Lilbits: Why the Steam Deck OS is based on Arch Linux, Google’s Tensor chip has a Samsung Exynos processor (probably) and runs Windows 11 on Macs with M1 chips

A new version of Parallels virtualization software is here, and it promises to let you run Windows 11 on a Mac, whether you have a model with an Intel or Apple Silicon chip. Clues to the technology used in Google’s first smartphone processor are emerging, and at least one key component might not be designed by Google at all: the Google Tensor chip appears to have a Samsung Exynos processor. And a Valve rep explains why the upcoming Steam Deck portable gaming PC will run an Arch Linux-based version of Steam OS rather than Debian.

Here’s a roundup of the latest technology news from the web.

• This is why Valve is switching from Debian to Arch for Steam Deck’s Linux operating system [PC Gamer]
  Short version: faster updates. Longer version: Valve’s Steam operating system was once based on Debian Linux, an operating system known more for its stability than for its rapid updates. But the Steam Deck is brand new hardware that may require frequent software updates in the months and years after its first release, possibly including kernel updates. So, for Steam OS 3.0, Valve switched to Arch Linux, a more versatile operating system with a progressive update system.
• Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac brings improved performance, support for macOS Monteray and Windows 11 [Parallels]
  Chances are, most people who buy a Mac plan to use it primarily for running macOS apps. But if you have a few Windows-only apps that you need to run every now and then, there were a few options including installing Windows in a virtual machine or using Apple’s Boot Camp feature to duplicate Windows and macOS. on the same device. However, Boot Camp does not work on Macs with Apple M1 processors, leaving virtualization tools like Parallels behind. So it’s nice to see Parallels updating their software to ensure compatibility with future versions of macOS and Windows, both scheduled for this fall.
• OpenBSD on the Laptop Framework [joshua stein]
  A few notes on running OpenBSD on the Frame modular, serviceable laptop: after debugging a few issues @jcs made most of the hardware work fine (except bluetooth, as OpenBSD doesn’t support BT at all).
• MinCab is the smallest Raspberry Pi CM4 carrier board ever [CNX Software]
  The minimal support board for the Raspberry Pi compute module essentially gives the small computer module a USB-C charging port and not much else (except for a few GPIO signal pads).
• And 1-star reviews are pouring in for Google Chat [Droid Life]
  Google is pushing Hangouts users to switch to Chat through a splash screen in the Android app that lets you know “Hangouts is going to be gone soon, so switch to Chat in Gmail” now. Users are not happy with the move.
• Google announces new Titan USB-C security key with NFC, stops selling Bluetooth model [9to5Google]
  Google’s new Titan USB-C Security Key is a multi-factor authentication tool with NFC support, allowing you to tap your phone to access credentials. It does not support Bluetooth and Google is abandoning BT Titan security keys.
• Google’s Tensor soc (Pixel 6) is Samsung’s Exynos-9855 [GalaxyClub.nl]
  The Google Tensor processor for the Pixel 6 will have a custom SoC with Google’s AI technology, but it is also expected to have a Samsung-designed processor. The signs point to a faster chip than Samsung’s Galaxy S21, but likely slower than the S22.

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