Valve has released SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, a fresh update for Steam Deck owners who are enrolled in the Preview channel. This update introduces numerous enhancements, such as OS updates, improved controller support, improved Bluetooth, and desktop mode updates. Since this is a preview version, customers can opt-in through Settings > System > System Update Channel to experiment with the new features.
Valve Releases SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview Changelogs:
General Updates
- Upgraded to newer Arch Linux base
- Updated Linux kernel to 6.11
- Updated Mesa graphics driver base
- Plasma 6.2.5 is now bundled with desktop mode
- Early support enabled for non-Steam Deck handhelds
Controllers and Input
- Support for Proteus Byowave controller
- Fixed bug Switch Pro Controller gyros may fail on first-time connection
- Broke a stuck or hang bug when closing Steam that was producing stuck or hang controller inputs
Bluetooth Enhancements
- Resolved issue where Bluetooth hardware was able to wake up Steam Deck from suspend even with Desktop mode’s Bluetooth disabled
- Support for HFP/HSP profiles added so headsets and earbuds may use built-in microphone (thus far available solely in Desktop mode)
- Supported Bluetooth devices can display battery level
- AAC codec-supporting AirPods now supported
- Bluetooth controllers can now wake up LCD systems from sleeping (formerly available just for OLED)
- Known Issue: Bluetooth LE-based controllers are not yet supported with Bluetooth wake on LCD models
Steam Deck Dock
- Enhanced compatibility for some displays, such as TCL FireTV models and Dell VRR-enabled monitors
Graphics and Performance
- Enabled AMD P-State CPU frequency control
- Resolved a performance regression on No Rest for the Wicked
Desktop Mode Improvements
- Upgraded to Plasma 6.2.5 (from 5.27.10)
- Surround sound support now correctly functional (setting is currently only available in Desktop mode)
- KDE Filelight now pre-installed for visualizing disk space usage and warning about low disk space
- Boosted speed and stability when exiting Desktop and entering Game Mode
- Resolved frequent root cause of Desktop mode switch hang
- Resolved issue where Steam may take up to 90 seconds to close upon shutdown or mode switch
- Support for ‘gocryptfs’ added in order to make the Plasma Vaults feature available
Mis
- Fixed incorrect “filter-chain” or virtual sound devices showing in the UI
- Fixed problems with system updates not working because corrupted or malformed config files
- Improved System Report facility for improved support and troubleshooting
- Fixed DNS compatability problem leading to sluggish domain lookups
- Improved low-memory crash behaviour of the system
- Enabled IPv6 Privacy Extensions by default
Known Issues
- Creative Zen Air Pro earphones might show an unexpected all-zeros entry when pairing under “Show all devices
- Super NES controllers can mistakenly show up as plugged in when they are not
- DualShock 3 controllers cannot be paired or used right now
- Developer Updates
- Updated to a 6.11-based kernel
- Added debuginfod URLs for SteamOS
- System defaults to Desktop mode upon running within a VM
- Swap file setup now utilizes ‘mkswap’ functionality rather than a custom script
- Resolved an issue with duplicate boot entries when setting up dual-boot configurations manually
- Enhanced pacman cache management, making sure it is cleared after installing SteamOS updates
This SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview update brings a range of enhancements, most notably in controller support, Bluetooth operation, and system performance. As this is a preview update, there can be some bugs, and feedback is welcome to make the final release better.