New update for Wine is now out. Notable features with this update include the OpenGL library converted to PE, support for multi-architecture PE build, and more preparation work for Vulkan 32-on-64 support: OpenGL library converted to PE. Support for multi-architecture PE builds. More preparation work for Vulkan 32-on-64 support. Support for creating import libraries without dlltool. Locale data updates. Various bug fixes. In addition, 25 bugs got fixed, including the black screen fix for Hades when running in Vulkan mode, StarBurn 13 crashing when disabling skins, the fatal error when starting up fotoBiz X, controller fix for Euphoria, as well as a few other titles.

Something that slipped through the cracks regarding yesterday’s SteamOS update is the fact that the update also includes KDE Connect. Basically, KDE Connect allows the user to interact between their smartphone/tablet and the computer. Files can be sent and received between each device. Media can be controlled remotely by the computer and vice versa, and SMS text messages can be sent with the computer. It’s a pretty neat and convenient app that allows you to do work on your computer (in this case, on the Deck) while being able to send tasks to your phone, without even touching it.

Holy crap. And here I thought Valve was never going to update the Arch base. Turns out I was wrong. You might recall back in the summer I wrote about the outdated packages on SteamOS and the security risk that brought. Well, I guess you can finally use Desktop Mode with more peace of mind, now that most everything has been updated. Per Steam’s post, this update “pulls in the latest performance, security and stability fixes for the underlying packages that are the foundation for SteamOS.

Yesterday’s Steam Deck client update (beta) has added a bunch of fixes, particularly for the Downloads page in Game Mode, the OSK, Desktop Mode, and the “New” Big Picture Mode. Patch notes are as follows: General Fixed downloads page crashing when starting in offline mode Downloads page now properly responds to online/offline status Virtual Keyboard now has a maximum width, so that it doesn’t stretch to an unusable size on large screens in Docked mode Desktop Mode

New release of ChimeraOS is out. It’s rather small, but does add a few new features, including the ability to add Wii ROMs via the Chimera app, as well as being able to “select additional artwork on emulated games” for the Steam Deck UI. Some fixes have also been added: Fixed missing Text Editor shortcut in desktop mode Fixed artwork selection for emulated games Fixed additional artwork for Steam games not downloading or applying under certain conditions Fixed external monitor not working on Gamepad/Deck UI Finally, non-Steam shortcuts marked as “hidden” will no longer appear in the Deck UI.

DXVK (DirectX to Vulkan, a translation layer for D3D9/10/11 games, a part of the Proton toolkit) has had quite the upgrade. D3D9 games now have the following: memory management improvements for 32-bit games – “up to several hundred megabytes”! render target feedback loops – you shouldn’t be getting “rendering artifacts” on newer AMD hardware with games like Grand Theft Auto IV alpha test improvements – “fixes inaccuracies in various games,” and games that needed the d3d9.

I must have missed this yesterday. We have a new Deck client update (beta) that mostly focuses on bug fixes for mailto links, third-party Switch controller glyphs, offline mode, and a few others. Patch notes are as follows: Added error dialog for when the user clicks on a mailto link Set scale for startup movies so that the top and bottom of the movie are cropped for 16:9 aspect ratio in docked mode Fixed issue in desktop mode that sometimes made it difficult to drag the Friends List Fixed glyphs for third party Nintendo Switch controllers while streaming Fixed inaccurate location of context menus for the Friends List in desktop mode Fixed a bug that could prevent exiting offline mode in the same session where the client entered offline mode Patch notes can also be read on Steam.

Ever notice the Wi-Fi icon has a yellow exclaimation point on it after resuming from suspend? That should no longer be an issue in today’s Deck client update (beta). There’s also a installation picker option if there’s multiple library folders, and a few fixes for Desktop Mode. Patch notes are as follows: General: When installing a game always show the install location picker if there is more than one library folder, and automatically focus the default library folder when the dialog shows up Fixed issue where Steam would be unable to connect in some cases after suspend/resume Fixed issues where the main window would close and then be reloaded: When selecting a friend in the previously or recently played When selecting a guide in a game’s Community Feed When selecting the “Downloading” label on a game’s detail page Desktop Mode:

GE-Proton7-39 adds a freeze fix for Overwatch 2. Though GE-Proton is not meant to be used for games outside of Steam, this fix should help other games. Elder Scrolls Online now has the gamedrive option enabled by default (never heard of gamedrive, to be honest). Protonfixes have been removed for the following titles/launchers: Sonic Adventure 2 Far Cry 5 EAC – yup, apparently the game has EAC Origin The individual tools that make up GE-Proton have been updated to “latest bleeding edge” or “git”:

That EA App sure has become a royal pain, huh? Well, Valve/CodeWeavers are quick to address this dilemma. Flickering on this app should no longer be an issue on the Deck. In addition, Quake III: Arena and Quake III: Team Arena have the “weird texture” removed over the menu. That’s all for today’s update. See the patch notes on GitHub.