User Interface
Ongoing coverage on User Interface.
Latest coverage
Available for XBOX Insiders: Personalize Your Experience with New Color Options, Controller on Screen Settings and More
Microsoft is rolling out new personalization features for Xbox Insiders, including expanded color options with hex code input and a 'match my gamerpic' feature. Updates also bring on-screen controller visibility settings, easier access to 'What's New' release notes after updates, and an Xbox Service status indicator directly on the console.
Spotify adds playlist folders, bulk editing and background downloads
Spotify has introduced several new features aimed at improving user experience, including playlist folders for better organization, bulk editing capabilities, and background downloads for offline listening. These updates focus on enhancing the core functionality of the music streaming service.
Here's what Apple's Siri overhaul for iOS 27 could look like
Apple is reportedly planning a significant overhaul of its Siri voice assistant for the upcoming iOS 27 update. The redesign is expected to place Siri at the center of the iPhone's user interface, suggesting a more integrated and powerful AI experience.
Valve's new-look Steam Workshop just made modding your games easier than ever
Valve has released a significant update to the Steam Workshop, enhancing its user interface and functionality to make game modding more accessible. The overhaul includes a refreshed homepage highlighting popular and trending mods, improved search and filtering tools, and a 'quick view' feature for instant mod information and subscription.
Big Steam update is out now, plus the Steam Workshop Update rolls out for everyone
Valve has released a stable update for the Steam client, incorporating recent beta changes and the new Steam Workshop UI. This update includes numerous bug fixes, refreshed settings pages, updated Steam Controller firmware, and improvements to Remote Play functionality across desktop and Steam Deck platforms.
Steam Workshop now looks like it was designed in this decade
Valve has released a significant update to the Steam Workshop, overhauling its browsing UI and filtering options to provide a more modern and efficient user experience. The update, which was previously in beta, now allows users to more easily find and manage mods, including filtering by required DLC.
Roku updates its UI for the first time in a decade
Roku has announced a significant update to its user interface, marking the first major overhaul of its homescreen in ten years. The changes aim to modernize the user experience and improve navigation for its streaming devices.
Choose My Adventure: Wrapping up a month of Star Trek Online
The author concludes a month-long exploration of Star Trek Online, noting that playing with a partner improved the experience despite persistent UI issues. While the game's charm and the ability to team up were appreciated, the author ultimately decided not to continue playing due to interface challenges. The article reflects on the reasons for both engagement and disengagement with the MMO.
Crimson Desert’s Latest Update Is Better Than Expected
Crimson Desert has received its latest update, patch 1.08, which introduces several significant changes and improvements. Key additions include a dedicated tool slot, the ability to construct ponds for fish, and the introduction of new small animals like a baby Wyvern. The update also enhances gameplay with new firearm options for Kliff, improved UI features like reassignable input keys, and graphical enhancements such as ray-traced sun/moon light shadows.
Linux Mint gets file manager improvements, a new screenshot tool and more
Linux Mint is implementing significant improvements for its upcoming release, including performance enhancements to the Nemo file manager and a new screenshot tool for the Cinnamon desktop. The update also features draggable confirmation dialogs, theme tweaks, and support for WPA3 and OWE Wi-Fi protocols. Founder Clément Lefèbvre also highlighted security updates and a warning about malicious websites impersonating FOSS projects.
PS5 Update Adds Dizzying New Animated Theme
Sony has released a new PlayStation 5 update that introduces animated themes for the Welcome Hub, including one with abstract art that may cause motion sickness. The update also includes a new animated theme celebrating the 10th anniversary of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, featuring key art from Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection.
Assassin’s Creed Black Frag Resynced will let players hide the entire HUD with a single button
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced will introduce a feature allowing players to hide the entire HUD with a single button press, enhancing immersion. Ubisoft is also making the HUD more customizable and contextual, giving players greater control over on-screen information.
Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced's Instant HUD Toggle Should Be In Every Game
Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced will feature a one-button toggle to instantly disable the entire user interface, a quality-of-life improvement praised on social media. This feature, while small, is highlighted as a significant enhancement that could be beneficial for many games, especially open-world titles.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Gameplay Proves It Looks Even More Stunning HUD-Less
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will feature fully customizable HUD options, allowing players to play without a heads-up display for a more immersive experience. A gameplay teaser showcases the stunning visuals without UI elements. The remake is set to release on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Shows Off No-HUD Option
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, will feature an option to disable the Heads-Up Display (HUD) entirely. This allows players to experience the game with a completely clean screen.
Microsoft announces plans to give you more control over the Windows 11 taskbar and Start menu
Microsoft has announced upcoming enhancements to Windows 11, focusing on increased user control over the Taskbar and Start menu. These updates aim to improve personalization and quality of life features, with changes rolling out to Windows Insiders first before a wider public release.
Morning Audio Files
Spotify is removing its disco ball icon, which was reportedly not well-received by users. The change was noted by Android Authority, indicating a shift in the platform's user interface design.
Microsoft lets Insiders choose their Windows 11 Start menu size
Microsoft is testing new customization options for Windows 11 Insiders, allowing users to choose the size of their Start menu. The company is also exploring the ability to reposition the Windows 11 taskbar.
KDE Plasma 6.7 Beta arrives with Plasma Bigscreen, new Union theme system
The KDE Plasma 6.7 Beta has been released, introducing Plasma Bigscreen for improved TV and HTPC experiences, and a new Union theme system to address fragmentation. This release is a stress-test for the upcoming full version, scheduled for June 16th. Plasma Bigscreen is expected to enhance docked Steam Deck and potential Steam Machine/Frame usage.
Steam Beta brings Big Picture Mode tweaks, Linux improvements and Steam Controller fixes
Valve has released a new Steam Client Beta update introducing styling changes to Big Picture Mode and various fixes for Linux and Steam Controller functionality. The update adjusts the layout and coloring of Big Picture Mode to better match the main Steam client, improves readability, and reorganizes settings. Specific improvements for Linux include making the 'Legacy Steam Runtime' optional and fixing a crash related to the Steam Controller on the platform.
