Valve announced the Steam Frame, a new wireless VR headset that will support Android games by running Android APKs natively on its Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, allowing developers to easily port mobile titles to Steam. The device aims to seamlessly integrate Android and Steam games, with a developer kit program to facilitate this process. Additionally, Valve revealed three new hardware products, including the Steam Frame VR headset, controllers, and a Steam Machine, which will be available in select regions.
Valve is expanding into the mobile realm with the Steam Frame, a device that supports Android apps and games, especially VR titles, by allowing developers to bring their APKs directly to Steam. The device aims to seamlessly integrate Android apps into Steam's ecosystem, potentially paving the way for broader use of SteamOS on various ARM devices, including laptops and handhelds. Valve's approach emphasizes native performance and developer support, with future plans for web app integration and sideloading Android APKs.
The OnePlus 12 introduces a new feature called "HyperRendering" that can make any Android game run at 120fps using its "Trinity Engine" and a dedicated "Independent Visual Processor" from Pixelworks. The device achieves a 120Hz frame rate for all games through frame interpolation technology, promising hyper-realistic and ultra-immersive mobile gaming experiences. The OnePlus 12 is available for pre-order at $799 and aims to offer smoother gameplay for avid gamers.
Google has expanded its Play Games beta for PC project to over 60 new countries, including India, bringing the total availability to more than 120 countries. The program allows users to play Android games on their Windows systems and offers over 100 titles. Users can sync their game progress across devices, and the service is available in both English and Hindi. Google also provides tools for game-makers to debug and deploy their games.
A wide range of Android games and apps are on sale for the 4th of July, including titles like Lovecraft's Untold Stories, Juicy Realm, Samorost 3, Botanicula, and KORG Kaossilator. The deals also extend to popular board games like MONOPOLY and Patchwork, as well as utility apps like SkanApp and Reminder Pro. With discounts ranging from free to over 50% off, it's a great time to grab some new games and apps for your Android device.
Google Play Games beta has expanded to over 40 European countries and New Zealand, making the platform available in 56 countries total, up from just 13 as of November. The service offers more than 100 Android titles and requires a PC with at least Windows 10, a solid-state drive, 8GB of RAM, and a four-core CPU running Intel's UHD 630 graphics or its AMD equivalent. Google recommends a dedicated "gaming-class" GPU like NVIDIA's GeForce MX450 and a CPU with eight logical cores.
