The New Steam User Interface - Open Beta

Valve has launched a user interface update for it's Steam client, giving the service an updated look and feel. Currently still in beta, the new and improved Steam features several enhancements and as one might expect from an update liek this, many users are having several issues with the service.

So what's exactly new? In addition to the new streamlined look, the new Steam has updated the way you can view friend information, now allowing you to see what games your friends have purchased or played recently while you browse the Steam store. You can now also see which of your friends plays a particular game, both in-store and while in your own library. The new user interface also puts an increased focus on achievements allowing you to view any you have earned in your game library as well as on the in-game overlay.

The game library has also received an update, which gives you multiple ways to keep it organized unlike before. You can now finally create custom categories and search by typing the name of the game you are looking for. The client also features a customizable news feed, which can provide you with up-to-dategaming news, but can also be changed to cover only games in your library.

One of the forum-goers noted that the new update may eventually include Mac OS X support but it would still limit Mac users to be limited to the few games that work on both platforms.

While the new client look great, it is apparently causing some problems for a number of users. Several complaints have popped up on the Steam forums about users being forced to redownloading games after opting into the beta, though it only appears to be affecting some users and only for some games. Issues pertaining friends lists have also been reported.

The new user interface may also cause some performance issues as a number of users have complained that Steam feels very sluggish and runs at poor frames per second compared to before. This issue only affects the Steam client though and not the actual gameplay though, which is a relief for many.

One of the greatest things about Steam is that while it didn't have an attractive interface before, it was able to run on a wide range of hardware. Hopefully this new user interface won't change that. We have to keep in mind that it is still in Beta and that Steam is an ever-evolving service which Valve works on actively by listening to their user feedback. Chances are the company will fix some of the problems the service has been giving people and everything will run smoothely soon enough.

What about you Steam users? What do you think of the new UI? Share your thoughts and comments below.