Valve builds a Proton for Android apps, Linux is at 11% ?

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Dec 6, 2025

Valve is developing Lepton, a WayDroid-based tool to run Android apps on Steam devices. They also funded FEX to help translate Windows games for ARM. The latest Linux desktop market share hit 11%, igniting discussions on its growth. Linux kernel 6.18 and upcoming 6.19 are set to enhance hardware support and graphics capabilities. Additionally, a vulnerability in KDE Connect raises security concerns. Meanwhile, AlmaLinux targets media production while Fedora transitions to KMScon for better security.

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INSIGHT

Valve’s Lepton Could Unlock Android On Linux

Valve is building Lepton, a WayDroid-based Android compatibility layer focused on gaming and VR on Steam hardware.
If Valve treats it like Proton, Lepton could dramatically expand Android apps and games availability on Linux devices.

INSIGHT

Valve Funded FEX To Prioritize Translation

Valve funded and guided FEX from early on to enable Windows-to-ARM game translation for Steam's long-term ARM plans.
This shows Valve prefers translation layers over forcing widespread native ports when it speeds platform support.

INSIGHT

Be Careful How You Count Linux Market Share

ZDNet's claim that Linux desktop is ~11% relies on adding unknown OS, ChromeOS, and Android counts, which skews the metric.
Nick argues counting Android/ChromeOS inflates Linux numbers and doesn't reflect desktop Linux adoption or contributions.

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