Valve has announced that its new Steam Frame will support Android apps, running on its Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. The Steam Frame aims to seamlessly integrate Android APKs, enhancing gaming options for developers and users.
Android App Integration
Steam Frame enables developers to use existing Android APKs. This move targets mobile VR developers who create for Meta Quest, offering a new channel on Steam. Valve aims to make app use effortless: download from Steam and play immediately.
Developer Kit Launch
Valve is rolling out a Steam Frame developer kit. This program aims to bring hardware into developers' hands, facilitating application adaptation and integration. Arm-based code runs natively, ensuring strong performance without translation layers.
Future Opportunities
Valve hints at a broad future for the Steam Frame beyond VR. There is potential for wider Arm device support, such as laptops, leveraging SteamOS. Though focused on games, Valve welcomes non-gaming apps, and sideloading could expand app availability.
