New SteamOS beta hints at an imminent general install with ROG Ally support added

pcgamer.com:

Every now and then I wonder where SteamOS is. The obvious answer is: it's on the Steam Deck, dummy. But ever since Valve released the original Steam Deck it's been talking about creating a general install that would allow you to drop its impressive Arch-based Linux distro onto other, non-Decky devices. And finally, we have the first tantalising glimpse of a general SteamOS install almost within sight, because the latest beta release (via SteamDeckHQ) has one line that has got me rather excited: «Added support for extra ROG Ally keys.»

That's exciting because every SteamOS release has been purely tailored for installation on Valve's own Steam Deck, with a general install being always frustratingly just out of reach. This, however, is the first time I've seen the patch notes referring to a fix being in place specifically for an installation of the operating system on a different company's device. 

For many years all we've had on that front has been a recovery image file that kinda allows you to drop SteamOS 3 onto other devices. Valve says «for all the tinkerers out there» that this is not quite SteamOS 3 as a standalone install, and it «may not work properly» if you try and install it on anything other than a Steam Deck.

Basically, there has been no thought to support other gaming devices… until now. For reference, you have to read that last clause in Mr. Cinema Trailer voice. 

There have been fixes made in previous SteamOS updates for third-party peripherals, and other things you might plug into a Steam Deck, but the added support for extra ROG Ally inputs is very new and rather pleasing. Sure, this isn't about to turn into an OS I can finally replace my Windows 11 install with on my regular gaming desktop, but it might hint a new SteamOS download designed for the raft of other handheld gaming PCs out there is coming soon.

Which would be a good thing, because as much as I've made peace with Windows on handhelds when I've been playing with the ROG Ally X and Ayaneo