More details are becoming known about the Orange Pi Neo, A console which is born from the relationship between Manjaro and Orange Pi. The truth is that, beyond some video on social networks showing how it works in some scenarios, they have not published new information, but they have updated the handheld promotion page and there is an interesting detail on it: it will use Manjaro Gaming Edition and will be an immutable system like SteamOS.
This operating system, or at least the name of Manjaro Gaming Edition, has existed since 2016. In SourceForge There are ISO images ranging from 16.x to 18.x, and the desktop was Xfce. Now, 6 years after launching the last one, what the Orange Pi Neo will use is something different, with a Plasma desktop and based on flatpaks. The intention is that we cannot easily break the system by installing packages from official repositories and their dependencies.
This will be the operating system of the Orange Pi Neo
In a quick search, I I haven't found an updated image of Manjaro Gaming Edition, neither on the official Manjaro website nor on SourceForge nor any hosting. But in the promotion page On the Orange Pi Neo there is a text that explains what it is like, or rather it will be like. Even though the concept or name already existed, the first thing they say is “we present,” which indicates that they have reinvented themselves or started with another idea in mind.
The operating system will be "cutting edge", intended for Gamers and production enthusiasts. The software you will install will be from Flathub, and they will do so through the Discover software store. He desktop will be Plasma, so, added to the fact that it is also the one used on phones, it makes me doubt what was said a long time ago that Manjaro's main desktop is Xfce.
SteamUI as one of its weapons
Manjaro Gaming Edition, like SteamOS, also has a gaming mode and a desktop mode. The operating system can be updated from SteamUI, which will still have to be seen what it is like, but I don't think it will be very different from the main interface of the Valve system.
«Introducing Manjaro Gaming Edition, a next-generation operating system designed for gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike. With a focus on flatpaks, it offers a seamless and hassle-free way to add additional software to your system. Built on the reliable Manjaro foundation, this edition guarantees the immutability of the system, allowing users to enjoy a stable and consistent computing experience without having to worry about tracking dependencies or encountering problems typical of rolling release models. With the powerful Plasma desktop environment, users can enjoy a sleek, customizable interface designed to improve productivity and streamline workflows. Manjaro Gaming Edition remains at the forefront of innovation, offering the latest and greatest features to its users. But what really sets Manjaro Gaming Edition apart is its seamless integration with SteamUI and Discover. Users can update their system effortlessly through SteamUI, ensuring they always have the latest software and security patches. Plus, installing additional packages is a breeze with Discover, which offers an easy-to-use interface to explore and install flatpaks with ease. Enjoy the flexibility and customization of the Plasma desktop environment combined with the reliability and convenience of an immutable operating system. Whether you're gaming or working, Manjaro Gaming Edition has you covered.
There are still things to discover. Knowing that it will be an immutable system, it remains to be seen what it is like and if it has different interface parts. But the most important thing that remains to be known is the price and when it will be available. If it is cheaper than the Steam Deck and is well adapted, it will undoubtedly be a good device for Linux users.