They aren't. Or not in the sense that it matters for traditional Linux desktop users, which is pretty much the only reason the metric gets brought up.

Following your logic, people using the old TiVo setop boxes were also Linux users.

Active Linux desktop adoption rates matter because it means companies will put money into ensuring their product works well on it. 1Password or Telegram is not going to meaningfully care about Steam Deck users. Or Android users vis a vis the Linux desktop client, because Android can't readily run Linux GUI applications :)

It's honestly kind of nuts no one here is getting that.

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bigyabai a day ago | parent [-]

It really doesn't matter, you're again conflating the "kernel" and "desktop" distinction that's important here. It's like saying that XNU isn't being used by gamers - in practice you're correct, but the kernel is used to run millions of iPhone games. It doesn't matter for the adoption of macOS as a gaming platform, but the kernel is used for it.

What matters, to me as a Linux user on the desktop, is that Nintendo and Google simply follow the license. I don't want them contributing patches to GNOME or Firefox, I want them downstream testing the kernel and contributing patches back for me to benefit from. And I do! My Switch Pro controller has official Linux support because of Nintendo. My day-to-day life on the desktop is improved by both company's contributions.

The idea that Nintendo or Google are neglecting their duty because Photoshop doesn't run on Linux is a facetious argument. It might be a major issue for you, but clearly millions of Linux users are perfectly happy without those trappings.

> Or Android users vis a vis the Linux desktop client, because Android can't readily run Linux GUI applications :)

A travesty for Android's adoption metrics, one can only imagine. Thankfully for Linux users, the inverse is not so true: https://waydro.id/

	▲	jorvi 10 hours ago \| parent [-]
		> It really doesn't matter, you're again conflating the "kernel" and "desktop" distinction that's important here Right, under a post that says "Linux reaches 5% desktop market share". to which I will just point to my earlier remark: bringing up that stat only matters if you actually use desktop Linux and want the marketshare to increase so Photoshop or Affinity Photo will be released and supported on Linux. Steam Deck users spend the overwhelming majority of time in Game Mode / Big Picture. They care not for the Linux desktop experience, for they don't actively use it. If they don't actively use it, companies won't care about improving it.