Steam Beta Update Adds Screenshot Functionality

by Mike Bendel on January 31, 2011 @ 5:34 pm


Valve today added an oft-requested feature to its Steam client: the ability to take screenshots without use of an external application such as FRAPS. Users can snap shots simply by pressing F12. From there, shots will be automatically uploaded to the Steam Cloud depending on settings, allowing friends and other visitors to your public profile page to view. Alternatively, users can opt to manually upload images. Nearly all titles are supported, apart from those that rely on legacy DirectX libraries — DX8 or earlier.

The feature, which comes alongside a host of other enhancements and bug fixes, is currently available only to users that have opt-in to receive Steam Beta client updates. To opt in, enable ‘Beta Participation’ under account settings. See the full list of changes after the break. Expect the changes detailed here to go live as part of a stable update in the near future.

* Changed microphone voice input from 11khz to 16 khz
* Changed voice output from 8khz to 16khz
* Moved game invites from friends outside of the chat stream, into their own panel in the chat dialog
* [Mac OSX] Fixed a problem where attempting to resume a paused/interrupted download could always report ‘server unavailable’
* Fixed games not launching automatically after resolving a cloud conflict
* Fixed download rate sometimes erroneously reporting very high speeds
* Added password strength meter when you change your password
* Added UI prompting you to choose a new password if you’ve had support change your password
* Added Steam screenshots feature. Press F12 in any game to take a screenshot. Screenshots are automatically uploaded to the steam cloud after exiting the game, or can be manually uploaded while in-game through the in-game overlay. Screenshots can be managed through the community site and can be published to your Steam Community Profile to share with your friends. Games that use DirectX 8 and earlier are not yet supported.

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Read more: Steam Cloud Arrives This Week,  Valve: Steam Hacked, User Database Compromised,  EA To Launch Origin, New Social Digital Distribution Service,  Steam Gets Remote Download Feature,  New Steam UI Looks Slick, Opt In Now

Comments
FrozenIpaq says:

You must like this x3sphere, seeing how many nice screenshots you take to show off your awesome GPU ;) It's about time they added native support although I'd still prefer to use FRAPS for such chores

February 1, 2011, 1:44 am
Zero says:

Do I have to join the beta or is this in the stable branch already?

NEVER MIND, I LACK THE ABILITY TO READ THE ARTICLE.
February 1, 2011, 2:18 am
Adiuvo says:

You have to join.

Hopefully they'll start allowing them to be hosted a-la Xfire.
February 1, 2011, 2:23 am
Zero says:

Rats, doesn't like me as it crashes on startup.

February 1, 2011, 2:33 am
MenaceInc says:

"Screenshots are automatically uploaded to the steam cloud after exiting the game"

So what happens to the screenshots if the game crashes? Guessing they're lost? I'd rather take screenshots with fraps then manage them myself. Lot less likely to crash before the screenshot is saved and it also supports games below DX9
February 1, 2011, 12:48 pm
Adiuvo says:

Wow, apparently I can't read the article either. They do upload >_>

Looks like I'm using this now. That makes it an awesome feature.
February 1, 2011, 4:15 pm
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