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Valve's new Steam Deck update doesn't promise much, but classic Call of Duty games could see some real performance gains
AppWizard
January 11, 2026

Valve’s new Steam Deck update doesn’t promise much, but classic Call of Duty games could see some real performance gains

The January 8 SteamOS beta update introduces a feature called ntsync, which provides kernel-level support for a driver that enhances Windows game performance on Linux systems, particularly for the Steam Deck. This update may improve performance for older titles in the Call of Duty franchise and other classic games. Testing on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare showed minor frame rate improvements when using the ntsync-enabled Proton-GE fork, stabilizing frame rates around 135-144 FPS compared to 130-140 FPS on the fsync build. Users have reported that issues like framerate drops and graphical glitches in Call of Duty Black Ops have been resolved with the new Proton-GE/ntsync combination. To utilize these improvements, users can opt into the SteamOS 3.7.20 beta branch and install the latest Proton-GE version via the Proton Up-Qt app.
Microsoft’s latest ad proves even its own marketing team won't use Edge
Winsage
January 6, 2026

Microsoft’s latest ad proves even its own marketing team won’t use Edge

Microsoft's recent advertisement for PC gaming featured Google Chrome pinned to the taskbar of a Windows computer, despite the company's promotion of its own browser, Microsoft Edge. The ad displayed Chrome prominently early in the video, which is notable given that nearly 95% of Steam gamers use Windows, with 70.83% having upgraded to Windows 11. Although Windows dominates the gaming sector, there is a growing interest in alternatives like Linux, which now supports about 90% of Windows games, though major titles remain unavailable due to anti-cheat systems. The inclusion of Chrome in the ad is seen as an anomaly, as promotional content typically avoids showcasing competitors. It is also noted that not all Microsoft employees exclusively use Microsoft Edge, suggesting a disconnect between the company's advertising and user behavior.
Over Half A Million Windows Users Are Switching To Linux - Here's Why
Winsage
December 20, 2025

Over Half A Million Windows Users Are Switching To Linux – Here’s Why

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, offering free Extended Security Updates until October 13, 2026, and paid options until 2028. The requirement for the TPM 2.0 security chip has prevented many users from upgrading to Windows 11, leading to increased adoption of Linux distributions like Zorin, which has surpassed a million downloads, with 78% from Windows users. Valve's Steam Deck has improved gaming on Linux, with major titles now supporting Linux compatibility, and the development of Proton has enhanced the ability to run Windows games on Linux. Zorin allows users to install Windows applications and progressive web apps, providing alternatives to traditional software.
I tried to melt my OnePlus 15 with some real games
BetaBeacon
December 19, 2025

I tried to melt my OnePlus 15 with some real games

The OnePlus 15 was tested for gaming performance using games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact. The phone performed well under pressure, dissipating heat effectively. Emulation tests for PS3 and Windows games were also conducted, with the phone handling them smoothly. The phone did not overheat during testing, indicating that OnePlus has fixed previous heating issues. The reviewer recommends the OnePlus 15 for potential buyers due to its stable performance and recent fixes for heating problems.
Emulating PC games on Android is easier than ever, and you can thank Valve
BetaBeacon
December 4, 2025

Emulating PC games on Android is easier than ever, and you can thank Valve

Valve is contributing to Windows emulation on Android by sponsoring the development of key emulation tools such as the Pex emulator and the Proton compatibility layer. These tools allow Windows games designed for traditional x86 PC hardware to run on Arm architecture, enabling PC emulation on devices like Android phones and tablets.
Valve has been funding Windows on ARM emulation "since the beginning" as it aims to "expand PC gaming"
AppWizard
December 4, 2025

Valve has been funding Windows on ARM emulation “since the beginning” as it aims to “expand PC gaming”

Valve has been funding the open-source emulator FEX since its inception, which enables Windows games to run on ARM Linux devices. FEX recently celebrated its seventh anniversary and acknowledged Valve's crucial support. Pierre-Loup Griffais, a software engineer at Valve, stated that all core FEX developers have been funded by Valve, highlighting the project's significance for the gaming ecosystem and SteamOS. Griffais expressed optimism about the future of FEX, anticipating nearly a decade of development before it becomes reliable for widespread use. He emphasized the goal of providing a consistent gaming experience across different architectures without users needing to worry about compatibility. Valve's tools, including Proton, Lepton, and FEX, are expected to enhance the gaming experience, with a focus on living room, handheld, and desktop devices.
Steam Deck lead reveals Valve is funding ARM compatibility of Windows games “to expand PC gaming” and release “ultraportables” in the future
AppWizard
December 3, 2025

Steam Deck lead reveals Valve is funding ARM compatibility of Windows games “to expand PC gaming” and release “ultraportables” in the future

Valve has been supporting Fex, an open-source initiative for enabling Windows games to run on ARM architecture, for nearly ten years. The Fex compatibility layer was developed to ensure reliability for gamers. Valve aims to expand PC gaming options by allowing Windows games to operate on ARM devices, which could include low-power laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The company is developing an ARM version of SteamOS that will maintain the same core components as its x86 version, with a tailored version of Proton that includes the Fex emulator. While there are challenges with compatibility, particularly with modern multiplayer titles and anti-cheat mechanisms, Valve is working to address these issues. The demand for alternatives to Windows in the gaming market is increasing, particularly with the success of SteamOS on the Steam Deck.
Windows 10’s demise fuels Linux hype again — but will Bazzite finally break the “forever up‑and‑comer” curse? There's a chance.
Winsage
December 3, 2025

Windows 10’s demise fuels Linux hype again — but will Bazzite finally break the “forever up‑and‑comer” curse? There’s a chance.

Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 10, leading to around 500 million PCs being eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, though many users remain on the unsupported platform. Zorin OS has gained approximately 780,000 users migrating from Windows within a month of this decision. Bazzite, a Linux-based gaming distribution, surpassed one petabyte of ISO downloads in a month, serving around 150,000 ISOs and attracting 730,000 visitors. Bazzite offers better hardware compatibility and pre-installed drivers for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, making it a strong alternative to SteamOS. The improved compatibility of Windows games on Linux, aided by Valve's Proton, is contributing to the trend of users exploring alternatives to Windows.
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