Steam Client Update Sends Down Lots Of Changes

Valve pushed out a Steam client update for all platforms this week and includes a number of Linux improvements and more work on their Big Picture mode ahead of the public SteamOS debut next month.

Among the general improvements in the most recent Steam client update include the ability to limit the time of day for Steam automatic updates, support to let other games download while a game is running, Steam client updates now only occur when no game is running, when launching an out-of-date game there's support now for only launching the existing version, improved download rates, and various fixes.

Big Picture work includes adding the support from its UI to opt into game betas and editing of launch options, an inbox item on Linux systems if a reboot is needed due to OS-level updates, an infinite loop fix with cloud sync, and various fixes.

Linux-specific work includes many fixes from pasting changes to game controller hot-plugging to the run-time bootstrap being rewritten.

More details on these changes can be found via the announcement at SteamPowered.com.