Some PlayStation 3 users in the past can be heard muttering under their breath that there is just something off about the PSN’s design scheme. Sure it’s functional and it does what it’s supposed to, but put up between Steam and Xbox Live, the PSN has always been more “words” and “numbers.” It’s a hassle to try and find what you really need and while some users love it and wouldn't trade it for an alternative, some find it not user friendly compared to the competition.

So when Sony announced that they were market testing "an aesthetic layout with logically marked sections and rolodex lists" it could be that everyone’s prayers will soon be answered. Seeming to take a few pointers from both Xbox Live and Steam, the potential update to the PSN will include a live search similar to Google’s “Instant Search,” with a database-like listings for games, movies, and even developers on the right-hand side.

Also, gone are the days of that horrendous blue-colored background, replaced by a simple black backdrop and emblazoned text. Sony will also add a “Deal of the Week” portion to allow users to gaze at all there is to buy for cheap.

While nothing listed thus far is really that spectacular, it’s refreshing to have a redesign every now and again, especially since the last PSN upgrade was back in 2008. Since then, Sony and the PS3 have been busy adding on the PlayStation Plus, including bigger deals in movie rentals, and fighting with malicious hackers. The upgrade could be Sony’s way of trying to bring back some of the lost flock, that went to “alternative devices” during the outage.

However, there will still be a majority that will want the never-changing XMB updated. Having never been touched since the PS3’s initial release, it’s one of the biggest complaints that fans and consumers have for the console. Perhaps after the PSN redesign, it could be in the cards to see some new elements pop up with the XMB, yet only time will tell.

Do you think Sony is doing enough to the PSN, or they need to up the ante? What other improvements would you like to see made or is it fine as it is? Sound off and let us know.

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Source: Reg Hardware

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