User Interface
Ongoing coverage on User Interface.
Latest coverage
Steam finally found a way to recommend new games that doesn't feel like I'm getting KO'd by a fire hose
Valve's new Personal Calendar feature on Steam offers a more digestible and visually appealing way to discover upcoming games compared to previous methods like the Discovery Queue. The feature highlights a few recommended releases for the next five days, based on user wishlists and played game tags, and expands to a two-month view with filtering options.
Soil - June 2026 news
The latest update for Soil focuses on significant performance enhancements, allowing the game to run at double the previous speed due to the introduction of multithreading and other optimizations. This update also includes reworked in-world UI elements and several bug fixes, such as addressing mission freezing issues and improving harvester behavior.
RuneScape offers a look at UI and feature additions planned for its Grand Exchange auction house
RuneScape is planning future updates for its Grand Exchange auction house, incorporating player feedback gathered in February. Key additions include more accurate market price information, long-term data tracking, and display of buy limits. The updates also focus on UI improvements, such as a cleaner home screen and enhanced item searching with support for acronyms and prefixes.
New Switch 1 Update Finally, At Long Last, Resolves One Of Its Most-Annoying Issues
A new system update for the original Nintendo Switch, version 22.5.0, has significantly improved the performance of the eShop. The update redesigns the eShop's layout, adds support for dark mode, and enhances general system stability, resolving long-standing issues with input lag and slow loading times.
What that small flashing dot on your Samsung phone is trying to tell you
A small flashing dot on Samsung phone screens indicates that accidental presses are being prevented during calls. This feature helps maintain call stability by disabling screen input.
Nintendo’s replaced the eShop on original Switch leading to better performance
Nintendo has released a new native eShop application for the original Nintendo Switch, replacing the previous web-based version. This update addresses performance issues, particularly lag experienced during navigation, leading to a smoother user experience.
Nintendo Switch 2 System Update 22.5.0 Is Now Live, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Nintendo has released system update version 22.5.0 for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The updates include general system stability improvements, with the Switch 2 receiving new text-to-speech and speech-to-text language options in Accessibility, while the original Switch features a redesigned Nintendo eShop layout and enhanced video playback controls.
Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch update 22.5.0 out now, patch notes
Nintendo has released system update version 22.5.0 for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The update brings general system stability improvements to both platforms. The original Nintendo Switch receives an updated eShop layout with theme color synchronization and video playback controls, while the Switch 2 gains new Dutch and Russian accessibility options for text-to-speech and game chat.
Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 system update 22.5.0 out now
Nintendo has released system update version 22.5.0 for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The update adds new language options for text-to-speech and game chat features on the Switch 2, and introduces a redesigned Nintendo eShop layout with new PIN verification options and video playback controls for the original Switch.
Camelot Unchained answers questions about technical performance, UI updates, and roadmap plans
Camelot Unchained CTO George Davison discussed the MMORPG's development, focusing on technical performance, UI updates, and roadmap plans. He detailed a bi-weekly patch cadence, confirmed work on a Linux version, and affirmed UI fixes are planned. The article also touches on the game's history of delays and its eventual early access launch in March 2026.
XBOX Insider Update Adds More Personalization, Easier Social Discovery, and Energy-Saving Improvements
Select Xbox Insiders are testing new updates for Xbox consoles focused on personalization and social discovery. These updates include easier spotting of mutual friends, more customization options for the 'My games & apps' section, and a streamlined wishlist feature. Additionally, energy-saving improvements are being rolled out to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles set to Sleep mode.
Apple's virtual Siri-ball is a glowing reminder to Google and Microsoft that user interfaces really matter in…
Apple's upcoming AI-powered Siri for visionOS features a glowing orb interface that illuminates its virtual surroundings, contrasting with the less integrated AI interfaces of Google's Gemini and Microsoft's Copilot. This focus on user experience and environmental lighting in augmented reality is highlighted as a key differentiator.
The new Steam Store home page is here with improved gamepad navigation
Valve has fully rolled out a redesigned Steam Store home page with significant improvements to gamepad navigation, benefiting Steam Deck and Big Picture Mode users. The new design features higher resolution art, clearer recommendation pop-ups, and permanently visible sections for wishlist sales and recommended DLC.
How the Replaced devs fixed display bloat with a stylish gadget
Replaced, a 2.5D adventure game by Sad Cat Studios and Thunderful Publishing, faced a lore problem that bloated the project's scope. Game director Yura Zhdanovich introduced the 'Wingman' gadget, inspired by the GameBoy Camera and Sony Walkman, to centralize lore items and music, solving the display bloat issue and enhancing the game's tactile, immersive feel.
PS5 System Update for June 2026 Is Out But Not What You Expect
Sony has released a PlayStation 5 system software update, version 26.04-13.40.00, which primarily focuses on improving system performance and stability. The update is approximately 1 GB and does not include the previously rumored revamped UI, leaving its future uncertain.
Sunday Consolidation
Xbox Insiders can now personalize their experience with new color options and on-screen controller settings. Matt Booty also discussed upcoming games, including Forza and Call of Duty, in a recent interview.
The Map Update news - The Pale Piper
The Pale Piper has received Update 1.2, introducing an optional overview map that gradually reveals connections between areas without markers. The update also adds a secret companion based on community feedback, an updated trailer, expanded Spanish and Russian localization, and a save indicator. Fixes include adjusted footstep volume, corrected ghost textures, and optimizations for a smaller install size. The game is also on sale to celebrate the update.
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.