EA is preparing to update its Origin client to version 9.0, which seems designed to make the experience of using the Origin client as painless as possible.

The upcoming update decouples the friends lists into its own little window, so you can move it around or hide it. The library view can now be customized. The help menu has more options, as part of a redesigned pulldown interface.

"Many of you will also be happy to hear that we've heeded your requests and moved forward production of our in-game clock," EA notes in the announcement, answering a request we didn't realize was common.

You can get a preview of this exciting new clock and other features by opting into a beta of Origin 9.0. Even more exciting: you can then use Origin to purchase and play video games!