Breaking: reMarkable Cuts Workforce by 40%; Valve's Steam Controller Nears Release; Microsoft Overhauls Windows Update

Major Layoffs at reMarkable, New Hardware from Valve, and Windows Update Changes

In a triple blow to the tech world today, e-ink tablet maker reMarkable announced it is laying off 40% of its workforce, while Valve confirmed its next-generation Steam Controller is weeks away from launch, and Microsoft revealed significant changes to Windows Update. The reMarkable cut is the most dramatic, signaling deep troubles in the niche tablet market.

reMarkable Lays Off 40% of Staff

reMarkable, known for its paper-like writing tablets, said it will reduce its headcount by 40% effective immediately. The company cited a need to “streamline operations and focus on core profitability.”

“This was a difficult but necessary decision to ensure reMarkable’s long-term health,” said a company spokesperson. “We are committed to supporting affected employees through severance and outplacement services.”

Industry analysts say the move reflects a broader slowdown in the e-ink device market, where competition from cheaper tablets and e-readers has eroded reMarkable’s premium position.

Valve’s New Steam Controller ‘Almost Here’

Valve announced that its long-rumored next-generation Steam Controller is now in final production and will ship within weeks. The device replaces the original model launched in 2015, which faced mixed reviews for its unconventional trackpad design.

“We learned a lot from the original Steam Controller and the Steam Deck,” a Valve representative said. “The new controller combines the best of both, with improved haptics, ergonomics, and compatibility.”

The controller will support both Windows and SteamOS, and is expected to include dual analog sticks, a D-pad, gyroscopic controls, and customizable rear paddles. Pricing has not been disclosed.

Microsoft Refines Windows Update Experience

Microsoft is rolling out a revamped Windows Update interface that aims to reduce user frustration. The update gives users more control over when updates are installed and provides clearer explanations of each patch’s purpose.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that users want less disruption,” a Microsoft spokesperson explained. “This new design puts people in charge, not the update schedule.”

Changes include a “Schedule now” button that lets defer updates without disabling them, and a new “Update Health” dashboard that shows recent failures and performance impact. The update will be available to all Windows 11 users in the coming weeks.

Background

reMarkable was founded in 2013 and launched its first tablet in 2017, positioning it as a distraction-free digital notebook. The company raised over $100 million and sold hundreds of thousands of units, but recent financial reports showed slowing growth. Valve’s original Steam Controller was discontinued in 2019 after lukewarm reception. The new model has been in development since early 2022, following the success of the Steam Deck’s integrated controls. Microsoft’s Windows Update has been a perennial pain point for users, with forced restarts and unexpected delays – the company’s latest redesign follows years of feedback and criticism.

What This Means

For reMarkable, the layoffs may signal a strategic pivot – possibly exiting the consumer market or focusing on enterprise licensing. The reduced workforce could slow product development, impacting future tablet launches. For Valve, the new Steam Controller represents a chance to win over PC gamers who prefer controllers over keyboards, especially with the growing popularity of the Steam Deck. If successful, it could strengthen Valve’s ecosystem and reduce reliance on Microsoft’s Xbox controller. For Microsoft, the Windows Update overhaul indicates a willingness to listen to users, but if the new interface still feels intrusive, it could further damage Microsoft’s reputation for user-friendly software. Overall, these three announcements highlight a tech industry in flux: hardware makers are cutting costs, iterating quickly, or redesigning core services to meet evolving user expectations.