Valve has rolled out a change to SteamOS that should help devices using a WiFi antenna get better download speeds. This latest version, 3.8.14, was released over the weekend. The change-log only lists two changes, and one of them is pretty consequential. The new version fixes an issue that caused WiFi speeds to be limited on routers that incorrectly advertise their MCS requirements.
MCS, or Modulation Coding Scheme, is a system that essentially allows routers to talk to devices equipped with a WiFi antenna to index their speeds, signal strength and other capabilities, which helps routers ration their capacity and device priority. If that information is incorrect, devices default to lower speeds, which is what this latest update fixes.
This SteamOS release is available to anyone who has the operating system installed on a non-Valve machine. The more personalised updates for the Steam Machine and Steam Deck usually arrive shortly after.
A beta version of this latest release, version 3.8.22 beta, is already here for Steam Deck owners. This particular release can be downloaded through the Steam Deck’s Beta and Preview channels, so download at your own risk. Valve didn’t say when the public version will be released, but it shouldn’t take more than a few days.
It’s not clear when or if this version will make it to the Steam Machine. Previously, we only had to worry about the Steam Deck when keeping track of SteamOS updates. Now, there’s a whole new device that runs the same operating system that we can also expect to be getting its own versions.
Catch up on our recent coverage of the Steam Machine, such as what appears to be the first faulty unit of the console-like PC that one unlucky customer is currently dealing with. And, in case you missed it, here’s what our very own Chris Tapsell thought when reviewing the Steam Machine as a console, without worrying too much about resolution and framerate.
