New Steam features imminent

via cvg

We're expecting Valve to update it's Steam service today, the update introducing new features that include Guest Passes, Background client updates and Games list Favorites. In addition, its receiving a makeover and getting a "new streamlined appearance" and will be available "in five different colors", the developer has explained.

Further word has been given on each new feature on the Steam website:

Guest Passes: Guest Passes allow owners of certain Steam games (purchased either via Steam or at retail) to let their friends play games for free, for a limited time trial. The first game to take advantage of this new feature will be Day of Defeat: Source. Beginning the week of January 8th, owners of DoD:S will each receive a guest pass to give to a friend. So if you own Day of Defeat: Source, watch your games list for your guest pass to appear, and then send it to a friend.

Background client updates: Since the Steam client was first released, it has always kept itself up to date -- but now it'll do so without making you wait during startup. Instead, it will acquire new updates in the background and then (once they're downloaded) ask if you'd like to restart & apply them. Steam will also let you know what's new whenever a new update is ready to apply.

Games list Favorites: Steam's catalog of games has grown quite a bit over the past year or so. If you're like most Steam users, the list of games you own has grown pretty long. Time to organize! Soon you'll be able to try out the new Favorites feature in the My Games tab of Steam. Once you've selected a game as a Favorite, it's available for quick access at the top of your list. If you wish, you can also collapse the Installed and Uninstalled sections, leaving only your Favorites in view.

New look: Steam's getting a new coat of paint. We've stripped away all the non-essentials and created a new streamlined appearance, and it'll be available in five different colors.