Electronics gadgets: Steam for Chromebooks Keeps Getting Better and Better

November 4, 2022

November 4, 2022. Happy Friday! We don't need to tell you to take it easy today, so we'll just recommend checking out our latest quiz to find out what kind of laptop you are. Who knows, maybe you'll learn something new about yourself.

⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds

Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to):

502 articles, 16 podcasts, 18 press releases, 518 tweets, and 33 YouTube videos

1. Google and Valve Partner up to Bring Steam to Chromebooks

Google announced that Steam for Chromebooks passed the alpha testing phase with flying colors and is now onto the beta release. This version broadly expands its capabilities, bringing plenty of new features, as well as support for more CPUs, DirectX 12, and games like The Witcher 3, Hades, and Portal 2. Nice!

2. Alexa Now 'Works With Matter' to Support Other Smart Devices

Amazon is jumping on board with the new smart home standard, Matter, which aims to simplify how devices from different makers interact with one another. Basically, starting next month, you can use more than the Alexa app to control smart home devices, as it can all be done via Matter. Sounds cool!

3. Whirlpool Bets Big on New Matter Smart Home Standard

Speaking of Matter, Whirlpool is joining in on the fun, too, announcing its line of smart appliances will also support the new standard. It's developing software updates for its appliances to allow for Matter integration, though it hasn't detailed which devices would get them. Keep waiting, we guess!

🦑 Go Deeper

Guess what? Your kids can safely play video games for several hours a week, but moderation is important and more studies on the topic are needed to fully grasp their impact on such young minds. Sascha Brodsky has the full story.

🎱 By the Numbers

Yep, Steam's still popular

Data: SteamDB

We don't know who out there is questioning Steam's popularity, but this one's for them. The platform's concurrent users this year have been consistently high, ranging from 26 to 30 million, and if Google and Valve's work on the Chromebook version works out, the number is sure to increase a bit more.

🔥 Today's Hot Deal

So you need a new fitness watch, huh? No problem, because the Fitbit Luxe is $50 off at Best Buy for a limited time, bringing it down to a much more reasonable $79.95. We think it's perfect for that wrist of yours.

Don't Miss This Deal

🤓 Nerd Out

"That poor camera." —Jerri Ledford, Senior News Editor

For what may be the first time for most of us, we can get an up close look at two rocket boosters returning to Earth and landing perfectly. It's cool, short, and very dusty. (Share on Twitter)

💎 You Know You Want It

Crank it up!

Image: Klipsch, Newegg

So you're starting from zero and really want to hit the ground running with a decent sound system. We gotcha, which is why you should check out Klipsch's Reference Cinema Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 System. One front facing speaker, four satellite speakers, and a 10-inch subwoofer? Yeah, you should be good to go.

🎥 Behind the Scenes

Wait, more music isn't always good?

Amazon Music's recent move to expand its catalog should be a win-win for everyone involved, but according to The Verge, more than a few people are upset about the change and how it impacts their way of listening to music.