https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/01/gpd-win-4-handheld-plans-to-support-valves-steamos-in-2025/
Update #2 07/01/25 - 13:35: GPD replied to my email, giving a rather confusing statement that didn't actually answer my question. I asked clearly "Do you have a statement to share on why this was stated by GPD if it's not happening?" (noting Valve's reply) and this is what they said:
I'd like to tell you that Steam sent us an email after launching Steam Deck, hoping that our device could be pre-installed with SteamOS. We did not agree to pre-install SteamOS, but agreed to provide users with a SteamOS image that matches our device for download on our official website. However, they did not provide us with a technical image or technical support, including power management tools for our device and solutions to bugs encountered by users.
Update #2 07/01/25 - 13:35: GPD replied to my email, giving a rather confusing statement that didn't actually answer my question. I asked clearly "Do you have a statement to share on why this was stated by GPD if it's not happening?" (noting Valve's reply) and this is what they said:
I'd like to tell you that Steam sent us an email after launching Steam Deck, hoping that our device could be pre-installed with SteamOS. We did not agree to pre-install SteamOS, but agreed to provide users with a SteamOS image that matches our device for download on our official website. However, they did not provide us with a technical image or technical support, including power management tools for our device and solutions to bugs encountered by users.