Valve is introducing a notable extension to its Steam Link service, in the form of two free apps that will allow gamers to stream their games and videos to smart TVs, iOS, and Android devices.
The new feature will allow Steam users to stream their libraries to compatible devices over their home network.
The Steam Link app is expected to launch on May 21, extending the already existing “In-Home Streaming” to iPads, iPhones, and Android smartphones, tablets, and TVs powered by tvOS. Valve said the Android version of the app will initially be released in beta, with the iOS app coming shortly thereafter.
The apps will support a range of different game controllers, including Valve's Stream Controllers and MFi Controllers, while there will also be support for on-screen controls.
You'll obviously still need your primary gaming device to broadcast to your smartphone or tablet, as well as an Ethernet connection or 5GHz wireless connection. However, you no longer need a Steam Link box, as Steam already has a built-in streaming service for broadcasting games to less powerful PCs and Macs.
Valve also plans to launch a free app called Steam Video later this year, achieving the same functionality for video libraries, presumably without requiring users' main computer to be turned on.
This is clearly another attempt by the company to push more users to the service. The only thing left to see now is whether streaming games to a smartphone or tablet will be a lag-free experience without unwanted interruptions and delays.
