Sometimes you need to have a copy of Control on hand at all times and under all circumstances. Screenshot: Valve
While the main Steam application itself has gotten better over the years, it’s still pretty easy to look at Valve’s approach to store and platform design, look at competitors like Google and Apple and see how everything feels a little strange. Steam’s mobile app has been one of the biggest offenders in this regard, so it’s great to see it getting a massive update today.
Valve has “completely revamped” the app on both iOS and Android, introducing:
– Two-factor authentication to make sure you’re the only one with access to your account
– QR Code Login – Scan a QR code to log in to Steam instead of entering a password or…
– Login Confirmation – Confirm your regular Steam logins with a simple “Approve” or “Decline”
– Authorized Devices – Control access to the devices your account is logged into
– Easy access to the store, community, news, etc. wherever you are
– Your library of access to your game content, discussions, tutorials, support and more
– Remotely download games and updates on your PC, managed from your phone
– Customizable Steam Notifications: Wish List, Sales, Comments, Transactions, Discussions, Friend Requests and more
– Trade and Market Confirmations – to ensure items do not leave your account without your approval
– An improved browsing experience in the mobile screen store
– Support for using multiple Steam accounts in the app
– Customizable Tabs
From the QR codes to remote downloading, these are all great additions that we have come to expect from stores in the modern age. You can see the new app in action in the video below, which is much more cheerful than we’ve ever come to expect from this company:
Introducing the updated Steam Mobile app
Design freaks will note that the app now shares many of the same design features as the desktop storefront, suggesting that Valve may have chosen a consistent design identity for its platform, which would be… a first for the company.
If you’d like to learn more about the new app, you can read more on Valve’s announcement blog.