Valve releases new Steam overlay and desktop interface for all users
Valve has provided its Steam desktop app with a new interface. In an update, the gaming platform will be provided with a new look and a new in-game overlay. The new UI was already available in beta, but is now generally available.
The updated Steam client for desktops has been available since Thursday, Valve reports in a blog post and the associated changelog. With the update, the in-game overlay gets a new look and new functions. For example, the overlay now has a notepad. The overlay also has a new toolbar that allows users to access Steam Chat, achievements for a game, or the built-in web browser, among other things. Furthermore, the app will have ‘pinnable panels’ that can be shown on top of games, even after the overlay itself is closed. Furthermore, the app’s web browser has been updated and hardware acceleration has been added for the macOS and Linux versions of Steam.
The updated Steam overlay. Source: Valve
The update further introduces “targeted visual and usability improvements” to the Steam interface. The menus, fonts and colors of the desktop app have been updated, among other things. For example, the app’s header and footer have a new look, in addition to the settings menu and the screenshot manager. According to Valve, the notifications on the platform have also been improved. The notification menu in the top bar only shows new notifications. Old notifications, which have already been seen by users, are moved to a separate menu.
The new interface has been available in beta since April. The service’s Big Picture mode recently also received a major update with a new UI. The Steam app for smartphones already received a new look last year.
The Steam interface with updated header and footer (left) next to the old one. Source: Valve