User Interface
Ongoing coverage on User Interface.
Latest coverage
Available for Xbox Insiders: New Xbox Console Updates Bring Updated Boot Up, Gamerscore Badges and More
Microsoft is rolling out new updates for Xbox consoles to select Insiders, featuring a refreshed boot-up animation and sound, tiered Gamerscore badges to showcase achievement milestones, and improved game library filters for better organization. These features will be available to all players after a testing period.
New PS5 UI Update Apparently Reverted, Players Confused
Sony appears to have reverted a recent PlayStation 5 user interface update that was rolled out to select users in April. Players who received the changes woke up to find their UI reverted to the original version, causing confusion. It is unclear if this is a glitch or a deliberate decision by Sony.
If you're wondering why Microsoft's Xbox mode is still missing after installing the latest Windows 11 update,…
Microsoft's new Xbox mode for Windows 11 is not yet available to all users due to a phased rollout and regional restrictions. The feature, which provides a console-like UI, is being enabled server-side via Controlled Feature Rollout to monitor for bugs. Users can check their settings to see if the 'Full Screen Experience' is active, offering navigation similar to the ASUS ROG Ally X.
Your Xbox Gamerscore Badges Are About To Look A Lot Cooler
Microsoft is rolling out several interface improvements for Xbox Series X and S, including a new bootup animation and vanity badges that evolve with a user's Gamerscore. The update also adds new filters to game libraries, such as 'Game access,' to help players sort their installed titles, especially those using multiple devices or Game Pass.
Valve's next Steam UI target is the Community Market, with more details and, yes, a wider layout
Valve is updating the Steam Community Market's user interface with a wider layout and more detailed listings. The changes aim to better accommodate the growing number of games and items available, including enhanced image displays for items like Counter-Strike skins and improved graph data for economic analysis.
Stars Reach outlines plans for item durability, stats and character UI updates, and interlinked systems
Stars Reach, a sci-fi sandbox MMORPG, is planning significant updates to its game systems, including item durability, character UI, and interlinked mechanics. These changes, discussed by Raph Koster, will affect inventory management, crafting, combat, and the in-game economy. While no firm release dates are set, the developers anticipate these updates will fundamentally alter the game experience within the next two months.
Safari's latest trick could be automatically organizing your tabs into groups
Apple is reportedly planning to introduce an "Organize Tabs" feature for its Safari web browser. This new functionality, detailed by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, aims to automatically group open tabs, potentially with the next major software update.
Liquid Glass tweaks are reportedly coming in the next macOS
Reportedly, upcoming changes to macOS will address "liquid glass" visual tweaks to enhance text legibility, particularly in lists and text-heavy sections of the operating system.
Your Xbox console and handheld could soon look the same, but I'm wary of Microsoft's UI pitch
Microsoft is planning a unified user interface for its Xbox consoles and handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. This initiative aims to reduce fragmentation and provide a consistent "distinctly Xbox" experience across different platforms, considering factors like screen size and input methods. The company, under new CEO Asha Sharma, is prioritizing brand consistency, with Jason Ronald showcasing the UI plans in a recent Game Dev Update.
Sony Removes Deals Tab From PlayStation Store
Sony has removed the deals tab from the PlayStation Store, surprising players who regularly looked for sales. The reason for the removal is unconfirmed, but speculation points to ongoing PlayStation UI updates or a recent class-action lawsuit settlement. This change follows Sony's introduction of a new 30-day online license check for digital titles.
PS Store Deals Tab Returns, Confirms Next Sale for 13th May
The PlayStation Store's Deals tab has returned on PlayStation 5, confirming the upcoming 'Next Level Savings' sale will begin on May 13th, 2026. This follows an unusual period where the Deals tab and ongoing sales were absent, potentially due to upcoming UI changes or anticipation of the annual Days of Play event.
PS Store's Deals Section Missing as PS5 Breaks Its Streak of Constant Sales
The PlayStation Store's Deals section has disappeared, and a new sale has failed to launch as expected, breaking a long streak of constant promotions. This unusual absence may be related to upcoming UI changes for the PlayStation 5, with the annual Days of Play sale also a potential factor for the next major discount event.
Xbox Makes Another Small But Significant Change With Revamped Start-Up Animation
Xbox has introduced a revamped start-up animation as part of an upcoming firmware update. The new animation features a brighter green logo and retains the iconic Xbox sound, aiming to signify a new chapter for the brand. CEO Asha Sharma shared the update, which will be available on May 13th.
New Xbox Boot-Up Sequence Goes Green
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced that a new boot-up sequence featuring the green Xbox logo will arrive for Xbox Series X and S consoles on May 13. This change replaces the previous white-on-black animation and slightly alters the sound effect. Sharma also mentioned upcoming events like the Xbox Games Showcase and a Gears of War: E-Day presentation.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced – 15 Updates You Should Know About
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the 2013 classic, is set to launch on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The remake will feature new quests, updated visuals, and gameplay additions such as a new "Defense" mechanic, customizable HUD presets, and ziplines in cities. While dismemberment has been removed, blood will be present, and the Wanted system and Legendary Ships will return.
How to use the watch in Phasmophobia
This guide explains how to use the player watch in Phasmophobia, a new item introduced with the player character update. The watch monitors player sanity, tracks elapsed time within a contract, and indicates when the microphone is active. It is always equipped by default and can be viewed by opening the in-game Journal or by holding the 'use' button when the left hand is empty.
EverQuest Legends shows off its updated UI along with a lengthy gameplay demo
EverQuest Legends showcased its updated user interface and provided an extensive gameplay demonstration in a recent livestream. The demo highlighted visual improvements and gameplay tweaks while retaining the classic EverQuest aesthetic. The stream also featured a humorous in-game message about faction standing with Crushbone Orcs.
Discord is finally less of a nuisance to update on Linux
Discord has released a significant update for its Linux version, introducing an auto-update feature powered by a Rust-based updater, similar to its Windows counterpart. The update also adds support for .rpm and .pkg.tar.zst package formats, alongside numerous bug fixes and improvements focused on UI, accessibility, and server administration.
Space strategy game Sins of a Solar Empire 2 drops its gen-AI artwork amid a huge new UI overhaul
Sins of a Solar Empire 2 has received a major update, 'UI Horizons,' which overhauls the game's user interface and removes AI-generated artwork in favor of human-drawn portraits. The update also introduces a highly requested in-game map editor, improved enemy AI, new defensive tools for all factions, and various engine optimizations.
I love everything about Valve's Steam Controller except this one major flaw
The Steam Controller offers a comfortable and lag-free experience with excellent battery life, but its customization software is deeply unintuitive and difficult to use. Users face significant hurdles in assigning button actions and configuring layouts, with many solutions requiring workarounds found on forums rather than official documentation. Valve needs to improve the accessibility of its customization options to unlock the controller's full potential.
