Gaming
Valve updates Steam with improved UI and performance across devices
Valve has released a new update for Steam bringing much-needed enhancements for the desktop client. The update not only enhances the user interface but also optimises performance across desktop, mobile, and Steam Deck.
The previous update from Valve focused on improving search functionality based on user feedback and trends. Now, when searching for games within a series, users will see the top titles from that franchise along with the relevant Steam hub. The latest update builds on this and brings further enhancements.
Hello! We've just shipped a big update to the Steam Desktop client. New features include a completely redesigned in-game overlay, new notes functionality, pinnable in-game windows, improvements to notifications and more.
— Steam (@Steam) June 14, 2023
Learn more about the update here: https://t.co/6OWnUQOBqs pic.twitter.com/A9OI8WMaqb
When Steam users update their clients, they will immediately see some noticeable changes. The Steam Library has a fresh new font for desktop users, and the Notifications tab has a redesigned appearance that extends to mobile and Steam Deck users. The downloads tab has also been improved, now showing a game icon and a download progress bar at the bottom of the client.
Additionally, Mac and Linux users can now take advantage of hardware acceleration, bringing their Steam Desktop experience on par with Windows users.
The in-game overlay has received a complete makeover with a modern look and exciting features for desktop users. A new toolbar at the bottom of the screen allows users to personalise and choose from various widgets.
One notable addition is the Notes feature, which was previously available only in the Steam Beta client. Now, users can pin important notes to the overlay, making it convenient to refer to them while playing games. These notes are stored in the cloud, ensuring accessibility across multiple devices.
The pin feature also lets users place videos and browser pages directly on the game window for quick access. Additionally, the update takes care of bug fixes, including a problem that caused DualSense Edge controllers to turn off unexpectedly.
It is good to see Valve actively working on improving the Steam experience amid the impending release of Counter-Strike 2. The upcoming first-person shooter is expected to bring in more players and the improvements to the UI and performance will only enhance the experience for new and old users alike.