Valve tests new UI for Steam on desktop, toolbar with new apps in overlay

Valve has released a new Steam Client beta with some major additions to the gaming platform’s UI. The in-game overlay will have a toolbar with various new apps and widgets. Users can participate in client testing through Steam settings.

The updated toolbar appears according to Valve at the bottom of the in-game overlay and contains various widgets and apps that should contribute to the gameplay experience: “The new toolbar gives you access to everything you need while gaming; the chat, achievements, game progress, guides, discussions and a browser .”

There are also new functions incorporated into the toolbar, including a digital notepad for the specific game that is currently being played. Notes created are synchronized with the Steam account and therefore also appear on other systems and hardware where this account is used. Valve also introduces the Game Overview, a summary of all recent events surrounding the game in question. This includes achievements already achieved, relevant guides, recent playing time and new updates and patches.

Users can optionally ‘pin’ overlay screens so that they always remain visible while gaming, and the transparency of this screen can be adjusted. For example, a guide or note can remain visible via Steam’s in-game overlay.

The latest Steam Client Beta also introduces some big changes under the hood of the gaming platform. For example, the way in which code is exchanged between different versions of Steam has been adjusted, including for desktop, in Big Picture mode and on the Steam Deck. According to Valve, this makes it easier to implement new features.

Images via Valve