SteamOS is a linux distro based on Arch Linux, similar to any other. It’s a amalgamation of different pieces of software, including a traditional desktop environment (plasma). But it does not boot into the desktop mode by default, instead it boots into their own graphical environment (gamemode) by default, running their steam client.

That’s because their main focus is gaming machines, and that’s why they want gamers to be greeted with a consolized, 10-foot UI.

I think you’re confused because you think of steamOS being the UI (i.e. “Desktop Environment”) that welcomes you when you boot into it, instead steamOS is the entire package, including a “traditional” desktop environment (which is KDE Plasma), as well as their own (gamemode), etc.

Which aspect of that confuses you? That it uses a Desktop Environment to do desktop things, or that they are using KDE Plasma instead of something else (say, gnome)?

The issue about that extension is how it handles consent.

In most cases, the add-on just blocks or hides cookie related pop-ups. When it’s needed for the website to work properly, it will automatically accept the cookie policy for you (sometimes it will accept all and sometimes only necessary cookie categories, depending on what’s easier to do

You should be aware that it will often just accept all cookies, because that is easier.

Microsoft […] gets massive backlash

Pretty much since the release of Windows 10, Microsoft has been getting backlash because of the invasive, hostile and insane decisions they make and force on their users. It’s gotten particularly vocal since W11 and the EOL of Windows 10.

Yet, everybody seems to eat the plate of shit MS serves them. They complain, but most people dont seem to want to put in effort to rid themselves of Microsoft.

I could cry.