Valve Corporation Announces New Steam Machine Living Room PC
Valve Corporation 宣布推出全新 Steam Machine 客廳 PC
Introduction
Valve has revealed the Steam Machine, a gaming computer based on Linux designed to work with televisions. The device is scheduled for release on June 29.
Valve 公開了 Steam Machine，這是一款基於 Linux、設計用於搭配電視使用的遊戲電腦。該裝置預計於 6 月 29 日發佈。
Main Body
The Steam Machine is designed as an open alternative to closed gaming consoles. It uses a powerful six-core AMD Zen 4 CPU and an RDNA3 GPU with 8GB of VRAM. Prices vary across four models, starting at $1,049 for 512GB and reaching $1,349 for 2TB versions, with an optional Steam Controller available for $79. Valve emphasized that they will not sell the hardware at a loss to make it cheaper, as they believe selling components at their actual cost encourages a more innovative system. However, because of a global shortage of memory and storage, the retail price is much higher than current consoles from Sony and Microsoft.
Steam Machine 的設計旨在提供一個開放的替代方案，以取代封閉式遊戲主機。它採用強大的 AMD Zen 4 六核心 CPU 和一個具有 8GB VRAM 的 RDNA3 GPU。四款型號的價格各異，512GB 版本起價為 1,049 美元，2TB 版本則達 1,349 美元，並提供 79 美元的選購 Steam 控制器。Valve 強調他們不會以虧損價格銷售硬體以降低成本，因為他們認為按實際成本銷售元件能鼓勵更創新的系統。然而，由於全球記憶體和儲存裝置短缺，其零售價遠高於 Sony 和 Microsoft 目前的主機。
Technical tests show that the hardware's performance is similar to the PlayStation 5. Nevertheless, early users have reported some software problems, such as issues with sleep mode and a lack of optimized game settings. To fix these problems, Valve has promised to introduce AMD's FSR 4 upscaling and driver updates to improve graphics performance by up to 20 percent. Furthermore, the device can be used as a full Linux desktop computer, meaning it is useful for more than just gaming.
技術測試顯示，該硬體的性能與 PlayStation 5 相似。儘管如此，早期使用者回報了一些軟體問題，例如睡眠模式問題以及缺乏優化的遊戲設定。為了修復這些問題，Valve 承諾將引入 AMD 的 FSR 4 放大技術和驅動程式更新，以將圖形性能提升高達 20%。此外，該裝置可用作完整的 Linux 桌面電腦，這意味著它不僅僅是用於遊戲。
Because of a lack of parts, Valve reported that they only have two-thirds of the stock they planned for the launch. Consequently, the company has created a random reservation system to stop bots from buying all the units. To enter this lottery, users must have an account in good standing and have made a purchase before April 27, 2026. This supply problem reflects a wider trend in the industry, as other hardware companies are also facing higher costs and production delays.
由於零件短缺，Valve 報告稱他們僅擁有計劃發佈量三分之二的庫存。因此，公司建立了一個隨機預約系統，以防止機器人搶購所有裝置。若要參與此抽獎，使用者必須擁有信譽良好的帳戶，並在 2026 年 4 月 27 日之前完成過購買。這個供應問題反映了產業的更廣泛趨勢，因為其他硬體公司也面臨成本增加和生產延遲的問題。
Conclusion
The Steam Machine enters the market as a versatile but expensive hybrid between a PC and a console, facing limited supply and some early software issues.
Steam Machine 作為一款多功能但昂貴的 PC 與主機混合體進入市場，面臨供應有限以及早期的軟體問題。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡️ The 'Logic Leap': Moving from A2 to B2
At an A2 level, you likely use words like and, but, and because to connect ideas. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors. These are words that act like road signs, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate to each other.
🛠️ The Upgrade Path
Look at how the article transforms simple ideas into professional, B2-level flow:
| A2 Style (Simple) | B2 Style (Advanced) | Logic Effect |
|---|---|---|
| But... | Nevertheless, | Shows a contrast despite a previous fact. |
| Also... | Furthermore, | Adds a strong, supporting point. |
| So... | Consequently, | Shows a direct cause-and-effect result. |
🔍 Analysis of the 'Cause-and-Effect' Chain
B2 English isn't just about bigger words; it's about linking. Notice this sequence from the text:
"Because of a lack of parts... Consequently, the company has created a random reservation system..."
Why this works: Instead of saying "There were no parts, so they made a lottery," the author uses Consequently. This word signals to the listener: "Prepare yourself, I am about to tell you the logical result of the problem I just mentioned."
💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency
To sound more like a B2 speaker, stop starting every sentence with "And" or "But."
- Instead of "But," try: However or Nevertheless.
- Instead of "And," try: In addition or Furthermore.
- Instead of "So," try: Therefore or Consequently.
Example from the text: "The device can be used as a full Linux desktop computer, meaning it is useful for more than just gaming."
Using "meaning..." is a high-level way to clarify a point without starting a whole new sentence. It creates a smooth, "bridge-like" flow in your speech.