Steam updates notifications, user interface and in-game overlay
Valve has finally released a major update for the Steam desktop client, which many users have been eagerly anticipating. The update includes several features that have been tested in the app’s beta channel, such as updated fonts and menus, a revamped notification system, and a redesigned in-game overlay. Additionally, Valve has rebuilt the platform with a new framework that allows for simultaneous feature releases across all versions of Steam.
This means that some of the new features added to the desktop app are already available in Steam Deck as well. More specifically, Valve introduced a revamped in-game overlay for the client – in addition to a new interface and a more versatile toolbar, players now also have access to a new note-taking tool that syncs between computers. Thanks to the new framework, this feature is now available simultaneously on desktop and Steam Deck. The overlay also features a new “pin” feature that allows users to keep the notepad (or any other window from the in-game interface) visible during gameplay.
Valve is also trying to clean up customer notifications. Clicking on the icon should now show only the most recent and relevant notifications, prompting users to click through for a full historical view. Users should also see minor updates elsewhere in the client, including an updated dialog box, new fonts, and tweaked colors.
The new features are nice, but Valve seems to be most proud of the improvements made under the hood. In addition to the new framework, the company says it will enable hardware acceleration for Mac and Linux users, providing a smoother user experience across all platforms.
The last and perhaps least update might be the end of the old Steam Big Picture mode. Buried among the client’s long list of bugfixes is a note that the command line option to enable “oldbigpicture” has been removed. We all use the Steam Deck interface now.
The new Steam Client update is available to download now. See full patch files for details.
