App of the Week: Steam Mobile

Steam Mobile brings the gaming platform to your fingertips

Steam, the most successful gaming platform on the PC and Mac, has finally appeased gamers across the world with the release of their new mobile application.

The new application from Valve, humbly titled Steam Mobile, has been released to both the Apple and Android markets, providing access the key functions provided by the platform.

At a basic level, the new application permits users easy access to news and announcements made by the company. However, the most significant inclusions allow mobile access to Steam social functions and its online store.

Steam Mobile allows iPhone, iPad and Android owners to view profile pages for their Steam friends, communicate using the Steam chat service, and visit the group and community pages.

In addition to the social aspects is access to the online store. Users can browse the entire catalogue of downloadable titles offered on Steam, and can choose to add desired games to their 'Wish List' or make a purchase prior to a later download on a computer.

Functions such as the store were possible through internet browsers already available to mobile devices, however, it was not an easy process to complete on the small touch screen.

The new application streamlines this process, making the entire experience simpler and more enjoyable, ensuring you will never miss one of the many Steam sales.

The addition of social functionality, most significantly that of the chat option, allows Steam users easy communication with a group of friends which may not be as easy to contact outside of the Steam service.

Given the importance of gamers access to the Steam service while away from the PC, be it to arrange a game with a friend, or purchase that game at a bargain price before the sale ends, the new application is a crucial addition to any avid gamers app collection.

Steam Mobile, available for free to download via the Apple App Store and Android Market.