Twitch continues to expand its offerings, now with the launch a new desktop app into open beta on March 16.

In actuality, "new" is a bit of a misnomer. Rebranded is more appropriate, given that it is essentially the same app that Curse had when the company was acquired by Twitch last August. All of the same functionality will be there for voice, video chat and screen sharing, but with the addition of Twitch's social features and private messaging.

Existing Curse users will be upgraded to the new app automatically when the open beta launches.

The new app comes at a time when Twitch is moving to expand the services it offers players. The streaming company announced late last month that it will be launching a new store for PC games as a direct competitor for Steam, but with added perks for streamers and potential customers. The storefront is expected to launch some time this Spring.