Steam's New Beta Client Allows for Remote Downloads
New client allows you to download games while out and about.
Steam has announced the availability of a new beta client for Windows and Mac that will allow users to remotely manage their accounts from their phone or the web. This includes the ability for remote downloads of games, meaning you can start downloading games to your home computer while you're slaving away at work and dreaming of the Orange Box.
The new beta client was announced via the Steam forums. It also offers reduced excessive system memory usage while downloading updates and added debug code to diagnose download issues. Judging from the forums, some people aren't seeing remote management immediately when they install the new beta. There also seems to be a few reoccurring bugs (Steam has already issued fixes for two).
To check it out for yourself, go to File -> Settings. On the Account tab press the Change... button to open the Beta Participation dialog. Then Select "Steam Beta Update", and allow Steam to restart itself.
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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sliem This is good, unless I don't have smartphone with data plan -and- steam valve website is blocked at work... then it would mean nothing for me.Reply -
Parsian This is awesome, there has been many times, ive wanted to go home and have the game ready to play.Reply -
Trialsking sliemThis is good, unless I don't have smartphone with data plan -and- steam valve website is blocked at work... then it would mean nothing for me.Reply
I know what you mean! -
sliemThis is good, unless I don't have smartphone with data plan -and- steam valve website is blocked at work... then it would mean nothing for me.Does "sliem" mean "cavedweller" in your ancient language?Reply
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bucknutty Reply9364757 said:This is good, unless I don't have smartphone with data plan -and- steam valve website is blocked at work... then it would mean nothing for me.
Works good on my ipod touch that only has wifi. Sweet!... My office building has public wifi. -
cold fire I've been doing this for a while using TeamViewer but it's always nice having more features added.Reply -
vittau Do most people leave their home computers turned on while they're away? Aren't you worried about the electric bill at all? Not to mention the environmental aspect...Reply -
eddieroolz vittauDo most people leave their home computers turned on while they're away? Aren't you worried about the electric bill at all? Not to mention the environmental aspect...Reply
I'm not worried about either in this case. -
bucknutty Reply9364826 said:Do most people leave their home computers turned on while they're away? Aren't you worried about the electric bill at all? Not to mention the environmental aspect...
I don’t normally leave my pc on all day but I would on the days they make preloads available for a game I pre-purchased.