USB streaming is not enabled by the SteamVR update alone. Valve says it requires the new Steam Client Beta. The same Steam Link section adds Contrast Adaptive Sharpening before encoding, improves streaming on slow connections, fixes NVIDIA stuttering, and addresses a recurring dropped-frame problem.

The release also expands compatibility. SteamVR can now set up a 32-bit OpenXR runtime beside the existing 64-bit runtime, while Linux receives better wired-headset support, improved error logging, and several streaming fixes.

Steam Link gains USB streaming and sharper output

SteamVR 2.17 introduces initial support for streaming over USB through Steam Link. Valve explicitly ties the feature to the new Steam Client Beta, so users who want to test it need both the SteamVR release and the updated client.

The streaming changes extend beyond the new transport option. Valve says the release improves VR streaming on slow connections, fixes stutters on NVIDIA graphics cards, and corrects an issue that dropped one frame every few seconds. It also includes latency improvements and fixes several cases that could corrupt video on NVIDIA hardware.

Contrast Adaptive Sharpening, or CAS, can now be applied before video encoding. Valve places the control under SteamVR Settings, then Steam Link, as “Sharpen image before encoding.” That gives users a direct way to adjust pre-encoding sharpness instead of relying on a fixed processing path.

The VR Dashboard picks up more Steam controls

Achievements, community guides, and notes are now accessible in VR. The Dashboard bar also gains a Quick Access Menu modeled on the interface familiar to Steam Deck users, combining notifications, volume, brightness, and battery information.

Valve added shortcuts for common tasks when users hover over the Dashboard bar, plus controls for environmental and camera brightness. Overlay apps can be closed directly from the Dashboard, and battery information now covers additional VR devices.

Several smaller changes target day-to-day reliability. SteamVR 2.17 fixes cases where the Dashboard bar disappeared, repairs missing icons for non-Steam VR apps, and corrects a screenshot crash. It also changes how room view pauses app input and improves Dashboard placement and motion.

OpenXR and Linux support receive targeted fixes

The OpenXR changes add support for 32-bit applications. After the beta is installed, SteamVR prompts users to set it as the default OpenXR runtime; accepting that prompt installs the 32-bit runtime alongside the 64-bit version.

Valve also fixed two extension-level issues: one involving width and height values returned through XR_EXT_view_configurations_changed, and another involving an unset session parameter for XR_EXT_user_presence. Integrations between camera-equipped headsets and chaperone were improved as well.

On Linux, wired-headset support receives additional work in areas that previously required third-party add-on layers. Valve also improved stability and error-state logging, fixed a Steam Link crash caused by invalid textures from games, and improved recovery when a stream fails.

Who should update

The release is most consequential for Steam Link users, developers supporting 32-bit OpenXR software, and Linux players using wired or streamed headsets. Anyone testing USB streaming should note the Steam Client Beta requirement before troubleshooting the feature.

SteamVR platform support has shifted in the past—Valve ended SteamVR support for macOS in 2020—but version 2.17 moves in the opposite direction for Linux by expanding wired-headset handling and fixing several platform-specific failures.

Valve asks users who encounter regressions to post a SteamVR System Report in the dedicated bug-report forum. That is especially relevant for a release touching streaming, Dashboard behavior, OpenXR runtimes, and multiple operating-system paths at once.

The surge is driven primarily by AI infrastructure demand, which continues to strain memory supply chains. The impact is already spilling into gaming hardware, with Xbox acknowledging that memory costs will affect the pricing and availability of its next-generation Project Helix console. With no immediate relief in sight, PC builders and gamers are facing increasingly expensive upgrades.

3DCenter Index Shows Steady Climb

3DCenter’s August 2026 survey, based on German retail pricing, shows the DDR5 price index at 486% of its July 2025 baseline. This follows a pattern of consistent increases: the index reached 419% in June and 445% in July 2026, indicating the latest record is not due to a single unusually expensive kit but reflects broad market conditions.

One stark example from the survey: a tracked 2x32GB DDR5-6400 CL32 kit configuration that cost €181 at the July 2025 baseline is now listed at €1,093 in August 2026—a 503% increase. 3DCenter notes that its figures are based on German retail pricing, so the index should not be treated as a measurement of worldwide RAM prices.

South Korean DRAM Exports Highlight Global Pressure

Beyond retail, the wholesale market shows similar strain. Citing Korea Trade Statistics Promotion Institute figures, ChosunBiz reports that the export unit value of South Korean DRAM chips, excluding DRAM modules, averaged $92,183 per kilogram between August 1 and August 20. That was up 401% year over year, while the total value of relevant DRAM exports jumped approximately 505% to $9.81 billion.

ChosunBiz calculated that one kilogram of South Korean DRAM at the August export valuation was worth approximately as much as 620 grams of 24-karat gold. Notably, the $92,183 figure was not a new sequential record: the comparable July 1-20 export value was higher at $100,198 per kilogram.

Industry Outlook: Shortage Could Persist Through 2030

Industry leaders see no quick resolution. TrendForce said in July that DRAM contract prices had hit records and forecast another 13% to 18% quarter-over-quarter increase in Q3 2026. SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung recently said the shortage could potentially persist through 2030.

For gamers, the immediate consequence is higher costs for new builds and upgrades. Xbox’s acknowledgment that memory costs will affect Project Helix pricing and availability underscores how the shortage is reshaping hardware economics. As AI infrastructure continues to absorb memory supply, DDR5 prices are unlikely to return to earlier levels anytime soon.

The GX1 is currently available at a 20% discount on Amazon, bringing the price down to as little as $42.49 for a limited time. This makes it an even more attractive option for gamers seeking an affordable open-back experience. The review highlights that it’s the most low-cost open-back headset the author has tested, positioning it as a potential entry point into a niche usually dominated by pricier models.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the GX1 promises a lightweight build at 320g and features pastel rainbow lighting that peeks through open-back grills on each earcup. While the bass may be lacking, the natural audio profile opens up game soundscapes, according to the review. We break down the key details below.

Design and Build: Y2K Aesthetics Meet Modern Comfort

The standout feature of the Epomaker GX1 is its design. The white model features metallic baby blue yokes that immediately recall the Y2K era, a nostalgic nod that sets it apart from typical gamer headsets. The pastel rainbow lighting adds a modern touch, visible through the open-back grills on the exterior of each earcup. For those who prefer a more subdued look, Epomaker also offers a pink and black model.

Comfort is addressed with oval earcups and a total weight of 320g. While the review notes it doesn’t quite out-rival the white Corsair HS35 V3 as one of the lightest headsets tested, the GX1 remains a lightweight option for extended gaming sessions. The open-back design is a deliberate choice, prioritizing a wider soundstage over noise isolation.

Audio Performance: Open-Back Soundstage, But Bass Is Lacking

In terms of audio, the GX1 delivers a natural sound profile that excels at opening up game soundscapes. The review specifically notes that while the bass is lacking, the open-back nature of the headset allows for a more immersive and airy audio experience. This makes it particularly well-suited for games where environmental audio and directional cues are important.

The author tested the GX1 over a weekend, using it to play Marvel Rivals on PS5 and Final Fantasy 14 on Switch 2. This cross-platform testing suggests the headset is versatile, though the review does not specify whether it connects via 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or a wired connection. The focus remains on its performance in real-world gaming scenarios.

Price and Availability: A Budget Open-Back Option

At $49.99, the GX1 is positioned as an affordable entry into open-back gaming headsets. The current 20% discount on Amazon reduces the price to as little as $42.49, making it an even more compelling purchase for budget-conscious gamers. This pricing, combined with its unique design, could make it a popular choice for those looking to experiment with open-back audio without a significant investment.

As Epomaker’s first foray into gaming audio, the GX1 sets a distinctive tone. It may not satisfy bass enthusiasts, but for gamers who prioritize soundstage and style, it offers a rare combination at this price point. The limited-time discount adds urgency, but the headset’s overall value proposition remains strong even at full price.

The review highlights the keyboard’s plug-and-play simplicity, its gasket-mounted structure with sound-dampening layers, and a vibrant Dynamic LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting system that rivals the Logitech G713. However, the typing feel—described as more “thunky” than Logitech’s claimed “thocky”—and a few design quirks hold it back. Here’s a closer look at what the review found.

Design and Features: Compact, Customizable, but Quirky

The G316 X 98 adopts a 98% form factor, which trims desk space while retaining the full function row and arrow keys. It ships with either Tactile or Linear switches, both hot-swappable, and features customizable PBT keycaps. The keyboard’s frame uses a gasket-mounted structure with sound-dampening layers, which Logitech says produces a “thocky” sound profile—a term popular in the mechanical keyboard community for a deep, satisfying keystroke sound.

Visually, the keyboard stands out with a prominent LED display and a specially colored, Logitech-branded Esc keycap. It’s available in black or white, and the default Dynamic LIGHTSYNC RGB lighting is vibrant, with no dead zones—every key appears evenly lit, matching the visual appeal of the G713.

However, the review notes some design missteps. There are no kickstand lifters on the back; instead, two rubber pieces must be awkwardly plucked out to adjust the angle. Additionally, the USB-C port is located only on the left side, which may inconvenience users who prefer routing the cable from the right. The included 5.91 ft (1.8 m) USB-A to USB-C cable is standard, but the lack of a palm rest—something the G713 includes—was felt during extended use.

Performance and Gaming: High Polling Rate, Heavy Keys

The G316 X 98 supports an 8,000 Hz polling rate, a feature aimed at competitive gamers seeking minimal input lag. The reviewer tested the keyboard in VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Counter-Strike 2, but found the WASD keys “a bit too heavy” for their liking. This heaviness contributed to noticeable hand fatigue during longer sessions—fatigue that set in faster than with their previous keyboard. The reviewer suggests that a palm rest, similar to the white one bundled with the G713, could mitigate this issue.

While the 8,000 Hz polling rate is a headline feature, the reviewer notes that higher polling rates require more processing power, which can lower frame rates in CPU-intensive games. In practice, they preferred sticking with 4,000 Hz for a balance of performance and system load. The LCD screen, despite being a standout visual feature, wasn’t compelling enough to outweigh the keyboard’s practical feel.

Verdict: A Novelty, Not a Daily Driver

CGMagazine’s final assessment is that the Logitech G316 X 98 wired keyboard is a “solid novelty keyboard” but not one that can confidently be used for competitive gaming or long typing spurts. The 6/10 score reflects a product with strong visual appeal and modern features, yet undermined by ergonomic and performance issues that may deter serious users.

For $119.99, buyers get a hot-swappable, RGB-lit compact keyboard with a high polling rate, but they’ll need to accept the heavy key feel and quirky design choices. If you’re a casual user who values aesthetics and customization, the G316 X 98 might fit the bill. But if you’re a competitive gamer or a heavy typist, you may want to look elsewhere—or wait for a potential revision that addresses these concerns.

The Play X is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD available in 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities. Lexar advertises sequential read and write speeds of 7,400 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s respectively, a significant jump over the company’s older Play 2230 drive, which topped out at 5,500 MB/s reads and 4,700 MB/s writes. In real-world testing, the drive nearly matched those figures, averaging 7,074.43 MB/s reads and 6,551.29 MB/s writes in CrystalDiskMark—actually exceeding the write spec slightly.

However, the review notes that the Play X is not yet released in the US, which immediately limits its appeal for many potential buyers. The 1 TB model reviewed is priced at £241.99 on Amazon UK, a premium that puts it in direct competition with cheaper alternatives like the Samsung 990 Pro.

Performance and Thermal Behavior

GamesRadar’s testing involved both synthetic benchmarks and real game loading scenarios. In CrystalDiskMark, the drive consistently delivered read speeds around 7,060–7,087 MB/s across four runs, with write speeds ranging from 6,533 to 6,583 MB/s. The average results—7,074.43 MB/s read and 6,551.29 MB/s write—show the drive performing close to its rated speeds, with the write speed actually coming in slightly above the advertised 6,500 MB/s.

In game loading tests, the Play X was compared against the on-board storage of the test rig, a PNY CS1030 drive. The Play X loaded Marvel Rivals in 41.18 seconds versus 39.5 seconds for the built-in drive, Counter-Strike 2 in 25.61 seconds versus 22.99 seconds, and Dispatch in 16.40 seconds versus 15.21 seconds. While the Play X was consistently slower, the differences were modest—1.68 seconds for Marvel Rivals, 2.62 seconds for Counter-Strike 2, and 1.19 seconds for Dispatch—suggesting the drive’s real-world impact is minimal for most gaming scenarios.

Thermals were also a positive point. The review notes that the drive maintained a temperature around 40% (presumably of its thermal limit) for the majority of testing, only peaking at 48% during extended Marvel Rivals sessions. This suggests the drive runs cool even under load, which is a plus for compact builds where airflow is limited.

Design and Included Accessories

The Play X’s key differentiator is its hybrid form factor. Lexar packages a 2230 drive alongside a 2280 bracket, allowing users to install it in either slot type. This flexibility is particularly useful for those who might upgrade from a handheld PC (which typically uses 2230) to a desktop or laptop (which often supports 2280). The review praises this approach, noting it gives buyers the best of both worlds.

Beyond the adapter, the drive comes with a set of two stickers with a slight holographic sheen. While a minor addition, the review notes it’s a nice touch for labeling or personalization, even if the stickers are unlikely to be seen once the drive is installed.

The drive also carries a 5-year warranty, backed by an endurance rating of 1,200 TBW for the 2 TB model. This suggests long-term reliability, though the review notes that the warranty may be unnecessary given the high endurance rating.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The 1 TB Play X is priced at £241.99 on Amazon UK, which the review points out is significantly higher than many competing 1 TB drives. For context, the Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB reached as high as £229.99 on Amazon in May earlier this year, and can drop below £200 without a heatsink. This price gap makes the Play X a harder sell for budget-conscious buyers.

However, the review suggests that the Play X’s hybrid form factor and performance could justify the premium for those who specifically need a 2230/2280 combo drive. The review ultimately recommends the Play X as a valid option for those wanting a hybrid drive with fast speeds, but steers budget-focused buyers toward the Samsung 990 Pro instead.

The lack of US availability is a significant caveat. As the review states, “The Lexar Play X has yet to be released in the US, so the question of whether any of you across the pond should buy it can be answered pretty quickly.” This means US gamers will need to wait for a potential release or consider importing, which would add to the cost.

What It Means for Gamers

The Play X represents a niche but practical solution for gamers who want flexibility in their storage setup. The performance is solid, with near-advertised speeds and cool operation, and the hybrid form factor is a thoughtful design choice. However, the premium pricing and lack of US availability limit its immediate appeal.

For those in the UK or other markets where the drive is available, the Play X is worth considering if the hybrid form factor is a priority. But for most buyers, the Samsung 990 Pro remains the more sensible choice, offering comparable performance at a lower price. As the review concludes, the Play X is a good option for a specific need, but not a universal recommendation.

The release, announced via Steam News on August 21, 2026, is a major step for the Linux distribution that has become a popular alternative for Steam Deck and other handheld gaming devices. The headline change is a suite of new tools that replace or augment existing systems, promising tighter integration with Steam’s own interface and more granular control over device hardware.

SteamOS Alignment: New Tools for Control and Input

The core of this update is a push toward SteamOS parity. Bazzite’s ‘Deck’ images now include InputPlumber, a tool that handles controller input, emulation, and remapping. This is a significant shift from previous versions, which relied on a different input stack.

Alongside InputPlumber, the update introduces SteamOS-Manager, which centralizes everything from session switching to TDP (Thermal Design Power) control directly within Steam. For devices that SteamOS-Manager cannot yet support, PowerStation is included as a fallback for TDP and power management. Rounding out the new toolkit is OpenGamepadUI, an extendable plugin overlay designed to expose options that Steam itself does not currently offer.

The practical result of these changes is that TDP controls and RGB adjustments are now accessible directly from the Steam Quick Access Menu, eliminating the need to exit to a separate desktop environment or use third-party tools for common adjustments.

Known Gaps: Fan Control and Legion Go Gyro

While the update is substantial, it is not without its temporary compromises. Bazzite developers have noted that some devices may lose manual fan control with this release. They are actively working on restoring it, but they also offered reassurance, stating: “All handhelds are designed to have sufficient cooling without manual control.” The issue, they explained, is that manual control required extra work to integrate with the new UI changes.

There is also a specific regression for owners of the original Lenovo Legion Go: the device has lost gyroscope functionality in this update. According to the announcement, a patch to restore gyro support is currently in development.

Beyond the Basics: Updater, Store, and Graphics

This release also includes several quality-of-life improvements that extend beyond the handheld-specific features. Bazzite now has a built-in notification system that will properly alert users when updates like this are available, a feature that was previously missing. Complementing this is a new GUI updater, making the update process more accessible for users who prefer not to use the command line.

The software stack has also been refreshed. The latest version of the Bazaar flatpak store is included, along with a rewritten Bazzite Portal. For users with multiple GPUs, the Cardwaire app promises a better experience. Under the hood, the distribution now ships with the new Open Gaming Collective Linux kernel and upgraded Mesa graphics drivers.

Display output has also seen attention, with support added for AMD HDMI 2.1 FRL, ALLM, and VRR. This is a notable addition for users connecting their handhelds or TV PCs to modern displays, as it enables features like variable refresh rate and auto low latency mode over HDMI.

Bazzite Linux 44 for handhelds is available for download now from the official Bazzite website. The update represents a significant maturation of the platform, bringing it closer to a seamless, console-like experience on a wider range of hardware.

The Razer Chroma Docking Station is designed to work with a wide range of handhelds, including the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally X, and Lenovo Legion Go 2. It features a universal stand design with an adjustable hinge, allowing users to customize the viewing angle.

Connectivity options include a hard-wired USB Type-C cable and six additional ports: HDMI, three USB Type-A, gigabit ethernet, and a USB Type-C input for power. The dock provides 100W of Power Delivery, sufficient to charge power-hungry devices like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Legion Go 2, both of which accept up to 100W of charging input.

According to the IGN article, this is the best price the author has seen for this dock. For comparison, Amazon currently lists the dock at $60, making the Best Buy deal the more attractive option at this time.

In the short demonstration, someone holds a book up to the earbuds, and the camera appears to recognize the text on the cover. A voiceover then describes what the hardware is doing, though the audio portion is not fully captured in the extracted footage.

What the Leaked Video Shows

The B790 code string and video were found in a release candidate meant for developers, which means Apple accidentally left internal test material in a build close to public distribution. The footage is brief, but it lines up with earlier rumors that Apple has been experimenting with cameras embedded in AirPods for visual intelligence features.

No retail product has been announced, and this leak does not confirm that camera-equipped AirPods will ship. It does, however, show that Apple has working prototypes or at least internal concept videos for such a device.

Why a Camera on AirPods Makes Sense

Apple has been pushing visual intelligence across its ecosystem, from the iPhone’s camera-based lookup features to the Apple Vision Pro’s passthrough and hand tracking. Putting a camera into AirPods could let the earbuds read text, identify objects, or feed visual context into a voice assistant without requiring the user to take out their phone.

The main challenge is hardware. AirPods are small, and adding a camera without ruining battery life, comfort, or the compact design is difficult. A working internal video suggests Apple is at least evaluating whether the trade-offs are acceptable.

Apple has not publicly mentioned a product with the B790 codename, and the release candidate itself does not contain any user-facing mention of camera-equipped AirPods. The video appears to be an internal demo, possibly used for engineering or marketing approval.

GamerHeadlines Takeaway

For now, this is a leak, not a product announcement. The macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate gives a rare look at Apple’s unreleased B790 concept, but there is no timeline, pricing, or feature confirmation. If Apple eventually ships camera-equipped AirPods, it would be a notable hardware shift—but until then, treat this as an intriguing datapoint rather than a done deal.

Carrier Pidge is deliberately impractical. Iarrobino describes it as “pointless” with “genuinely no practical use,” but the app is less about actual communication and more about exploring the inherent latency and unpredictability of pigeon-based mail. Users type a message, pick a destination, and watch an animated pigeon attempt the journey. If it fails, the message doesn’t arrive.

The project has drawn attention on social feeds for its deadpan premise. Vibe coding allowed a single developer to ship a working app quickly, but Carrier Pidge’s charm comes from what it refuses to do: optimize, reassure, or provide value.

How Carrier Pidge Works

The app maps a pigeon’s flight speed to real-world distance, so a delivery might take minutes or hours depending on how far the virtual bird needs to travel. Because the developer used vibe coding—an approach where someone describes what they want and lets an AI generate much of the code—the app was quickly assembled with simple visuals and a straightforward loop. There is no account system or social layer; it is a single-purpose novelty.

What makes Carrier Pidge interesting is the risk model. Unlike a normal messaging app that either sends or fails based on network conditions, the pigeon can decide to wander off, chase something shiny, or simply expire mid-flight. That turns a boring send into a small gamble, though the stakes are only a text bubble.

Why a Pigeon App?

The pigeon gimmick is not new; carrier pigeons were used for centuries, and the idea of simulating them digitally has popped up in browser games and art projects. But Carrier Pidge stands out because it runs natively on iPhone and embraces the absurdity without trying to become a real communication tool. Iarrobino is not selling subscriptions or pitching enterprise messaging. He just wanted to see what would happen.

That kind of small, weird app often outperforms bloated productivity tools in terms of word-of-mouth. People share a pigeon that dies en route because it is funny, not because it solves a problem. The same instinct drives meme games and quirky web toys, and Carrier Pidge fits that mold on a modern smartphone. The 110 mph figure is clearly a joke; real carrier pigeons average closer to 40 to 50 mph, but the app never pretends to be realistic. That absurdity is the point.

For now, Carrier Pidge is an iOS-only experiment, and the developer has not mentioned plans for an Android version.

GamerHeadlines Takeaway

Carrier Pidge will not replace your default text app, and it was never meant to. It is a tiny reminder that not every piece of software needs to be optimized, monetized, or useful. Sometimes a virtual pigeon delivering a message at 110 mph—and occasionally failing—is enough.

For budget-focused PC gaming builders, the rationale is straightforward. DDR5 kits have become more affordable in recent years, but they still carry a price premium over DDR4 in many markets. That gap keeps demand alive for older platforms like Intel’s LGA 1700 socket and AMD’s AM4, both of which support DDR4 memory. Intel’s willingness to extend Raptor Lake instead of moving exclusively to newer Arrow Lake or Lunar Lake parts reflects the same calculus.

Why Another Raptor Lake Refresh Makes Sense

Raptor Lake first launched in 2022, and Intel has already refreshed the lineup once with Raptor Lake Refresh chips in late 2023. A potential third refresh would not introduce a new architecture, but it could bring updated SKUs or remain on sale as a value option. Intel has not detailed specific models or timing, so the possibility remains fluid.

That approach mirrors what AMD has done with its AM4 socket, which continues to receive new X3D processors even after AM5 launched. Both companies have recognized that a large install base of DDR4 motherboards still exists, and replacing both CPU and memory at once is a tough sell for cost-sensitive buyers.

That extended roadmap matters most at the entry level and low-end of the desktop market, where a few hundred dollars can cover a motherboard, CPU, and memory. DDR4 kits still sell for noticeably less than comparable DDR5 capacity in many regions, and that difference can be the entire cost of a better GPU or SSD. Intel has seen enough of that buying pattern to keep Raptor Lake on shelves while it builds out newer platforms.

DDR4 Demand Keeps Older Platforms Alive

The lingering DDR4 demand also shapes the wider gaming hardware market. When memory prices make full platform upgrades less attractive, buyers often keep older motherboards and spend on discrete GPUs or peripherals instead. That shift has been visible in adjacent categories, from gaming monitors to budget-friendly power supplies, where manufacturers continue to push value-focused hardware.

Intel’s decision to keep Raptor Lake available does not guarantee a new processor launch. It could simply mean extended availability of existing chips such as the Core i5-13400F or Core i7-14700K, which remain popular choices in prebuilt gaming desktops. For builders who want a modern CPU without paying for DDR5, that is a meaningful option.

GamerHeadlines Takeaway

The PC component market has not fully moved past DDR4, and Intel is not pretending otherwise. A third Raptor Lake refresh would give budget gaming builds another year or more of viable DDR4-compatible CPU options. That is good news for anyone holding onto an LGA 1700 motherboard or looking to build a low-cost system in 2026.