User Interface
Ongoing coverage on User Interface.
Latest coverage
Microsoft starts removing unnecessary Copilot buttons in Windows 11
Microsoft is removing unnecessary Copilot buttons and branding from Windows 11 applications like Notepad, Snipping Tool, Photos, and Widgets. This move follows criticism regarding the forced integration and inconsistent experience of the AI assistant. The company plans to be more intentional about Copilot's integration across Windows.
Microsoft is removing Copilot branding from Photos, Notepad, and more after promising to reduce 'unnecessary…
Microsoft is reducing the prominent branding of its Copilot AI assistant in several built-in Windows applications, including Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, following community feedback. This change aims to make Copilot integrations less intrusive and more intentional across the operating system.
Crimson Desert devs heard the remaining negatives and said, ‘we’ll fix them all’ in upcoming updates
Pearl Abyss is planning several updates for Crimson Desert over April and June to address player feedback. These changes will include new content, UI improvements, difficulty settings, character skill adjustments, and expanded storage systems. The developers aim to enhance the overall player experience based on community discussions and in-game adventures.
Valve makes huge changes to the Steam Workshop - now more Mobile and Steam Deck friendly
Valve has launched a beta for significant Steam Workshop updates, enhancing mod browsing with a wider layout, larger previews, and faster filtering. The new design is also optimized for mobile and Steam Deck, featuring a 'Quick View' mode for easier interaction without leaving the browsing page. Valve plans to keep the update in beta for several weeks to gather feedback.
Instagram comments can now be edited (within 15 minutes)
Meta has introduced a new feature allowing users to edit Instagram comments within a 15-minute window after posting. This functionality, similar to message editing, enables users to modify their comments multiple times during that period. The update is part of recent changes Meta has made to the social app, including testing a subscription service for Stories.
New PS5 UI Explained: Who Has the Update and What’s Different
Sony is rolling out a new user interface update for the PlayStation 5, which reorganizes categories like PS Store, PS Plus, Games, Library, and Media into separate tabs. This update is not a beta and does not require a download, but is being deployed server-side and is not yet available to all users globally. The changes are minor, focusing on tab organization rather than themes or other major features.
Xbox Ally handhelds are finally getting thumb stick mouse controls, but I'm hoping it's not a desktop mode…
The ASUS ROG Ally handheld is receiving a new 'Gamepad Cursor' feature for Windows Insiders, allowing the left thumbstick to control the mouse. While this aims to improve desktop navigation on the Windows 11-based device, the author expresses hope that it leads to a more console-like experience rather than just another desktop workaround.
New Achievements Features Rolling Out To Xbox Insiders Today | Console Creatures
Microsoft is rolling out new features for Xbox Achievements to Insiders, including visual updates with new icons and animations, personalization options with color themes, and the ability to hide games. Fully completed games will now be clearly marked, and new filtering options will improve navigation for completed or hidden titles.
Sony is reportedly testing a subtle PS5 UI update — 'Welcome back PS4'
Sony is reportedly testing a subtle update to the PlayStation 5's user interface, which rearranges elements at the top of the screen to provide quicker access to the PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Store pages. The changes have been noticed by a user in the PlayStation firmware beta program, and some users have noted similarities to the PlayStation 4's interface.
Here's a Better Look at PS5's Redesigned Home Menu, Currently in Beta
Sony is beta testing a redesigned PlayStation 5 home menu that features a new ribbon at the top for quicker navigation between sections like Games, Library, and the PS Store. This update aims to place more emphasis on games while keeping other applications easily accessible.
WhatsApp adds a better, native interface for CarPlay
Meta has released an updated version of WhatsApp for CarPlay, featuring a significantly improved native interface. The new version offers direct access to contacts, recent chats, and call history, along with shortcut buttons for sending messages and making calls, moving beyond the previous Siri-dependent functionality.
The widening of Steam continues with another UI beta, this time for the mod hotspot Workshop
Valve has launched a beta for a new, wider user interface for the Steam Workshop, aiming to improve browsing speed and ease of use. The update includes larger preview images, faster filtering, a new quick view option, and improved responsiveness for various devices like the Steam Deck and mobile. Valve is seeking user feedback to refine the changes before a wider release.
Browsing the Steam Workshop's 50 million mods just got better thanks to a redesign that loads faster and works…
Valve has rolled out a redesign for the Steam Workshop, enhancing the user experience for browsing over 50 million uploaded mods. The update focuses on faster loading times, improved filtering, larger preview images, and better responsiveness across various devices including PC, mobile, and Steam Deck. This overhaul aims to make discovering and subscribing to game modifications quicker and more intuitive for the millions of players who regularly use the feature.
Chrome finally adds support for vertical tabs.
Google Chrome has begun rolling out a vertical tab organization feature for desktop users, a functionality previously available in competing browsers like Firefox and Safari. The update also includes an enhanced reading mode for a less distracting browsing experience. The rollout may take a few days to reach all devices.
PS5 Home Page Refresh Live Now for Some Users
Sony has begun rolling out an updated PlayStation 5 home screen to some users, featuring minor tweaks to the layout of games and widgets. The update moves PS Plus and PS Store tabs to a secondary menu, offering quicker access to these and other applications within the PS5 ecosystem. This visual refresh is expected to reach all users in the coming months.
PS5 Update for April 2026 Stealth Drops UI Redesign
Sony is rolling out a new PlayStation 5 system software update that introduces minor improvements to the user interface. The update, currently available to beta program participants, features a redesigned top menu bar that separates tabs for the PlayStation Store, PlayStation Plus, games, and library. This change aims to make navigation neater and more convenient.
Last Epoch shows off upcoming quality-of-life features in its monthly newsletter
The April newsletter for Last Epoch highlights upcoming quality-of-life improvements, including enhanced item moving, better sorting for woven echoes, and a smart shader for the minimap. The update also features developer insights and fan-made build guides.
Slay the Spire 2 adds end-of-run badges 'to let you know what was unique about each adventure' in latest beta…
Slay the Spire 2 is introducing end-of-run badges in its latest beta patch, designed to highlight unique accomplishments during gameplay. Developer Mega Crit also detailed numerous balance changes, bug fixes, and UI adjustments, including reworked cards and enemy behaviors. The update aims to enhance run distinctiveness and scoring, with some changes sparking player feedback similar to previous beta releases.
Nintendo has made some changes to Mario user icons in latest Switch 2 and Switch update
Nintendo has updated user icons for the Mario franchise in the latest Nintendo Switch system software update. The changes include new renders for some icons and minor adjustments to retro Mario icons, such as those from Super Mario Bros. 3. The update also introduced a Handheld Mode Boost feature.
World of Warcraft players debate a possible dedicated controller-based interface floated by Blizzard
Blizzard Entertainment's Holly Longdale asked World of Warcraft players about their interest in a dedicated controller-based UI. While the question was solely about interface options, discussions on Reddit touched upon potential console ports and ability rebalancing, with many expressing negative sentiment towards such changes.