The rumours of Steam Box were at least in part true. Turns out Valve have funded a Steam focused hardware from the lesser known PC hardware manufacturer Xi3. The project that goes under the name Piston that is presumably based on the hardware in their X7A model.
"Today marks the beginning of a new era for Xi3," said Jason A. Sullivan, founder, President and CEO of Xi3. "This new development stage product will allow users to take full-advantage of their large high-definition TV displays for an amazing computer game experience. As a result, this new system could provide access to thousands of gaming titles through an integrated system that exceeds the capabilities of leading game consoles, but can fit in the palm of your hand."
Is this the same Steam Box that was revealed in a German publication yesterday alledgedly using Linuz as OS? Perhaps.