trackpads Archives

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Steam Machine release date speculation, specs and latest news

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine in early 2026, potentially up to April 2026, though delays may occur due to a RAM crisis affecting component prices. Pre-orders are currently unavailable, but customers can add it to their Steam wishlist for notifications. The Steam Machine is a PC-hybrid console, running SteamOS, and offers a desktop environment for flexibility. It has performance specifications between the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5, with 16GB of system memory and 8GB of video memory. Key specifications include a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 CPU, semi-custom AMD RDNA3 GPU, and storage options of 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD. The Steam Machine will come with a Steam Controller, featuring standard controls and enhanced precision through dual trackpads and a gyroscope.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

I can’t live without the Steam Deck’s trackpads anymore, and I hope the Steam Controller forces the competition to adopt them

Valve has announced its latest Steam Controller, which closely resembles its predecessor. The controller features large circular trackpads that enhance gameplay for PC games typically unplayable with standard gamepads. While the design may not seem groundbreaking, the trackpads make various game genres more accessible for gamers who prefer not to use a mouse and keyboard. Despite the existence of other controllers with trackpads, such as PlayStation's DualSense and DualShock 4, their implementations are often seen as underutilized. The Steam Controller aims to bridge the gap between mouse precision and the tactile enjoyment of traditional gamepads, potentially inspiring new game types or enhancing existing ones. Valve has refined its trackpad concept over the years, demonstrating its potential in the gaming market.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Valve announces new Steam Machine and Steam Controller

Valve is set to launch the Steam Machine and Steam Controller in early 2026. The Steam Machine is a compact PC running on a Linux-based SteamOS, featuring a customizable design, USB-A port, microSD card slot, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and Ethernet ports. It is powered by a “semi-custom AMD Zen 4” CPU, “semi-custom AMD RDNA3” GPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, with storage options of 512GB or 2TB SSD. It offers approximately six times the performance of the Steam Deck, enabling 4K gaming at 60 FPS. The Steam Controller is a wireless device that replicates the Steam Deck's control methods, featuring sticks, buttons, triggers, trackpads, and gyro controls, with Bluetooth and wired connectivity. It allows for customizable input methods for each game and is compatible with any device running Steam. Pricing details have not been disclosed, but they are expected to be competitive with equivalent PCs and gaming controllers.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Microsoft’s Haptic Signals feature may finally fix trackpads on Windows laptops

Microsoft is introducing a new haptic feedback feature called "Haptic signals" in Windows 11, aimed at enhancing user interaction through subtle vibrations during specific actions like snapping windows or transferring files. This feature provides tactile responses, confirming successful actions within the graphical user interface. Users will have the option to disable Haptic Signals and customize the intensity of the feedback. Currently, it is expected to work on devices with haptic-enabled trackpads, such as the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Laptop Studio. Microsoft has been developing this feature since 2022, and it is nearing readiness for future Windows 11 updates.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

Windows 11 laptops could get advanced haptic feedback for trackpads – and it’s about time, MacBooks have had this for ages

Windows 11 is introducing a feature called haptic signals to enhance user interaction with trackpads and mice, currently hidden in Dev and Beta builds. This feature, which offers nuanced haptic feedback beyond existing functionality, can be activated using a configuration utility called ViVeTool. While not yet available for official testing, it aims to provide a more tactile experience for users. The existing haptic feedback simulates mechanical clicks on touchpads and has received positive feedback. Microsoft may offer options to adjust the intensity of haptic effects to cater to user preferences. This development is seen as a response to Apple's established haptic technology.