Steam Deck gets input calibration, keyboard improvements, and more with new updates

Valve has released software updates for the Steam Deck on the stable and beta channels which bring improvements and new features to the device, but also squash some bugs.

The beta firmware adds an uncapped framerate setting to the Quick Access > Performance menu and also fTPM support which enables Windows 11 installation. Additionally, the build improves the Steam Deck's compatibility with Type-C docks and PSUs, and you should also expect better battery life in low usage scenarios. You can check out the complete changelog of the beta update below.

• Added messaging when a charger that doesn't meet the minimum bar is plugged in
• Added uncapped framerate setting in Quick Access menu > Performance
• Added fTPM support, enabling Windows 11 installation
• Added button combo: hold "..." + "Volume Down" to reset PD contract in the cases where Steam Deck gets stuck due to an incompatible Type-C device
• Updated power LED to dim a few seconds after power supply connection events for better experience in dark environments
• Improved compatibility for a number of Type-C docks and PSUs
• Improved battery life in idle or very low usage scenarios
• Improved stability
• Fixed issues where the touchscreen does not work after some boots
• Fixed compatibility with some SD cards specifically when used as boot devices
• Fixed ACPI error spew in the kernel

The stable updates, on the other hand, add dual trackpad typing support for the onscreen keyboard and allow you to adjust the haptic strength for the left and right trackpads.

There are two updates in the stable channel, and you can check out their changelogs below for more details.

• Added dual trackpad typing support to onscreen keyboard
• Added game mode onscreen keyboard to Desktop mode
• Added Family Sharing status to game details page. Borrowers will see whose library they are borrowing from, and lenders will see a message if their library is currently in use by a borrower.
• Added a Calibration and Advanced Settings screen with options for:
  • Adjusting deadzones for the left and right Joysticks
  • Adjusting haptic strength for left and right Trackpads
  • Joysticks and other sensors on external gamepads
• Updated network connection flow to connect without re-prompting for a known password
• Improved performance downloading library images after logging in, leading to less stuttering
• Removed display of 'B' back button in Overlay Quick Access Menu
• Fixed onscreen keyboard input issues when connecting to public WiFi captive portals
• Fixed issue where Chrome wouldn't install from the non-Steam section of the Library

• Active keyboard theme is now loaded in desktop mode
• Keyboard input is now sent on trackpad click down, instead of up, which should improve accuracy for fast trackpad typists
• Made the default keyboard theme "pressed" key state more noticeable
• Pressing R2/Enter no longer dismisses the keyboard in Desktop mode
• Removed two second latency hiding trackpad cursors when the trackpads are no longer in use
• Fixed issue with Steam Client on Desktop scaling when the standalone keyboard is shown
• Fixed issue where transcoded video/audio was re-downloaded on a driver change
• Fixed some missing localization in the controller configurator

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