Lilbits: Steam Deck software update, beginning of the end for the Pixel 3a, and Audacity in the Microsoft Store

Valve’s latest beta software update for the Steam Deck brings experimental support for controlling screen refresh rate in games and allows the Linux-based operating system to control fan speed as well as timing. where the fan first activates, which can reduce unwanted noise in some circumstances.

Unfortunately, there is also a hardware issue affecting some Steam Deck units that causes a whining noise when the fan is running and software updates will never fix this problem. Some users have taken matters into their own hands with a DIY fix, but Valve advises against taking this approach as it’s unclear what long-term impact it might have on cooling performance. It’s possible that one day you’ll be able to buy a replacement fan that doesn’t whine.

Here’s a roundup of recent tech news on the web.

Steam OS 3.2 Beta Update Brings Fan Speed ​​Control Support, Experimental Support for Changing In-Game Screen Refresh Rates Between 40-60Hz, and Auto-Enable keyboard in desktop mode if necessary. https://t.co/vZZ5Aa6u7K

— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) April 29, 2022

Valve ships Steam Decks with one of two fans, and models with one of these fans have an annoying whining noise in some units. A DIY solution involving electrical tape inside the case seems to fix the problem, but it’s unclear if there are any side effects. https://t.co/XCr4uDeaj8

— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) April 29, 2022

Google’s Pixel 3a and 3a XL will most likely receive their final security update next month, ending support for some of the company’s most capable phones to date thanks to their solid specs and software and at their affordable prices. https://t.co/97y6L40iOJ

— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) April 29, 2022

Windows 11 Preview Build 22610 no longer shows build watermark, disables tablet-optimized taskbar feature (for now), offers updated task manager with color-based heatmap of your accent, File Explorer context menu tweaks, and more. https://t.co/3PryXq1UbW

— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) April 29, 2022

The free and open-source audio editor Audacity is now available on the Microsoft Store (at least in part to reduce bogus versions distributed in the Windows App Store). https://t.co/ypeBZ6mErd

— Liliputing (@liliputingnews) April 29, 2022

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