battery with fast charging capabilities. The device is priced at CNY 7499 (approximately ₹89,000) and is unlikely to be available in India due to its lack of Android compatibility.
Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome OS are the most widely adopted desktop operating systems. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0, but offers greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide array of devices. In contrast, Chrome OS is tied to its hardware, making transitions to Windows typically require a new device. Chrome OS supports Android applications and includes a built-in Linux virtual machine, allowing for some offline functionality and development tools, while also featuring Google Assistant. Windows 11 supports a vast range of software, offers browser choice, excels in gaming performance, and provides seamless compatibility with applications, including Linux GUI applications through the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
![Chrome OS vs. Windows 11 [Performance and Features]](https://newapp.site/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/chrome-os-vs-windows-11-performance-and-features.png)