Valve is offering a new beta update for SteamOS. Accordingly, this software update is currently only being rolled out to the beta program participants. However, users can simply take part in this program by activating the corresponding option in the settings.
Numerous and in some cases very significant improvements are promised. For example, the software is now based on a more up-to-date Arch Linux and the Linux kernel has been updated to version 6.5. System updates now should be faster. Reliability when using microSD memory cards is said to have been improved, and a bug with certain memory cards from the manufacturer SanDisk has also been fixed. Pairing with Apple AirPods should work better with SteamOS 3.6.0.
According to the changelog, there are some improvements to the display. The uniformity of the screen should be better under certain circumstances, and the color display should also benefit at low brightness levels. The gamma display is also affected by these improvements. Improved graphics drivers promise bug fixes and higher performance, and the Steam UI should react faster.
The desktop mode of the Steam Deck is now based on KDE Plasma 5.27.10. Several HDMI CEC features are now supported by the Steam Deck Dock, such as input with the TV remote control and waking up the TV. Valve also states that it has improved compatibility with high-refresh-rate VRR televisions.