Open Gaming & Graphics

Steam Beta Client re-enables HDR Remote Play on Steam Deck OLED, fixes non-Steam app bug

Key Takeaway

The October 21st Steam Beta Client update restores HDR Remote Play streaming on Steam Deck OLED after a previous disablement, alongside fixes for non-Steam apps vanishing after network reconnections and Steam Input virtual menu regressions.

Summary

Valve has released a new Steam Beta Client update that re-enables HDR Remote Play streaming specifically on the Steam Deck OLED, following a previous removal of the feature. The update also resolves a bug where non-Steam applications would disappear from the library after a network reconnection, updates certificate revocation lists for security, and improves store search algorithms for suggestions and text queries. Additionally, the patch fixes a regression affecting virtual menu positions within the Steam Input overlay.

The HDR Remote Play restoration represents a significant functional recovery for Steam Deck OLED users who stream games from a host PC, as the feature had been disabled in prior builds. The non-Steam app fix addresses a practical pain point for users running emulators, third-party launchers, or other external software through Steam's library interface.

What changed in the October 21st Steam Beta Client

  • HDR Remote Play: The update re-enables HDR Remote Play streaming functionality specifically on the Steam Deck OLED, which had been previously disabled in earlier beta builds.
  • Non-Steam app persistence: A bug causing non-Steam applications to vanish from the library after network reconnection events has been resolved, improving reliability for users running external software through Steam.
  • Certificate infrastructure: Updated certificate revocation lists are included, maintaining the security foundation for Steam's HTTPS connections and content delivery.
  • Store search algorithm: The search suggestion and text search algorithms in the Steam Store have been updated, affecting query result ranking and autocomplete behavior.
  • Steam Input overlay: A regression with virtual menu positioning in the Steam Input overlay has been fixed, restoring proper controller menu navigation.

Why it matters

The HDR Remote Play restoration is particularly relevant for Linux gaming and Steam Deck users who rely on in-home streaming from more powerful Windows or Linux hosts, as HDR support remains a differentiator for OLED displays in the handheld market. The non-Steam app fix benefits the substantial portion of Steam Deck users who run emulation frontends, alternative game stores, and productivity software through Steam's interface for controller integration and overlay convenience.

Original reference: store.steampowered.com →