Valve’s highly anticipated “Big Picture Mode” has gone into beta, according to a report by VG247.com. The new feature will be specifically designed for users who play wish to navigate the Steam interface with a controller, and users who have their PC hooked up to their television.
In addition, Big Picture Mode will include functionality for full fledged internet browser and streamlined “typing” with a controller. Speaking to Kotaku, Valve confirmed that this new feature will allow the company to learn about how users will utilize the service in their living room, and this information will allow it decide whether to continue along this path in the future. In time, this could imply the company would pursue the long-rumored Steam-console.
A trailer highlighting some of the new features is available here.