Valve has released a new beta client update for the Steam Deck, and it’s available for all users who have opted into the Beta or Preview channel. While this update doesn't bring any major changes, it does include a few helpful fixes and improvements that make the Steam Deck experience a little smoother. This comes not long after Valve added battery-limiting options to the device to try and help overall lifespan.

What does the update bring?

General

• Fixed battery percentage not showing in the header when the battery is full.
• Clicking on the battery header icon now navigates to Settings->Power.
• Proton Voice Files speech synthesis data will now be automatically installed based on Steam Deck compatibility testing results.

Source: Steam

One of the first fixes in this update is related to the battery display. Some users had noticed that when the Steam Deck’s battery was fully charged, the battery percentage would disappear from the header. This was a small visual issue, but for those who like to keep an eye on their power levels, it was frustrating. With this update, that issue has been fixed, and the battery percentage will now stay visible even when the battery is full.

Another small improvement is the way the battery icon works. Now, when you click on the battery icon at the top of the screen, it will take you directly to the Power section in the Settings menu. This small change makes it easier to access power options, check your battery settings, or switch performance modes without having to go through multiple menus.

The update also adds a new feature that helps with games that use voice or speech. Some games use special files to read text out loud. These are called Proton Voice Files. Before, players had to set these up on their own. But now, the Steam Deck will do it for you. If a game works well with these files, the Steam Deck will automatically install them. You won't need to press any buttons or change any settings. It will just work by itself.

In any case, it’s important to note that this update is only available for those who have joined the Beta or Preview update channel. If you're using the standard stable version of SteamOS, you won't see these changes yet. However, these updates are often tested in beta first before being added to the main version, so stable users might see these improvements in the near future.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.