Anticipation for the PlayStation 5 is mounting as Sony releases more details about the console. In a recent PlayStation event, Sony gave fans insight into how the console would work as well as some of the interesting titles that would come to the platform. However, many fans are still wondering how the console will operate in comparison to the PlayStation 4 and a new patent has now revealed significant changes to the UI of the console.
Many are expecting the PlayStation 5 to be a significant step forward for the successful Playstation franchise and it seems the console is evolving in almost every way. Many players have been focused on the shell of the console and the new Dualsense controllers but how the machine operates is also vital. While UI may not be the primary concern of all players, improving menus can increase how accessible a console is and it seems that the next generation will provide a significant improvement on the last.
The patent details a UI system that allows players to utilize and access multiple applications simultaneously. This is a significant departure from the PlayStation 4 that follows a linear menu system that means players have to return to the home screen to access another application and often stop the functionality of an existing app. Being able to access a menu screen quickly while running other applications will undoubtedly please PlayStation 5 players and is a much-needed step forward. The patent for this technology also showcases how drop-down folders will be used to give players this freedom.
This patent aligns with statements from PlayStation’s vice president of UX design, Matt MacLaurin, who has claimed that the UI not only uses new ideas but is also "a 100 percent overhaul" from the previous generation. The fact that multiple applications can be accessed at once is certainly positive but despite the comments by MacLaurin, many will notice that the visual layout looks very similar to the previous generation. Previously leaks about the UI of the PlayStation 5 suggested that it would look fairly similar and this seems to be the case even if it enables drastically improved usability.
It will be interesting to see what players make of the new interface when the PlayStation 5 arrives later this year and some fans will likely want a greater visual change while others will appreciate its familiarity. Despite the likely contrasting views, it is clear that technically this UI will be a huge step forward for the PlayStation consoles.
The PlayStation 5 is set to release Holiday 2020.
Source: SegmentNext