SteamOS 3.2 Beta Patch Notes: May 20th, 2022

[Pierre-Loup]

This update shipped to the stable branch on May 26, 2022

We have made updates to SteamOS for Steam Deck in the beta channel, for those who would like to try it out and provide feedback.

You can opt into this by going to Settings > System on your Steam Deck, and selecting Beta from the OS Update Channel.

The SteamOS 3.2 Beta started on April 25th, and was last updated on May 19th. It includes the following changes:

• Added an OS-controlled fan curve to improve the experience in low usage scenarios, and adjusting how the fan responds to different scenarios and temperatures.
  
• Added experimental support for changing the in-game screen refresh rate. The refresh rate will automatically be adjusted to the desired option when going in and out of game.
  
  • There is a new slider in the Quick Access Menu > Performance tab that allows you to choose a screen refresh rate between 40-60Hz
    
  • The framerate limit slider values will update accordingly, and will include 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, or uncapped framerate options.
• Fixed an issue with typing the € key using the Steam keyboard
  
• Performance HUD now shows a more accurate reading of VRAM used (previously would cap out at 1G used)
  
• Added more internal resolution options for games to choose from
  
• Fixed gain staging, resulting in higher max volume, and removes white noise coming through 3.5mm jack with some headphones.
  
• Fixed PipeWire and Steam failing to elevate their thread priorities
  
• Fixed the language dropdown in the Warframe launcher

Added May 20th

• microSD card formatting process now performs a quick format
  
• Reverted fan controller to previous version while the team works on more improvements and testing

[ItzSyther]

Pretty poggers

[dak]

poggers indeed

[Turulo]

I have just applied the update and the following bugs are still present:

- Cannot switch between windows
- Cannot change controller layouts while using remote play
- Steam + X binding does not display keyboard during remote play

I hope these issues will be addressed on the next update...

[Ashes]

VAAPI can't be accessed by applications in Gaming Mode, only Desktop Mode, could this be addressed?

[RADimir Lenin]

>Added experimental support for bringing up the Steam keyboard automatically in some cases in Desktop mode

The keyboard now automatically pops up anywhere in browser or applications on desktop mode where an address bar or search bar are present, and will reopen over and over again when you close it out.

Is there a way to disable the auto feature and put it back to how it was?

[ITNoetic]

Originally posted by RADimir Lenin:

>Added experimental support for bringing up the Steam keyboard automatically in some cases in Desktop mode

The keyboard now automatically pops up anywhere in browser or applications on desktop mode where an address bar or search bar are present, and will reopen over and over again when you close it out.

Is there a way to disable the auto feature and put it back to how it was?

Even better, it would be nice to have an option to disable the on-screen keyboard altogether, for folks who use a physical keyboard. Maybe even only if the keyboard is connected.

[GreetingsEarthling]

Thanks - wondering if I understand the option regarding refresh rate.

If I have a couple of games (Leo's Fortune, Arietta of Spirits) that only work at 60 FPS, will this new setting allow me to:
- Set my deck to be at 30 FPS by default to save battery
- Automatically switch to 60 FPS in games that only work in that mode
- Switch back to 30 FPS when I exit the game?

[mousschumouss]

Originally posted by RADimir Lenin:

>Added experimental support for bringing up the Steam keyboard automatically in some cases in Desktop mode

The keyboard now automatically pops up anywhere in browser or applications on desktop mode where an address bar or search bar are present, and will reopen over and over again when you close it out.

Is there a way to disable the auto feature and put it back to how it was?

Same here...
I hope it's a bug, desktop mode is useless at this point.

[CptPusheen]

Fixed an issue where OS fan control would not automatically resume after waking up the device from sleep.

naah, the issue is still there

[blejd]

Great job, the fan curve makes a huge difference. I especially like how the fan can spin way slower than what was previously the slowest speed.

However, I feel that the curves are too reactive and you can quite literally hear what's the current load on the system. It should be smoothed out a bit to make it less jarring.

[The_tainted1]

I can confirm that the auto-keyboard in desktop is very much broken. Also switching from desktop to game mode and opening the keyboard is using 23w for some reason and fan is running nonstop on jet engine. On the positive side loving the screen refresh rate options and the abilty to do 20, 25, 35, 40 and 45 fps is so useful.

[seebi]

Originally posted by blejd:

Great job, the fan curve makes a huge difference. I especially like how the fan can spin way slower than what was previously the slowest speed.

However, I feel that the curves are too reactive and you can quite literally hear what's the current load on the system. It should be smoothed out a bit to make it less jarring.

I second that. It's a bit too reactive but such a great change overall already!
Thanks for tackling this!

[renssies]

The keyboard in desktop mode also appears squished with this update and this messes with the trackpad typing. When the keyboard appears at the top the keyboard has a large gap above it.

[The_tainted1]

Originally posted by The_tainted1:

I can confirm that the auto-keyboard in desktop is very much broken. Also switching from desktop to game mode and opening the keyboard is using 23w for some reason and fan is running nonstop on jet engine. On the positive side loving the screen refresh rate options and the abilty to do 20, 25, 35, 40 and 45 fps is so useful.

Adjusting the TDP down in the QAM does reduce the excessive power consumption that you get from opening the keyboard but it's definitely not ideal. I also noticed that the fan and wattage ramps to full if using touchpad typing with the keyboard in game mode. I really hope you disable the auto-keyboard in desktop and fix whatever is causing the keyboard to use full resources in game mode and this will be a solid beta build.

[PXL]

Pierre please create a sub forum for Beta news.

We can only subscribe to receive post notifications for the whole of General Discussions sub forum. This means we get bombarded with everyone’s posts.

If you create a sub forum for Betas, we can subscribe to it and get every single one of your Beta posts.