okbuddyretard

Using the Steam Deck as a Phone?

I personally don't have a Steam Deck, but imo I think it can easily replace my phone (in my case) with just Windows 11 Subsystem for Android and a PowerBank. Also, I'm pretty retarded regarding this topic, so I answers for this. Thanks in advance!

https://kbin.social/m/steamdeck@sopuli.xyz/t/217351

Using the Steam Deck as a Phone? - steamdeck - kbin.social

I personally don't have a Steam Deck, but imo I think it can easily replace my phone (in my case) with just Windows 11 Subsystem for Android and a PowerBank. Also, I'm pretty retarded regarding this topic, so I answers for this. Thanks in advance!

Jul 18, 2023 at 5:23pmWeb
Show threadrenJul 18, 2023
installing windows on the steam deck is kinda pointless
Show threadPeachManJul 18, 2023
You wouldn’t necessarily have to install windows, it might work through Proton. But this still doesn’t seem like a good idea…
Show threadrenJul 18, 2023
do you mean the windows android subsystem? It won't work through proton, but you could try waydroid
Show threadPeachManJul 18, 2023
You sure? Theoretically any Windows program COULD run through Proton, though many won’t. I’d want to test before definitively stating it would or wouldn’t work.
Show threadPeachManJul 18, 2023

It might technically work, but it would be difficult to set up and the experience would be poor. The Steam Deck is HUGE, and its touchscreen is not very sensitive or accurate compared to a modern smartphone. Plus, using it to emulate Android would be very janky, and it doesn’t have 4G/5G radios so you’d need to stay connected to Wifi.

If you’re just looking for voice calls, a simpler solution might be to use a VoIP service that you could access in the built-in browser, no weird installs required. But then you’d have to leave it on in Desktop Mode all the time to receive calls reliably, so it’s not a great experience. If you’re looking for a full replacement for a smartphone…no.

Show threadRedstoneValleyJul 18, 2023
It’s possible to run a browser from the Steam UI. As far as I recall it even works in parallel to a game. You could also run Signal or Discord and use that for voice calls while playing a game. It’s a bit clunky though, wouldn’t recommend it.
Show threadJonnyJestJul 18, 2023
I was under the impression Microsoft or Valve said that Windows 11 on the deck would never support Android apps. If that’s not true I might boot up a windows SSD 👀
Show threadwarmasterJul 18, 2023
You don’t even need Windows. You can run Android apps on Linux using Waydroid.
Show threadMoxvallixJul 19, 2023
Hi, can you please edit the r-slur out of your post. Thank you.
Show threadelmodelmJul 19, 2023
One thing he wont be able to redact is his username though.
Show threadOhaOct 13, 2023
why?
Show threadJordan LundJul 19, 2023
It doesn’t have the hardware required for cell use, so you’d be limited to IP phone apps like Google Voice. Seems kind of pointless.