I'm interested in the Steam Machine's potential to be what the Xbox One wanted to be without the bullshit.

There are some Linux apps like Jellyfin (where I watch most stuff by far) but it seems like Waydroid can fill in a lot of the Android gaps that are missing. With a TV like remote.

This would need to have the family approval factor. No hoops to jump through for the wife, just launch apps and watch.

I'm sure there are some tradeoffs specifically in the DRM camp, but the only actual potential DRM app I use is Nebula so that might be fine. I currently watch YouTube via SmartTube to circumvent ads.

Ars there other tradeoffs I'm missing?

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[–] 18 points 2 days ago (3 children)

I use my steamdeck in a docking station with extra USB ports.
You can get a FLIRC or equivalent IR receiver to navigate with an old/universal remote or USB keyboard.

I load PLEX-HTPC as a non-steam game.

I also loaded Firefox for Youtube with support for uBlock and other extensions.

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 2 days ago (2 children)

    How's the navigation of something like YouTube in the browser with a remote? This is another curiosity of mine

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  • [–] 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

    Not OP, but I have a dedicated gaming PC connected to a TV for a similar experience (Bazzite for the OS, primarily running Steam Big Picture Mode). Plex HTPC has been pretty smooth to switch between when not gaming. I would recommend using something like VacuumTube (has adblock and sponsorblock settings baked in) to have a more comparable TV experience if you’re looking to watch YouTube too.

    Edit: Since you mentioned Jellyfin (haven’t tried using it yet) Switchfin looks to be a Jellyfin HTPC equivalent you could use

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