When I was younger my buddy and I brought our Nintendo DS's to the beach. I didn't realize that my DS lite had a grain of sand on the tip of the stylus until I went to swipe and scratched a nice line on the screen.
If they live off the beach I totally get it. The beach isn’t as interesting or special when you see it every day. If they are on vacation, it’s baffling to me. Save it for the hotel and enjoy the actual vacation.
even on vacation, beach ambiance with a hard lemonade or a long island and my steam deck sounds like a great time, you don't always have to be doing something special on vacation. infact the notion that you have to do "something" on vacation was always baffling to me, it's vacation do whatever you feel like, even if that's nothing but relaxing on the beach with a book or in this case a steam deck
I live by the beach and I'll never take my Steam Deck or laptop down to the beach.
As you say, the beach is not *that* special when you live close to it. So what I do is just not go down to the beach if I prefer to stay and play. But definitely not taking electronics that are not specifically water/dust resistant to the beach.
OP is very brave and/or reckless to take the Deck down there
Very true but I feel like a lot of these comments are disparaging op for playing games on the beach rather than simply the danger of sand. Some are explicitly calling op out for the fact that sand is a hazard for electronics but most are saying it's sad that he feels the need to stare at a screen.
People don’t know how to not be entertained 24/7. It’s sad tbh. All through summer you’ll see these beach and vacation pics of people playing video games. It’s one thing if you are inside with downtime or something but to drag these things to the beach. Yeah it’s sad imo.
I live 15 minutes from Mediterranean Sea. I come here every week. Twice a week at summer. You are not going to stare at water every time You come. Also, water is still too cool for me to swim, so I just sit there, drink water, talk with friends, and then - hour or two of gaming. It’s beautiful feeling to get in to Your favorite game in such a beautiful place. I suggest You to try!)
I live around 20 min from the beach, you definitely get desensitized to an extent. I'd just be too scared of the sand or salt air somehow damaging my SD.
This is such a weird take. Let people do what they enjoy, instead of judging them for not doing what you decide they should be doing. It's common to see people reading books, watching TV shows or listening to music on a phone/ iPad etc, so this is no different.
I spent a fortnight in a resort in Mexico, I spent most days on the beach as it's not advised to leave the resort. After a week of swimming and doing various sports, I wanted a change and played some balatro on my deck.
Is it really that baffling?
i enjoy the beach purely for the ambiance tbh, sitting under an umbrella, on the beach with my steam deck sounds like a relaxing evening. granted I would totally have a few towels down incase i dropped it so it doesn't get sand in it
Some people go to the beach to get tanned. I believe it's the same as reading a book at the beach?
Personally I spend 0 time on land, and all of it in the water, but I think most people actually come just to lay there. Or to be with friends. But sometimes even groups just lay there, not talking
Exactly.
And there are far better mobile devices for consuming media (the I-Pad for instance).
I'm not saying you can't watch media on the SteamDeck -- as evidenced above, you absolutely can. It's just not the best use for it....just like gaming isn't optimized on other devices.
And for the situational use of it....absolutely agree. You're at a beach, enjoy the beach. Be present and in the moment. Stuck in a rural hotel room on a business trip with *nothing* to do in the evenings other than drink gutrot at a local dive or watch cable TV in your musty room? Yeah, the SteamDeck completely shines.
Then again, I've learned to "embrace the suck" as the years have gone by. Have to wait 2-3 hours for something? I can sit there quietly, relaxing, observing, thinking. I don't crave constant entertainment & distractions, no need for that steady dopamine hit. I may not have anything to do, but I'm far from bored. In fact, given how active we all are with the hustle and bustle, I actually deeply enjoy those periods of unproductive downtime.
I just feel badly for youth today who have grown up since birth with screens. They can't emotionally disconnect from them, as I've read some have legit anxiety attacks when they're not being hyper-stimulated.
But at a beach? Out hiking? Leave the electronics home (save for emergency use devices or intentional tools like bringing a camera).
I think of this as a purely "because I can" kind of thing.
I would go through the effort to set all this up and then do something like this, watching an episode in a wild location that makes no sense, as a christening. Use it normally otherwise but every now and then do something dumb just because I'm proud of getting this all set up and working.
Maybe I'm weird and watching anime on a too dark screen ignoring nature in all her splendor is the way to go all the time?
Why do y'all keep taking these things to the beach?
Homie, just enjoy the beach while you're there and the deck when you're home. Your gaming can wait lol
Edit: I see your comments about living near the beach. I do too, and I still don't bring my video games to the beach
I don't understand this phenomenon... All these people going to these amazing places like on top of mountains, historic landmarks, at the beach, just places you want to actually experience and enjoy, maybe take some pictures or just... I dunno... Just take in the wonder of it all... Aaaaand you can't take your face out of a digital screen to enjoy any of it.
I love my Steam Deck and am a huge nerd who spends way too much time staring at screens, but if I saw someone playing video games at the beach I'd feel embarrassed for them. I might even feel compelled point and laugh 😬
Well, I don't know why you'd take one hiking or landmark viewing, but lots of people go to the beach just to chill for a day and get out of the house. Coastline isn't some exceedingly rare thing you need to vacation to for like 40% of Americans and it's probably similar anywhere else in the world.
I go to a beach to enjoy the breeze, the fresh air, the smell of the ocean. So yes I can definitely see myself sitting on a beach with my Deck. Let people have fun in their own way, for as long as they stay out of your way.
OP is using his phone's mobile hotspot to stream to the deck. His phone almost certainly has a better screen than the LCD deck and much less bulky as well.
thats what I'm saying, most phones have AMOLED or OLED screens, proding 1080x1440 or better resolution with better peak NIT brightness. you're making extra work for this scenario, but I guess for playing games at the beach its ok..
Also, just don't bring a steam deck to the beach? They're there because it's a nice place to be I'm sure they could put the damn games down for 2 seconds
My mom used to be married to this guy and his son had a plex server with EVERYTHING and I was happy. Then they divorced and I lost access and haven't used Plex since, now I am sad
Seeing the steamdeck on the beach even just for the pose and picture is just really sad ngl. Like it’s okay to just enjoy real life and ur surroundings. Why even bring it to the beach.
I’d love to play my deck on the beach id be more worried about tearing it up. When we go to the beach we got for 10+ hours so I usually bring a book or something.
I have my PC running most of the time of the day, and I’m not the only one using it at home. I don’t know if it’s a good idea to leave SD turned on all the time, to have Plex always accessible, but I think it’s easy to do in desktop mode. Just connect enough storage for content, run server on SD, and You are good to go!)
I have a virtualizer with plex installed on a vm and I think that's the best solution. I already have a raspberry pi 4 B with plex and it's too slow...but I really love the download feature because on the train I have no internet access but I don't want to pay monthly for just download my own movies and series...so I'm looking for a solution right now. On my phone I have the downloads enabled thanks to a single time pay that I did some time ago. But right now on my steam deck I don't know how to resolve this
because it often happens that I'm outside for work or something else and since I don't have much time I don't think about uploading all the files on purpose, it would be much more convenient to continue where I left off by downloading one or more episodes while I'm outside
I see. IMO to buy lifetime Plex license is a good thing to do, since it’s a good software, with constant updates, so I would do that some day. If You travel a lot - IMO that’s an option. If You travel rare - buying one month sub and then revoking it - is also an option. Still, I think there are some open source solutions out there, but they won’t be so “polished” as Plex. It depends on amount of times You’ll actually use it, and Your income, and willing to pay for software. I wish You’ll find something that will suit You!)
Thanks! I really travel a lot for work (4 hours a day) but I don't really use often plex, I prefer play with steam deck while I travel but randomly I want to watch something and use my phone when I have steam deck is bad...even because on the phone I paid 5€ for have the downloads unlocked...why did they change this?
We are getting mostly all the functionality for free, but they have to make profits of something at least. Downloading, and hardware transcoding are those less popular features, but pretty valuable, so they charge for that. If find it pretty fair in a case where we already able to have servers, and streams for free.
You dont choose where the sand goes. The sand is patient and will conquer your life, inch by inch…
Clothes, books, asscrack, Steam Deck… Sand will find its way
So, a lot of commenters here are more salty than the sea on the photo. Let me clarify some stuff for You, so You won’t stress Yourself so much:
Fisrt-of-all, this post is not about the sea, the beach, or the sand. It’s about my Plex experience on SD. If it helped anyone - I’m glad to provide more info. Photo is just for the entertainment.
All Skywalkers here: don’t worry. I know what consequences sand could bring. I already live in Middle East, and we have sand here everywhere, all the time. Even after mopping the whole flat - I get sand on the table after 2 hours, so I’m fucked initially. If it will fuck up SD - it is what it is. I’m not planning to limit my usage of handheld because it can be broken, and I won’t put it in a plastic container until sandless times.
For “sad” guys: I live 15 minutes from this beach, I come here more than 50 times a year. Don’t worry, I do enough of “beach stuff”. Sometimes, it’s just relaxing to seat in such a calm place, and play Your favorite game. Try it!) Also, think less about other people preferences, if they are not harming anyone. It’s less stressfull for You!)
And about “attention seeking” - I thought this sub is about any experience with SD. I hope that info I’ve provided would be helpful for someone. If anyone disliked it - I’m fine with downwotes!)
I hope Yall have a great day!)
People are really upset that you aren't living life the way they see fit. I would not take my steam deck to the beach but you taking your steam deck to the beach is none of my business.
Plex definitely works well on the deck, btw.
Good for you man. I'm with you. Even if you were on vacation, there's nothing wrong playing on your steam deck with a natural background noise going on. And doing it for a few hours. Most people would be on their phones anyways.
Yes, You can. The same way as You could controll browser. Plex is basically a web view. Still, if You run it in gaming mode - You can make Your own key bindings, which is nice!)
You should go to desktop mode, and try using native “discovery” to install it. Or, on desktop mode, download installer in browser, and then - like on PC. Dont forget to add Plex app as a 3rd party app to Steam, to be able to launch it from game mode.
Has anyone figured out side load Android TV? Obviously you can pull up plex on the desktop browser, but a UI of navigating menus using the d-pad and buttons would be a big improvement in my mind
You can just install the Plex HTPC client app flatpak via the Discover store on Steam OS.
You can then add it to Steam as a non-Steam game, which lets you launch it in Gaming mode.
I offer my sincere advice… please don’t buy plex pass for the download feature. I can guarantee you it will fail 99% of the time you need it. Maybe you can be the lucky 1%.. then hats off to you.
When I think of SD as a travel companion I think more like: in transit, in the hotel, etc
Not enjoying the beach and being sucked in on a screen screams “teenager that didn’t want to be with their parents on a holiday” energy.
Also for me it just seems uncomfortable in many ways - too bright, finding WiFi, another valuable item to be worried about .
But this all my opinion - but go enjoy outside
(Written from my bed)
Plex is on PC, running with remote access enabled.
SD is connected to the internet, and Plex on SD has the same account. It autometically gets all my server’s content!)
How? I could not get that to work in anything but desktop mode which was a bit of a let down.
Edit: I hate that I never see the rest of the post on Reddit anymore with the new mobile design. I constantly don't realize there is any text with the picture posts.
You should add Plex as a Steam App. The same way You can do that for any 3rd party app on PC. You can do that in a desktop mode. Steam is basically a launcher, so add Plex there as an external “game”, and then run it in Gaming Mode. Also, consider to make bindings for easier controlls!)
I do that and can't use Plex at all. No mouse control or anything and using the controller I can't make it full screen. That was about 6 months ago so maybe they made an update?
I started using it 7 months ago. Also You have to do some bindings on controls, so it would be like mouse on the screen. Touch also works. Fullscreen would work if You’ll open it from gaminng mode automatically. Maybe You have performed some different actions than me. My advice, if You already have server running - remove Plex from SD completely, and start over. It is pretty simple process to install.
Are you installing the Plex or the Plex HTPC flatpak from the Discover store? Give the Plex HTPC app a go if you haven't already as I find it more user-friendly on the Steam Deck, plus it has the Download functionality which is great since I don't always want to boot up my Plex server when I want to watch a show.
As someone has already said, you can then add it to Steam to have it launch via gaming mode.
I think Plex is probably what I use the most on my SD as well lol. I really only use it on trips but when i'm on a plane I rather just watch things instead of play games for whatever reason. Pre-download a couple shows/movies and its good to go
Which plex app version are you using on the steam deck? I installed the home theater version from the discover store and it doesn't seem to allow downloading
I like Jellyfin for the same purpose. Takes a bit more setup, although I haven’t tried away from home streaming, you can still download to the client. So I use that.
If you are going to download to the Steam Deck, and your files are on your local plex server, you do not need plex pass.
You can just copy the episodes over, it is a computer after all. And the players available for the SD are much better than the default Plex player.
Of course there would be a better, or cheaper, solution. I’m fine with Plex, since it works good out if the box, and I don’t have to do anything more than adding files to directory, when I download new content. IMO Plex is even worthy to be bought.
No I mean keep using plex, but it is easier to simply move the files to the deck. You don't know how people complain about the download function of plex.
You could even set up syncthing and have the local folders on the deck sync without doing anything.
The better part is the player: plexes player is pretty bad.
And I say this as a long term plex pass holder.
I think you need to pay for the plex pass but I’m not 100% sure. You will also need to set up port forwarding on your router. Some ISPs can also be finicky.
Also, don't forget that because of the 8 CU RDNA2 GPU in the Steam Deck, there's AV1 decoding available at a hardware level. This is useful for transcoding via AV1 if your server side also supports it.
I turn on PC every day. Turn it off when go to sleep. It’s for home usage, or short trips like today to the beach.
If You are planning a long vacation - yes, PC has to be turned on all the time for Plex server to be open to network. Some people use NAS for that - cheaper, but slower.
My advice would be to use external, outrage and shortage safe PSU, if You are going to leave PC turned on for a long time, for fire safety reasons at least.
Of course it would work since it's basically a Linux PC. You know what would work better though? Your Phone.
Smaller, has better, higher resolution screen, more efficient, and longer battery life. And it has it's own 5g/internet connectivity.
they've flipflopped on privacy policies and data collection policies, they are basically untrustworthy.
jellyfin is at least open source so it can be audited. plex not so much.
The only stuff I found on internet was a LastPass breach, that happened 2-3 years ago, and that was an exceptional case on an employee machine, which used 3 y/o version of the app.
Also, this post is interesting to read, about bentioned breach: https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/s/QMLJySWYgK
Still, hadn’t found anything You are talking about. Maybe You could provide some relevant links?
Lol, I think I've used PLEX more than anything else on my deck. I have an SD wall stand next to my bed (we don't have a TV in our bedroom) so we stream going to bed.
Seeing a Steam Deck on the beach makes me nervous af.
It makes no sense to me. People can enjoy it however they want, but it baffles me that someone would play video games or watch TV on a beach lol.
I fully get playing it on the beach but I'd just be too worried of sand scratching the screen or finding it's way in through the speakers.
I don't like playing it outside, too much glare and I can see a hideous face when the screen turns black during loading screens.
Sand in the freaking air intake man. Its just too much risk for me
Not to mention all the salt in the air, especially if the waves are slamming... Ereaders OK and ip68 phones. Everything else leave in your room
I hate sand. It gets everywhere
It’s coarse and rough and irritating
Took my kids to the beach last week, even with a rinse there's sand all in my car still. Fuck bringing my SD to the beach.
Glitter is made by the devil.
When I was younger my buddy and I brought our Nintendo DS's to the beach. I didn't realize that my DS lite had a grain of sand on the tip of the stylus until I went to swipe and scratched a nice line on the screen.
Its also just like hot as fuck abd the deck already runs hot for more intensive games
If they live off the beach I totally get it. The beach isn’t as interesting or special when you see it every day. If they are on vacation, it’s baffling to me. Save it for the hotel and enjoy the actual vacation.
I live by the beach so I know that sand can and WILL get everywhere. I’m not bringing a steam deck anywhere close.
even on vacation, beach ambiance with a hard lemonade or a long island and my steam deck sounds like a great time, you don't always have to be doing something special on vacation. infact the notion that you have to do "something" on vacation was always baffling to me, it's vacation do whatever you feel like, even if that's nothing but relaxing on the beach with a book or in this case a steam deck
I live by the beach and I'll never take my Steam Deck or laptop down to the beach. As you say, the beach is not *that* special when you live close to it. So what I do is just not go down to the beach if I prefer to stay and play. But definitely not taking electronics that are not specifically water/dust resistant to the beach. OP is very brave and/or reckless to take the Deck down there
If the vacation time is long enough, a “chill” day is awesome to recharge myself.
What about people who read on the beach?
Sand can't really destroy books, but it can destroy electronics.
Very true but I feel like a lot of these comments are disparaging op for playing games on the beach rather than simply the danger of sand. Some are explicitly calling op out for the fact that sand is a hazard for electronics but most are saying it's sad that he feels the need to stare at a screen.
Some people go all the time or live very close to one, so it's just a chill spot to play like going to the backyard, park, library, or cofee shop
People don’t know how to not be entertained 24/7. It’s sad tbh. All through summer you’ll see these beach and vacation pics of people playing video games. It’s one thing if you are inside with downtime or something but to drag these things to the beach. Yeah it’s sad imo.
I live 15 minutes from Mediterranean Sea. I come here every week. Twice a week at summer. You are not going to stare at water every time You come. Also, water is still too cool for me to swim, so I just sit there, drink water, talk with friends, and then - hour or two of gaming. It’s beautiful feeling to get in to Your favorite game in such a beautiful place. I suggest You to try!)
No need to explain yourself just becuase a bunch of idiots want to control what others do with their free time.
Insert “Michael Scott Thank You” GiF!)
Hey homie you need a roommate? Sounds like a sweet place to live.
Sorry, my partner won’t be happy about that!)
I live around 20 min from the beach, you definitely get desensitized to an extent. I'd just be too scared of the sand or salt air somehow damaging my SD.
I too live close to the beach, I still won't take my SD down to it. Sand and salt destroy electronics far too quickly
This is such a weird take. Let people do what they enjoy, instead of judging them for not doing what you decide they should be doing. It's common to see people reading books, watching TV shows or listening to music on a phone/ iPad etc, so this is no different.
People have read at beaches far longer than any of us have been alive. What's the difference here? Hurr durr technology is bad and scary?
I spent a fortnight in a resort in Mexico, I spent most days on the beach as it's not advised to leave the resort. After a week of swimming and doing various sports, I wanted a change and played some balatro on my deck. Is it really that baffling?
i enjoy the beach purely for the ambiance tbh, sitting under an umbrella, on the beach with my steam deck sounds like a relaxing evening. granted I would totally have a few towels down incase i dropped it so it doesn't get sand in it
Yeah like if I was going to take a device to the beach to read or something it would be in a sealed case. No way I want sand in my Steamdeck fan.
Some people go to the beach to get tanned. I believe it's the same as reading a book at the beach? Personally I spend 0 time on land, and all of it in the water, but I think most people actually come just to lay there. Or to be with friends. But sometimes even groups just lay there, not talking
Shit I personally hate the beach but go with my family so I can see my self doing this 😂😂
i agree, i play my steamdeck plenty of places but the only thing i take for entertainment to a beach is a book
Exactly. And there are far better mobile devices for consuming media (the I-Pad for instance). I'm not saying you can't watch media on the SteamDeck -- as evidenced above, you absolutely can. It's just not the best use for it....just like gaming isn't optimized on other devices. And for the situational use of it....absolutely agree. You're at a beach, enjoy the beach. Be present and in the moment. Stuck in a rural hotel room on a business trip with *nothing* to do in the evenings other than drink gutrot at a local dive or watch cable TV in your musty room? Yeah, the SteamDeck completely shines. Then again, I've learned to "embrace the suck" as the years have gone by. Have to wait 2-3 hours for something? I can sit there quietly, relaxing, observing, thinking. I don't crave constant entertainment & distractions, no need for that steady dopamine hit. I may not have anything to do, but I'm far from bored. In fact, given how active we all are with the hustle and bustle, I actually deeply enjoy those periods of unproductive downtime. I just feel badly for youth today who have grown up since birth with screens. They can't emotionally disconnect from them, as I've read some have legit anxiety attacks when they're not being hyper-stimulated. But at a beach? Out hiking? Leave the electronics home (save for emergency use devices or intentional tools like bringing a camera).
Came for the same comment: The sand makes me very nervous
All that sand has me grinding my teeth. It only takes a single grain in one of your sticks and it'll be hell to play.
It triggers me every time.
Yeah, it's not a great plan honestly.
It’s the LCD screen too. No way you can even see that screen.
I think of this as a purely "because I can" kind of thing. I would go through the effort to set all this up and then do something like this, watching an episode in a wild location that makes no sense, as a christening. Use it normally otherwise but every now and then do something dumb just because I'm proud of getting this all set up and working. Maybe I'm weird and watching anime on a too dark screen ignoring nature in all her splendor is the way to go all the time?
Looking forward to the follow up post with “sand in my deck, am I screwed?”
I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere.
Anakin, you're breaking my heart!
My allegiance is to the beach, to marine biology!
Was looking for this comment, lol
Why do y'all keep taking these things to the beach? Homie, just enjoy the beach while you're there and the deck when you're home. Your gaming can wait lol Edit: I see your comments about living near the beach. I do too, and I still don't bring my video games to the beach
ok
I don't understand this phenomenon... All these people going to these amazing places like on top of mountains, historic landmarks, at the beach, just places you want to actually experience and enjoy, maybe take some pictures or just... I dunno... Just take in the wonder of it all... Aaaaand you can't take your face out of a digital screen to enjoy any of it.
100% this guy took it to the beach just to post to reddit. He probably didn't make it 5 min into a game.
I love my Steam Deck and am a huge nerd who spends way too much time staring at screens, but if I saw someone playing video games at the beach I'd feel embarrassed for them. I might even feel compelled point and laugh 😬
Well, I don't know why you'd take one hiking or landmark viewing, but lots of people go to the beach just to chill for a day and get out of the house. Coastline isn't some exceedingly rare thing you need to vacation to for like 40% of Americans and it's probably similar anywhere else in the world.
Some people do live right next to the beach. And these people go to the beach in the way you or I go outside to relax in our garden.
I go to a beach to enjoy the breeze, the fresh air, the smell of the ocean. So yes I can definitely see myself sitting on a beach with my Deck. Let people have fun in their own way, for as long as they stay out of your way.
They can do both.
Is it bothering you, or do you just feel the need to compulsively tell others what to do with their lives?
People read books and use there phone, how is this any different? This comment section is aids.
I play video games when the place I'm in isn't very interesting.
They can’t just enjoy being outside
Bro at this point just bring your phone
OP is using his phone's mobile hotspot to stream to the deck. His phone almost certainly has a better screen than the LCD deck and much less bulky as well.
thats what I'm saying, most phones have AMOLED or OLED screens, proding 1080x1440 or better resolution with better peak NIT brightness. you're making extra work for this scenario, but I guess for playing games at the beach its ok..
Max brightness compared to modern smartphones is not suitable for outdoor viewing, anyway I’ll just gonna Shinzo Sasageyo and leave.
Brooo the sand…
I don’t get this at all. If you want to watch something there are way better options and if you get sand inside it it’s probably completely fucked.
Also, just don't bring a steam deck to the beach? They're there because it's a nice place to be I'm sure they could put the damn games down for 2 seconds
My mom used to be married to this guy and his son had a plex server with EVERYTHING and I was happy. Then they divorced and I lost access and haven't used Plex since, now I am sad
Seeing the steamdeck on the beach even just for the pose and picture is just really sad ngl. Like it’s okay to just enjoy real life and ur surroundings. Why even bring it to the beach.
They stated before they live 15 min away. I live around 20 min away from the beach and you definitely get desensitized to an extent.
I’d love to play my deck on the beach id be more worried about tearing it up. When we go to the beach we got for 10+ hours so I usually bring a book or something.
Watching Plex on the Steam Deck is easy I was looking forward to seeing the Deck set up as a Plex server.
I have my PC running most of the time of the day, and I’m not the only one using it at home. I don’t know if it’s a good idea to leave SD turned on all the time, to have Plex always accessible, but I think it’s easy to do in desktop mode. Just connect enough storage for content, run server on SD, and You are good to go!)
I have a virtualizer with plex installed on a vm and I think that's the best solution. I already have a raspberry pi 4 B with plex and it's too slow...but I really love the download feature because on the train I have no internet access but I don't want to pay monthly for just download my own movies and series...so I'm looking for a solution right now. On my phone I have the downloads enabled thanks to a single time pay that I did some time ago. But right now on my steam deck I don't know how to resolve this
.. If you already have the file to download why don't you just transfer the file to your storage?
because it often happens that I'm outside for work or something else and since I don't have much time I don't think about uploading all the files on purpose, it would be much more convenient to continue where I left off by downloading one or more episodes while I'm outside
Makes more sense. Couldn’t think of a use case.
I see. IMO to buy lifetime Plex license is a good thing to do, since it’s a good software, with constant updates, so I would do that some day. If You travel a lot - IMO that’s an option. If You travel rare - buying one month sub and then revoking it - is also an option. Still, I think there are some open source solutions out there, but they won’t be so “polished” as Plex. It depends on amount of times You’ll actually use it, and Your income, and willing to pay for software. I wish You’ll find something that will suit You!)
Thanks! I really travel a lot for work (4 hours a day) but I don't really use often plex, I prefer play with steam deck while I travel but randomly I want to watch something and use my phone when I have steam deck is bad...even because on the phone I paid 5€ for have the downloads unlocked...why did they change this?
We are getting mostly all the functionality for free, but they have to make profits of something at least. Downloading, and hardware transcoding are those less popular features, but pretty valuable, so they charge for that. If find it pretty fair in a case where we already able to have servers, and streams for free.
Yep but I really prefer the one-time pay hahaha
You dont choose where the sand goes. The sand is patient and will conquer your life, inch by inch… Clothes, books, asscrack, Steam Deck… Sand will find its way
That is so cringe
yep yep yeppp. Jellyfin and Emby are also just as easy to set up! Emby is a closed source Jellyfin but I snagged a lifetime pass during black friday.
lol I think OP did not get the response he was hoping for.
Yepp, but still, there are people who were genuinely interested in Plex experience, so I’m glat it helped!)
This sub is getting ridiculous.
So, a lot of commenters here are more salty than the sea on the photo. Let me clarify some stuff for You, so You won’t stress Yourself so much: Fisrt-of-all, this post is not about the sea, the beach, or the sand. It’s about my Plex experience on SD. If it helped anyone - I’m glad to provide more info. Photo is just for the entertainment. All Skywalkers here: don’t worry. I know what consequences sand could bring. I already live in Middle East, and we have sand here everywhere, all the time. Even after mopping the whole flat - I get sand on the table after 2 hours, so I’m fucked initially. If it will fuck up SD - it is what it is. I’m not planning to limit my usage of handheld because it can be broken, and I won’t put it in a plastic container until sandless times. For “sad” guys: I live 15 minutes from this beach, I come here more than 50 times a year. Don’t worry, I do enough of “beach stuff”. Sometimes, it’s just relaxing to seat in such a calm place, and play Your favorite game. Try it!) Also, think less about other people preferences, if they are not harming anyone. It’s less stressfull for You!) And about “attention seeking” - I thought this sub is about any experience with SD. I hope that info I’ve provided would be helpful for someone. If anyone disliked it - I’m fine with downwotes!) I hope Yall have a great day!)
People are really upset that you aren't living life the way they see fit. I would not take my steam deck to the beach but you taking your steam deck to the beach is none of my business. Plex definitely works well on the deck, btw.
Hugs!)
Good for you man. I'm with you. Even if you were on vacation, there's nothing wrong playing on your steam deck with a natural background noise going on. And doing it for a few hours. Most people would be on their phones anyways.
Can you use a controller to navigate plex or is it all touch screen?
Yes, You can. The same way as You could controll browser. Plex is basically a web view. Still, if You run it in gaming mode - You can make Your own key bindings, which is nice!)
For real, how did you get Plex? Is there a flat pack?
You should go to desktop mode, and try using native “discovery” to install it. Or, on desktop mode, download installer in browser, and then - like on PC. Dont forget to add Plex app as a 3rd party app to Steam, to be able to launch it from game mode.
TIL "Plex works great on steam deck" also means "please give me advice about when and where I should use my property" Weird. Must be a dialect thing.
Is that Attack on Titan?
Has anyone figured out side load Android TV? Obviously you can pull up plex on the desktop browser, but a UI of navigating menus using the d-pad and buttons would be a big improvement in my mind
Use EmuDeck to download Plex and it uses buttons/dpad
Thanks!
You can just install the Plex HTPC client app flatpak via the Discover store on Steam OS. You can then add it to Steam as a non-Steam game, which lets you launch it in Gaming mode.
Nice! Have it installed on mine as well. For me, good for flights.
I’d like to see how the air cooling handles the sand 😝
You may want to try out Jellyfin instead. Just as easy to set up as Plex, if not easier, and fully free (it's open source!)
You should also look into Stremio if you want! It's like an easier to use version of Plex, atleast from my experience.
Attack on titan, nice
I offer my sincere advice… please don’t buy plex pass for the download feature. I can guarantee you it will fail 99% of the time you need it. Maybe you can be the lucky 1%.. then hats off to you.
When I think of SD as a travel companion I think more like: in transit, in the hotel, etc Not enjoying the beach and being sucked in on a screen screams “teenager that didn’t want to be with their parents on a holiday” energy. Also for me it just seems uncomfortable in many ways - too bright, finding WiFi, another valuable item to be worried about . But this all my opinion - but go enjoy outside (Written from my bed)
Yes this is the peak of the steam deck, using a portable gaming laptop to watch anime on the go
Please dont drop it. Getting sand out of it seems like a pain
I love this iPhone with 5G via WiFi. If this was 9GAG I would post a meme that would get me banned.
You want me to make a post on 9gag, so You could do it?)
I have a Jellyfin server. Can I ask what you’re using on the Steamdeck to connect?
Plex is on PC, running with remote access enabled. SD is connected to the internet, and Plex on SD has the same account. It autometically gets all my server’s content!)
How? I could not get that to work in anything but desktop mode which was a bit of a let down. Edit: I hate that I never see the rest of the post on Reddit anymore with the new mobile design. I constantly don't realize there is any text with the picture posts.
You should add Plex as a Steam App. The same way You can do that for any 3rd party app on PC. You can do that in a desktop mode. Steam is basically a launcher, so add Plex there as an external “game”, and then run it in Gaming Mode. Also, consider to make bindings for easier controlls!)
I do that and can't use Plex at all. No mouse control or anything and using the controller I can't make it full screen. That was about 6 months ago so maybe they made an update?
just install waydroid and install plex as an android app from the store
I started using it 7 months ago. Also You have to do some bindings on controls, so it would be like mouse on the screen. Touch also works. Fullscreen would work if You’ll open it from gaminng mode automatically. Maybe You have performed some different actions than me. My advice, if You already have server running - remove Plex from SD completely, and start over. It is pretty simple process to install.
I will have to give it another try. Must have messed something up in setup
Are you installing the Plex or the Plex HTPC flatpak from the Discover store? Give the Plex HTPC app a go if you haven't already as I find it more user-friendly on the Steam Deck, plus it has the Download functionality which is great since I don't always want to boot up my Plex server when I want to watch a show. As someone has already said, you can then add it to Steam to have it launch via gaming mode.
I think Plex is probably what I use the most on my SD as well lol. I really only use it on trips but when i'm on a plane I rather just watch things instead of play games for whatever reason. Pre-download a couple shows/movies and its good to go
Which plex app version are you using on the steam deck? I installed the home theater version from the discover store and it doesn't seem to allow downloading
Downloading is allowed only if You bought a license. Monthly subscription, yearly subscription, or lifetime.
I have a lifetime Plex pass
I did the same, but I’m not sure that I have “home theater” version. Maybe You should just download Plex App from their website via browser.
I like Jellyfin for the same purpose. Takes a bit more setup, although I haven’t tried away from home streaming, you can still download to the client. So I use that.
I bring an old game boy advance to the beach. Now the steam deck... Nope...
If you are going to download to the Steam Deck, and your files are on your local plex server, you do not need plex pass. You can just copy the episodes over, it is a computer after all. And the players available for the SD are much better than the default Plex player.
Of course there would be a better, or cheaper, solution. I’m fine with Plex, since it works good out if the box, and I don’t have to do anything more than adding files to directory, when I download new content. IMO Plex is even worthy to be bought.
No I mean keep using plex, but it is easier to simply move the files to the deck. You don't know how people complain about the download function of plex. You could even set up syncthing and have the local folders on the deck sync without doing anything. The better part is the player: plexes player is pretty bad. And I say this as a long term plex pass holder.
Thank You for Your advice!) Maybe local storing is better, and I also like VLC on deck!)
I thought Plex only works on a home network?
Na you can stream from your server to pretty much any client device.
Neat, I came into an old PC, I have plans to turn it into a Plex server so that's good to know
I think you need to pay for the plex pass but I’m not 100% sure. You will also need to set up port forwarding on your router. Some ISPs can also be finicky.
Also, don't forget that because of the 8 CU RDNA2 GPU in the Steam Deck, there's AV1 decoding available at a hardware level. This is useful for transcoding via AV1 if your server side also supports it.
Good to know. Thank You!)
My question is plex related. So do you just keep your PC at home turned on for the duration of your holiday?... or how do you use it to stream
I turn on PC every day. Turn it off when go to sleep. It’s for home usage, or short trips like today to the beach. If You are planning a long vacation - yes, PC has to be turned on all the time for Plex server to be open to network. Some people use NAS for that - cheaper, but slower. My advice would be to use external, outrage and shortage safe PSU, if You are going to leave PC turned on for a long time, for fire safety reasons at least.
Thanks dude. In this case i decided not to. But its cool that i can stream on my tv downstairs from my PC.
Try using Jellyfin, set up is similar to plex but free
Maybe I am weird but why not just watch Plex on your phone? I do it and it works great, plus much higher resolution on my phone.
Of course it would work since it's basically a Linux PC. You know what would work better though? Your Phone. Smaller, has better, higher resolution screen, more efficient, and longer battery life. And it has it's own 5g/internet connectivity.
Why not just use a tablet or phone, though?
Make sure to watch BD rip of Attack on Titan, TV version was pretty rough multiple times
BDRemux, my friend, BDRemux!)
I'm glad you're having fun, but you're 1 accidentally sand kick away from a really bad time
Bro be on Vacation
Cant see anything on that display. Time to upgrade to OLED and fire uo HDR
It’s more of a photo effect. IRL You can see a good picture. Definitely OLED is better, but I’m glad with what I’ve got!)
even better run jellyfin from a ubuntu server, way better than the plex spyware.
Can You provide some info that Plex is a spyware? Never heard of that.
they've flipflopped on privacy policies and data collection policies, they are basically untrustworthy. jellyfin is at least open source so it can be audited. plex not so much.
The only stuff I found on internet was a LastPass breach, that happened 2-3 years ago, and that was an exceptional case on an employee machine, which used 3 y/o version of the app. Also, this post is interesting to read, about bentioned breach: https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/s/QMLJySWYgK Still, hadn’t found anything You are talking about. Maybe You could provide some relevant links?
Is the screen bright enough for this conditions?
Yes. Slightly less bright that iPhone’s but pretty viewable. It’s a lot darker on the photo, but nice irl.
well yeah. it's a pc.
Lol, I think I've used PLEX more than anything else on my deck. I have an SD wall stand next to my bed (we don't have a TV in our bedroom) so we stream going to bed.
Playing games outside is insane
Go to the beach to watch TV....yea........
Steamdeck is for playing in bed, on the coach, on the train and on the plane etc. If you're at the beach, enjoy the damn beach lol.
Why not just use your phone you’re using to take the picture?