User Interface
Ongoing coverage on User Interface.
Latest coverage
Available for Xbox Insiders: More Groups on Home, Custom User Colors, Quick Resume Settings, and More
Xbox is rolling out new features for Insiders, including expanded home screen groups, custom user colors, and per-game Quick Resume settings. Profile badges are also being highlighted in the Guide. These updates aim to enhance personalization and user experience on Xbox consoles.
Base PS5 Owners Should Download New Firmware Update Too for This Extra Feature
A new firmware update for the standard PlayStation 5 console adds a 'Showcase Mode' to the Welcome Hub. This feature allows users to view their selected background in full screen when the console is idle, with an additional Slideshow Mode for rotating images.
Android tablets and foldables are getting a Chrome bookmark bar
Google is rolling out a new feature for Chrome on Android foldables and tablets that adds a bookmark bar below the Omnibox. This update, available in version 146, aims to provide a more desktop-like browsing experience on larger mobile devices. Users can enable the feature through the browser's Appearance settings.
Marathon review: Brilliant extraction tension and frustration - Notebookcheck
Marathon offers brilliant extraction tension and satisfying gunplay, though its user interface is a weak point. Despite its unforgiving nature, players generally feel a sense of progress even after dying frequently. The game's sound design is particularly praised, and its art direction has grown on many players.
From Achievements to Jackpots: Comparing Features Across U.S. Casino Sites
Online casino sites in the U.S. are increasingly adopting features from console gaming, such as progressive systems, multiplayer options, and streamlined game libraries. This trend, often referred to as 'gamification,' includes achievements, progression systems, and varied game libraries, mirroring popular mechanics found in titles like Fortnite and on platforms like Xbox. Advancements in UI design and the availability of bonuses and jackpots further enhance the player experience, making iGaming more competitive and engaging.
Xbox Full Screen Experience shows a potential glimpse of how Project Helix will work – though right now, it’s a flawed PC platform
Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) aims to improve Windows 11 for handheld PCs and potentially future consoles like Project Helix. While FSE offers a more gamepad-friendly interface and suspends background processes, it falls short of dedicated gaming operating systems like SteamOS in terms of performance and user experience, often feeling like a superficial overlay on standard Windows.
This web app lets you 'channel surf' YouTube like a '90s kid watching cable
Developer Steven Irby has launched a web application called Channel Surfer, which allows users to 'channel surf' YouTube content in a style reminiscent of 1990s cable television. The app organizes videos into themed channels, aiming to combat algorithm fatigue and indecision by offering a passive viewing experience. The tool has seen significant early traction, exceeding 10,000 views on its first day.
Xbox mode is rolling out to all Windows 11 PCs next month — and some gamers are excited, while others are worried
Microsoft is rolling out a new 'Xbox mode' to all Windows 11 PCs starting next month, which offers a streamlined, controller-friendly interface and resource savings. Previously known as the Xbox Full Screen Experience, this mode aims to unify the PC and Xbox ecosystems. While some gamers are excited about the potential for a more integrated experience, others express concerns about potential ad integration and the future of the standalone Xbox console.
Xbox mode is coming to Windows 11, and PC gaming will never be the same
Microsoft is rolling out an "Xbox mode" to Windows 11 starting in April, transforming PCs into a controller-optimized gaming interface. This feature, inspired by the Xbox gaming OS and tested on the ASUS ROG Ally, aims to provide a seamless transition between productivity and play. The update will be available on all Windows 11 form factors, including laptops, desktops, and tablets.
Microsoft's full screen 'Xbox Mode' will roll out to Windows 11 PCs in April
Microsoft is rolling out its controller-optimized 'Xbox Mode' to all Windows 11 devices in April, bringing a big-screen interface similar to Steam's Big Picture Mode. The company also announced Advanced Shader Delivery and updates to DirectStorage for developers at GDC, alongside hints about future hardware codenamed 'Project Helix'.
Xbox Mode, Formerly Xbox Full Screen Experience, Finally Launches On Windows 11 In April
Microsoft is launching Xbox Mode, formerly known as Xbox Full Screen Experience, on Windows 11 in April. This gaming-optimized mode improves controller navigation, enhances performance by reducing background tasks, and unifies game libraries from various PC storefronts. The interface is also seen as a precursor to Microsoft's upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, expected to ship developer kits in 2027.
Steam Users Baffled by Mystery Feature: ‘What Does This Thing Even Do?’
Players are expressing confusion over new or unexplained features on the Steam platform, highlighting a broader issue in the gaming industry where developers often fail to clearly communicate the purpose and functionality of new additions. This lack of clarity leads to features being ignored and frustrates users who expect intuitive interfaces. The article argues that clear communication and user-centric design are crucial for player engagement and loyalty.
Xbox Full Screen Experience, Windows 11's gaming UI overhaul, is available to try now on Legion Go handhelds
Microsoft's Xbox Full Screen Experience, a gamepad-friendly interface for Windows 11 handheld PCs, is now available in a preview build for Lenovo Legion Go devices. While not as polished as SteamOS, it offers improved controller navigation and potential performance optimizations. The feature is expected to see a full rollout soon and may influence future Xbox console operating systems.
VRCVideoCacher Hits Steam with Major UI Overhaul and New Features
VRCVideoCacher has launched on Steam with a significant UI overhaul and new features designed for VRChat creators. The update includes Steamworks integration, a redesigned interface, translation support for multiple languages, and enhanced caching functionalities. This release aims to streamline content creation workflows for the VRChat community.
Marathon Review In Progress | Console Creatures
This in-progress review of Marathon highlights its potential as an extraction shooter but criticizes its messy UI, confusing onboarding, and high barrier to entry for new players. While the gunplay and abilities are satisfying, the game's visual clutter and lack of clear tutorials detract from the experience. A final judgment awaits the release of the endgame zone, Cryo Archive.
A new Mewgenics update solves one of my biggest frustrations
A new update for Mewgenics addresses player frustrations by allowing remote trap disarming and improving roster sorting. The patch also clarifies the visual representation of flying cats.
Bungie stands firm on Marathon aesthetic, while the 'fontslop' debate rages on
Bungie's upcoming game Marathon is facing a debate among players regarding its user interface, with some criticizing its complex and varied typography as 'fontslop'. UI designer Elliot Gray acknowledged player feedback on inventory management and navigation but stated the team will not remove the game's distinctive 'sauce' from the UI.
Battlefield 6's New Patch Addresses QoL and Stability Issues, As Well As UI and Battle Pass - IGN
Battlefield 6 has released update 1.2.1.5, focusing on quality-of-life improvements, stability fixes, and addressing issues with the UI and Battle Pass. The patch also restores missing store content and resolves critical revive and gadget interactions across PC and consoles. This update comes as the game faces community backlash and a 'Mixed' Steam user score.
'Don't Think for a Second That We're Gonna Remove the SAUCE From the UI' — Marathon Dev Doubles Down on 'Fontslop' - IGN
Bungie developer Elliott Gray has defended the 'fontslop' user interface design of the upcoming game Marathon, stating that while some elements will be tweaked based on player feedback, the core visual style will remain. The article also touches on player feedback regarding the game's fast time-to-kill, scarce med and ammo economy, and the concurrent player count during its recent Server Slam event.
Marathon UI designer declares himself the 'fontslop merchant' and promises Bungie will never 'remove the…
A UI designer has criticized the user interface of Bungie's Marathon, calling it 'fontslop.' While acknowledging practical issues like inventory sorting and Codex navigation, the author defends the game's unique visual style, arguing that modern multiplayer shooters have become too homogenized. The article suggests that players will warm up to Marathon's aesthetic over time, similar to other aspects of the game.
