‘Winhanced’ OS for handhelds gets a big UI overhaul, set to arrive in a few weeks
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For those unaware, Winhanced is a Windows application designed to enhance the gaming experience on Windows devices by offering a console-like interface. It began as a passion project aimed at making the experience on Windows-based handhelds as smooth and user-friendly as SteamOS, which at the time was exclusive to the Steam Deck.
Since it was developed in under two months, the Early Access build lacked many of the features its creators originally envisioned. Along the way, bugs and visual quirks were gradually addressed, but now, after a long wait, the Winhanced team has unveiled a major UI overhaul that's set to make this SteamOS alternative even better.
Meet the new Living Glass UI
Living Glass is a brand-new UI aesthetic developed for Winhanced, which essentially takes characteristics from your desktop background and customizes your entire UI experience around it. One of the big changes here is the “Other Library” tab, which lets users manually add any game they want and launch it directly from within Winhanced. The UI also brings navigational sounds, smoother animations, and lets users see their uninstalled titles in the Library tab and install them directly from the main screen.
Living Glass UI features
- Personalized UI experience
- Navigational sounds
- No sleep animation
- Smoother library animations
- Uninstalled games also show up in your libray
- Ability to download uninstalled titles directly from the library screen
- Touch screen, analog, and keyboard/mouse support
- New “Other Library” tab to manually add any games
- New settings page (will be updated in the future)
- Upgraded game pop-up menu with total playtime, achievements, and a HowLongToBeat integration
- Onboarding experience for new users
Creator ‘Floop’ also gave a quick preview of the new settings page, which they plan to complete as the UI continues to take shape. There is now also touchscreen, analog, and keyboard/mouse support, as well as an upgraded game pop-up menu that now shows total playtime, achievements pulled directly from Steam, and working HowLongToBeat integration.
A public release will come in the next 2-3 weeks, says creator
With so many exciting features, the upcoming Winhanced update has many users looking forward to it, and fortunately, we won't have to wait long, as a public release is expected within the next 2-3 weeks. Interestingly, there's already an early access version available for Winhanced's Patreon and Discord paid supporters.
That said, while SteamOS is also gearing up for a broader release on more handhelds, Winhanced still looks like a great option for those using older Windows-based handhelds who want the SteamOS experience without needing to upgrade their device or retain support for anti-cheats that aren’t friendly with a Linux-based operating system. Those interested in keeping up with future Winhanced updates can join their Discord channel.
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