The beta for Valve 's "Big Picture Mode" for Steam is due to start today , a new report has explained some of the things we can expect to see.
In a report by Kotaku it's revealed that Big Picture Mode, a new interface for Steam that's designed for TVs rather than computer screens, has been optimised for a standard controllers in addition to the usual keyboard and mouse combo. Basically, you hook up your PC to your TV, and then click the new Big Picture button at the top right of the Steam screen.
The report is also accompanied by images that show off an interface that looks similar to the Xbox 360's, replete with a range of filters to help you find the game you’re looking for and a pinwheel UI for typing. There will also be integrated apps to support Facebook, Google, Twitter and Youtube.
It's not yet clear how this will impact Valve's recently announced ambitions to move into the hardware business , but with a TV and controller-support already in the mix, could "Big Picture Mode" be seen as Valve's tentative first steps into the console arena?
Head of Valve’s Big Picture mode team Greg Coomer explained, “What we really want is to ship [Big Picture mode] and then learn. So we want to find out what people value about that. How they make use of it. When they make use of it. Whether it’s even a good idea for the broadest set of customers or not. And then decide what to do next.
“So it could be that the thing that really makes sense is to build [a Steam Console]. But we really don’t have a road map. And we think we’re going to learn a tremendous amount through this first release.â€ÂÂ
Source:
IGN
Infu*kingcredible. All I have to say.
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