Valve's upcoming 'Steam Link' app will let you play Steam games on your TV, tablet or...

[Polycount]

Valve today announced the upcoming release of two free apps for Steam users - Steam Link and Steam Video.

The Steam Link app will let Steam users stream their games to Android and iOS devices, including smart TVs, phones and tablets.

In theory, that means you'll be able to play any game in your Steam library on your mobile phone by automatically utilizing the power of your full PC or laptop.

How exactly Valve plans to let you control your favorite games on devices with smaller screens is another story, but the company will undoubtedly give us more details closer to the app's launch.

Those who have already shelled out the cash for one of Valve's physical Steam Link devices (which largely accomplished the same thing as the app) might, perhaps understandably, be disappointed by this news.

However, Valve seems to feel that opening up the functionality to additional users free of charge will be a net benefit for their customers, despite a few inevitable complaints.

Steam Video, on the other hand, is something new entirely. The app will be geared towards Steam's growing library of movies and shows, allowing users to watch their favorite content online or offline on their Android or iOS device.

This may seem like a strange piece of software for Valve to create at first -- after all, they're likely not going to compete with the likes of Netflix anytime soon -- but the company claims it was developed in "direct response" to customer feedback.

Valve did not announce a specific release date for the apps, but they claim they claim the Steam Link app will arrive the "week of May 21st" and the Steam Video app will launch sometime this summer.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/74553-valve-upcoming-team-link-app-you-play-steam.html

 

[Ultraman1966]

No, the steamlink does a great job of mirroring my desktop so I can use my PC from the comfort of my living room. Also, unless I get a newer TV, there isn't a native app for steam on it. I'm due an upgrade but it's only from 2014.

 

[TomSEA]

I'm trying to wrap my head around this. Like Ultraman I use my Link all the time to play games on my living room TV. But they're pretty basic games like racing games or scrollers I can use a gamepad with.

Not sure what kind of quality you would get on a phone or tablet. Plus I'm not sure how you would play something that has a lot of commands like GTAV or DOTA2.

Guess I'll wait and see.

 

[Uncle Al]

It sounds possible, but I'm wondering if I wouldn't just be better off to pick up a 4K HDTV around 32" and use it as a monitor and for games ......

 

[ZackL04]

I'm trying to wrap my head around this. Like Ultraman I use my Link all the time to play games on my living room TV. But they're pretty basic games like racing games or scrollers I can use a gamepad with.

Not sure what kind of quality you would get on a phone or tablet. Plus I'm not sure how you would play something that has a lot of commands like GTAV or DOTA2.

Guess I'll wait and see.

I use my steamlink already for gtav. Works great and I dont use all the commands anyway

 

[JaredTheDragon]

It sounds possible, but I'm wondering if I wouldn't just be better off to pick up a 4K HDTV around 32" and use it as a monitor and for games ......

Been gaming on an old 42" Panasonic plasma for years now. 32" isn't big enough for a living room, from the couch. 4K at that small size seems way overkill unless it's on a desk, you know? Granted, I'm stuck at 720 with this plasma, but it sure looks great and games usually play buttery smooth at that resolution.

 

[Ravey]

With the steam link, are you all using the steam controller?

 

[ET3D]

I have my doubts about the usability on small devices, but I do appreciate the idea and hope it would turn out well. For Android media players, being able to play Steam games without having to have a PC near the TV or having to buy a special device would be great. Personally I do have an HTPC, but it would be nice to not have to have it there.

As for the movies app, I think it's really a basic requirement. Offering a movie library without the ability to view it on a mobile device is a pretty sure way to kill it these days.

 

[Bubbajim]

From the article:

Valve did not announce a specific release date for the apps, but they claim they'll be arriving in the "coming weeks."

From the press release:

The Steam Link app, slated to launch the week of May 21st ...

Granted, "the week of" isn't a specific date, but c'mon!

 

[Fearghast]

It's a nice idea for slow games.
On the other hand ... what about Chromecast? That would be much more interesting ... but that does not support bluetooth / usb keyboard, mouse, gamepad ... ... nevermind.

 

[Kibaruk]

No, the steamlink does a great job of mirroring my desktop so I can use my PC from the comfort of my living room. Also, unless I get a newer TV, there isn't a native app for steam on it. I'm due an upgrade but it's only from 2014.

This, an app won't replace the steamlink because it's so much more than an app, even if smart tvs had the option to install it, it won't be the same. The fact that you can add peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, gamepads and so on it's not something you can replicate with an app. Heck I got it on sale for cad$20 but now that I know how it behaves and works I would have gladly spent the full price to get it (And I use it through Wifi).

 

[Polycount]

From the article:

Valve did not announce a specific release date for the apps, but they claim they'll be arriving in the "coming weeks."

From the press release:

The Steam Link app, slated to launch the week of May 21st ...

Granted, "the week of" isn't a specific date, but c'mon!

The release was updated after the fact, I suppose - I didn't see that anywhere. Thanks for the heads up, I'll update the article.

 

[Bubbajim]

The release was updated after the fact, I suppose - I didn't see that anywhere. Thanks for the heads up, I'll update the article.

I see! Then thank you for checking back, and I respectfully withdraw my previously snarky tone!

 

[Michiel]

With the steam link, are you all using the steam controller?

You can also use something like an XBOX 360 controller. I had a great time playing FFIX on my living room TV via Steam Link (just didn't feel right playing it on my PC which is in my attic room) although I have to say I haven't really used it much since.