First Steam Machine prototype pictures released

It seems like the Machine is taking a number from its console competition, the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, with its VCR-esque body and black exterior.But then again, this is the first prototype and we're bound to see others before the 2014 launch, especially since the box is fully upgradable, allowing users to swap out any part they like, or build one from the ground up using the same components -Road Roller SRRR216 manufacturers and exporters just like a PC.We know 300 lucky beta testers will get their mitts on the mega console prototypes later this year, and Valve has said the Steam Machines will see a release in 2014, though specifics have been sparse.But it's likely we'll see many differently spec'd boxes at CES 2014 - considering the beta testers will receive a mix of machines with an assortment of parts ranging from an Nvidia Titan, GTX 780, GTX 760 or GTX 660 GPU and possibly an i3, i5-4770 or i7-4770 CPU.

The Seattle Times, which checked out Valve's Steam Machine, also tipped that a variety of Machines are probably due for a flashy Vegas unveiling.We'll also most likely see different "entertainment applications" for SteamOS alongside the Steam Controller all right before the developer-only Steam conference.Taschen scores another one for your art-book collection with Uta and Thilo von Debschitz's Fritz Kahn, a collection of the German-born doctor and artist's best works. Lang's illustrations, created around the time of the First World War, were aimed at helping his countrymen better understand the way biology worked by depicting the human body as a machine. Click through to preview a selection of images from the book.

The shots below were released as part of a Seattle Times article suggesting that a variety of Steam Machines and entertainment applications are likely to be unveiled in January at the Consumer Electronics Show.Steam Machines are due for commercial release next year and will come in different forms with different specs. While some will be constructed with high-end components to offer top end performance,Road Roller SRRR214 manufacturers and exporters others will prioritise low cost or a small form factor.Prototype Steam Machines being sent to users for beta testing have been confirmed as "high-end, high-performance" boxes built using off the shelf PC parts.