Valve has introduced new overlay features for its popular Steam gaming platform. In addition to a redesigned interface, the update brings a note-taking app and the ability to pin overlay windows. These features are available exclusively to users who have downloaded the latest beta update of Steam.
To utilize the Steam overlay, players can bring it up within a game using the key combination Shift+Tab. In the latest beta version, the overlay displays elements such as achievement progress, friend lists, and chat in a fresh design.
A new feature introduced in the update is a bar at the bottom edge of the screen that players can use to access various elements, such as the new note app. Users can create game-specific notes that are automatically saved in the cloud, meaning that they are readily accessible across all devices. Furthermore, the game overview page can be used to create, view, and edit notes when players are not actively playing.
The new Steam notes are saved for each respective game, and users can view them using the pin function while playing. They can also be edited on the overview page in the Steam library. This function is particularly useful for complex simulations or games such as “Elden Ring” that do not possess a built-in quest log.
Another new feature included in the update is the ability to pin certain overlay windows. Normally, players cannot actively play with the overlay open. However, pinned windows remain in place when the rest of the overlay is closed, allowing players to keep an eye on them while gaming. The size of these pinned windows can be adjusted, positioned freely, and their opacity modified so that they do not distract players unnecessarily.
Players can pin a variety of windows, such as the notes window or a browser window. Valve goes so far as to say that it is now possible to watch videos while playing. The game also remembers pinned windows, meaning that the next time players start the game, the windows will be exactly where they were left.
The new overlay features are available in the latest beta version of Steam. Players who want to test them out need to register for the beta program via Settings>Accounts in the Steam interface. By selecting “Steam Beta Update” in the drop-down menu for “Beta Participation,” the new features will be activated after restarting the program.
