Do you remember the Steam mobile app? Neither did I, but Valve decided to remind everyone it exists with a complete redesign and the app’s first major feature update since 2015.
The app has been completely rebuilt using a new framework and the design has been overhauled to give it a modern look. Valve references how out of date the old app was by saying, “2015 called and wanted their app back.”
In terms of functionality, expect a combination of old and new. The ability to browse games on the store, get Steam Guard codes, and confirm trades remains available. However, there’s now the ability to sign in using a QR code, the app supports multiple account logins, displays smarter notifications, and the Library has been improved.
Valve isn’t ready to share the new app with everyone just yet, so instead they opted for a beta release. That way the team can rely on what it calls “invested Steam users” to provide feedback. As well as the beta helping Valve see how well-received the new features are (and if any of them are not working properly), the team seems a bit concerned about just how many different phones and tablets it needs to support, which the beta should also help with.
Valve is asking gamers who already use the Steam app to sign up for the beta. To gain access, visit the overview page and select either the Android or iOS version of the beta release to install. It’s likely the iOS beta will become “full” pretty quickly as Apple only allows 10,000 participants per app. Additional new features are also expected, so there’s going to be plenty to discuss and give feedback on in the weeks ahead.
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