Valve releases updated SteamOS beta version, now supports dual-boot

Valve has released the latest beta version of its SteamOS in the form of an ISO file to developers along with some warnings.

The firm has also adds that since the new beta version SteamOS is not properly tested, especially with the new dual-boot OS feature, it could potentially wipe-out the developers' systems, resulting in the loss of data from the system.

"PLEASE note there has been very little testing on this, especially any kind of dual-boot setup. So don't install it on any machine you are not prepared to lose," stated the post by Valve on the Steam Universe Community.

The latest SteamOS beta version is said to overcome the previous glitches faced by the developers like the system's support for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI, and other difficulties faced during the setting up and functioning of the dual-boot configuration with Linux or Windows.

The comments posted by others on the community post indicate the latest SteamOS beta will feature non-EFI support, DVD install support, custom partition feature and the dual-booting feature in Expert mode.

The developers can download the firmware from here.

Valve at CES 2014 finally announced its first Steam Machine partners, all 13 of them. The thirteen partners include Alienware, Falcon Northwest, iBuyPower, Materiel.net, Alternate, Next, CyberPowerPC, Origin, Digital Storm, Scan Computers, Webhallen, Gigabyte, and Zotac.

There is no word as to when the first Steam Machines will hit the shelves. However, DJ Powers, Valve's business partner, stated that it hopes to see some of the machines arriving the markets in the second half of 2014.

Additionally, the 300 prototypes which were released by Valve in 2013 would not be making any further appearances, according to DJ Powers: "That was an exercise to kind of prove the concept and get them in customers' hands to get real honest feedback. We don't have further plans to manufacture more of those boxes and run a bigger beta or sell them".

Furthermore, Valve has also announced that the machine partners might also end up creating their own customized Steam Controllers to offer a more diverse gaming ecosystem to its gamers. According to Valve, the price range of the machines can range from as low as $499 (roughly Rs. 31,000) to as high as $6,000 (roughly Rs. 3,74,000) depending on the manufacturer.