Valve has released a new beta version of the Steam client, which brings a number of new features, especially Big Picture mode, designed for use on devices such as TVs and Steam Deck. The most obvious addition is Grand Art Mode, a new mode for the home screen This will bring the selected game into the foreground.
The September 9th update also affects client performance, game recording and overlays, and also introduces a series of specific fixes for Windows, Linux and Steam input.
Big Art Mode changes the Steam home screen
The new mode changes the way games are displayed in Big Picture Home. Instead of using a grid of boxes of the same size, The selected title takes up most of the screen spans a large background image, while other games remain accessible in a more compact row at the bottom.
The result is reminiscent of what the Decky Loader on Steam Deck already offers, and makes the home screen more similar to an interface specifically used on a TV. Grand Art Mode can be activated from the home page settings. Also added valves Personal Calendar to Recommended Content tab.
Ubisoft games on Steam may no longer require the mandatory Connect launcher
Another new feature involves the screensaver, which can now be used directly in large picture mode. The default shows a selection of images taken from recently played games as well as screenshots taken during gameplay. There’s also a retro look option The classic Steam logo jumps on the screen.
The valve also allows you to use Custom screensaver. These files can be placed in relevant folders in the Steam settings directory, following a similar system to that used for videos displayed during startup. The animated logo included in the client can be used as a reference for making new versions.
Performance-wise, the beta is promising Faster client startup And reduce the impact of game recording on some Windows DirectX 12 games. We’ve also fixed some issues that caused frame rates to temporarily drop or freeze when taking screenshots in DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games.
Steam input has also been optimized, Less CPU load When using and loading configuration. Valve also intervenes with controller support and compatible configurations of browsers.
Improvements are coming to Linux Download speeds on high-latency connections Management of compatibility tools is clearer, with recommended tools listed as default options. Finally, the beta also includes a number of fixes for remote playback, including the ability to download apps to remote devices without entering a PIN, while installation and streaming still require a PIN.
