An updated version of the Steam desktop client has been released by Valve.

The update features a number of key fixes, changes and improvements, including support for Ubuntu 14.04 LTS.

In offering compatibility with the latest release of Ubuntu in the steam-runtime Valve are ensuring that the latest games continue to run as expected. Described as a ‘binary compatibility layer’ by Valve, the runtime enables developers to create games that run independently of the underlying Linux distribution.

Linux gamers are now also able to select a ‘voice input device’ (read: microphone) when using Big Picture Mode.

Of the many cross-platform changes arriving, support for regional end-user licensing agreements (EULAs); improved handling of warnings when receiving unrecognised web links in the chat feature; automatic removal of empty sub folders after installing game updates; and accurate progress reporting of items queued for download are perhaps the most notable.

For further details head over to the official announcement page.

As Steam downloads and installs updates automatically in the background you don’t need to do anything special to upgrade.

If you don’t have the Steam client installed you can grab it from the Ubuntu Software Centre.

Install Steam for Linux from Software Centre