New Steam Update Enhances UI, Revamps Overlay, And Adds Notes

gamespot.com:

Features will also now launch simultaneously across multiple versions of the Steam client more often.

By Grace Benfell on

Steam just got a large update which unifies the code base of Steam clients, introduces UI changes, and completely overhauls the in-game overlay.

The biggest change in the update is somewhat invisible. The Steam client operates on a new framework now, meaning that more features will ship simultaneously on Steam Deck, Big Picture, mobile, and of course the desktop client.

The UI has also been updated with new fonts, dialogs, menus, and colors. Notifications have been revamped to be more specific and useful. The green bell icon only lights up when there is something new. The «tray» view is now limited to new notifications; you can also see a «view all» page with a historical view. More customizations tools for tailoring notifications to your needs are also available.

The in-game overlay has been completely altered. The general appearance of the overlay is brand new. A new toolbar lets you toggle windows and features. You can also customize which windows you see by default and which you would rather hide. You can also pin individual screens so that they will appear in game, particularly helpful for achievement hunting or following a guide.

The biggest, and coolest, addition to the overlay is notes. A screen in the overlay lets you jot down observations, make to-do lists, paste images, and more. Notes are saved with each individual game and transfer to any Steam client you use connected to the internet. You can look at your notes outside the game overlay, on the Steam details page. Finally you can make your own quest log in Elden Ring without alt-tabbing or writing in an actual notebook.

The full patch notes