Suggestions to Valve

[bobhays]

So this is something I posted on Valve's suggestion page. I know this is a crazy long shot but better than nothing right? Anyways, it's pretty long but I think a good read. Comment what you guys think, agree, or disagree, thanks.

 

TL:DR I am suggesting integration of apps like youtube, netflix, pandora, etc. into steam so a gamer would never have to leave Steam Big Picture mode (basically replacing a console).

 

Hello everyone, a little bit of background. I used to be a console gamer because that's what everyone else had. Somehow I learned about the world of pc gaming and loved it. I would love it even more if I could use steam AS a console but there are a few changes that Valve needs to make. So here is a list of suggestions that Valve should really implement ASAP.

 

1. Fix the browser bug. The browser works fine until you open a new tab. When a new tab is opened and you type in a URL it won't load, but if you open one of the favorites, it works fine and then you can type in a URL and it will load.

 

2. (This is the biggest thing) APPPSSSS!!! Things like youtube, netflix, google music, google video, gmail (and other emails), pandora, spotify, etc. I know development of the apps may not be in Valve's control, but it's only even possible if Valve allows it.

 

3. A VLC (or any other, VLC just comes to mind) app/plugin that would allow playback of music, playlists, and videos while in Steam.

 

People may be asking, why do we need apps when you can use a browser, even the steam browser. The major issues are that a desktop browser is not designed for the living room like big picture mode, and they are not very easy to use a controller with. Apps specifically designed for those (with mouse and keyboard in mind) would be much appreciated.

 

Why am I stressing these changes when basically every computer can do them? Why does Valve need to implement these into steam? Why would Valve want to?

 

1. Implementing these changes into steam would allow people to use a computer (windows, osx, or linux) solely in steam big picture mode and as a VIABLE console replacement operated with just a controller.

 

2. These need to be implemented in steam because apps developed for the desktop are designed for mouse and keyboard not a controller. Leaving steam big picture do go to an app disrupts the unity, and theme and is very difficult to do with a controller (can't alt + tab). With integration a user could pause their game, change the music, watch a video guide, etc. and then go straight back into the game.

 

3. Valve has been trying to get steam machines into our living rooms for a while, and honestly they already have the most important part, a huge library of easily accessible and playable games, a wide user base, and loyalty. What they are missing is the rest of the package. The unification of games and media.

 

These changes would be great and fellow computer enthusiasts would love them, but why Valve should take interest is it's appeal to the majority. Not only computer enthusiasts but the average consumer. An OEM can already preinstall steam set to boot to big picture, but the average person can't do all the console things that they want in steam.

 

Now you may be thinking to yourself, WOW that looks like a lot of changes that this random person is suggesting. Instead of a program it looks like a whole OS (lol). The reason it would be better if this was integrated into the Steam client is that it would be ubiquitous and run on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

 

Side Note: If you install Microsoft Office or LibreOffice and add it to non steam programs, you can even launch them from big picture, work (with mouse and keyboard), and go back to big picture.

[Mushious]

They already have the music player. It's a little rough but does the job.

[cesrai]

Better suggestion use IE instead of your shitty browser.

[bobhays]

They already have the music player. It's a little rough but does the job.

Yes I forgot about that, but still it's not that great and it doesn't recognize playlists properly. It also doesn't open other media like videos and pictures.

 

Better suggestion use IE instead of your shitty browser.

What?

[cesrai]

Yes I forgot about that, but still it's not that great and it doesn't recognize playlists properly. It also doesn't open other media like videos and pictures.

 

What?

IE is better than Steam browser and they should use it.

[kenny9170]

IE is better than Steam browser and they should use it.

Yes. IE realy open up and respond faster then Steam Browser

[cesrai]

Yes. IE realy open up and respond faster then Steam Browser

It actually does but how would you know, it's not like it's superb integration of GPU accelerating isn't praise worthy.

[bobhays]

Yes. IE realy open up and respond faster then Steam Browser

 

 

IE is better than Steam browser and they should use it.

Oh ok, yes I agree with you, and that could be one of the apps implemented into steam. What do you guys think about the whole concept?