Do you feel like Steam's desktop client is long overdue for a major update? Valve is no different. Yesterday, the company released an update for the platform that includes many of the features it's been testing in the app's beta channel. The latest client features updated fonts and menus, a revised notification system, and a redesigned in-game overlay. Even better, Valve says the platform has been rebuilt with an entirely new framework designed to help features ship simultaneously across all versions of Steam.
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This means that some of the new features that were integrated into the desktop client are already available on the Steam Deck. Specifically, Valve mentioned the client’s revamped in-game overlay – in addition to a new interface and a more flexible toolbar, players now have access to a new notes tool that syncs across all computers. Thanks to the new framework, this feature is now available on the desktop and in the Steam Deck. The overlay also features a new “pin” feature that will allow users to keep this notes tool (or any other window from the game’s interface) visible during gameplay.
Valve is also working on cleaning up the client's notifications. Clicking on the icon should now only show the most recent and relevant notifications, and users will be prompted to click through to see a full historical view. Users should also see small updates to the rest of the client, such as updated dialog text, new fonts, and improved colors.
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The new features are nice, but Valve seems to be more proud of the improvements it made internally. In addition to the new framework, the company says it has enabled hardware acceleration for Mac and Linux users, offering a smoother experience across platforms.
Finally, the update could mark the end of the traditional Steam Big Picture feature. Among the client's long list of bug fixes is a note that the command line setting to enable "oldbigpicture" has been removed.
The new Steam Client update is available for download now. Check out the full patch notes for details.
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source of information:engadget.com
