While the next generation of gaming is slowly coming to life with the likes of Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Xbox One from Microsoft on the horizon, we are still yet to fully try out and analyze the power that’s built in both the consoles. However, the industry itself is already expecting big things from the next generation with some major names voicing their opinions as to how things will turn out. This time, it’s a comparison between the user interfaces of the PS4 and how it’s long ahead of that of the PS3’s.
According to Fergal Gara, head of Sony Computer Entertainment UK, the user interface of the forthcoming PS4 will massively outshine the PS3’s existing cross media bar. In a recent interview with Digital Spy, Gara declared that the cross media bar (simply known as XMB) has lost its shine, and is no longer appealing. Sony is perfectly aware of the situation and is prepping for something more modern, keeping up with the times.
“My personal view is that the Cross Media Bar has well outlived its... it doesn't look new, fresh, contemporary any more. It's not really up to the demands of, particularly, the vision of the PS4, and therefore showing we have absolutely made a quantum leap in terms of our user interface and those design principles of PS4, and demonstrating them live on stage last night, for me, that was a really, really exciting way to start the show," Gara stated.
"Immediate jumping in and out of games, initiating multiplayer sessions, seeing what your friends are up to - all of that felt slick, quick and intuitive."
On the topic of the number of streaming services arriving on the PlayStation 4, and if the listed ones among them will be available from the day of launch, Gara confirmed that the company still needs to double-check about the exact timings of these services.
“My stance on this is, we're going to have a rich set of services and they will continue to expand over time. We've also demonstrated new and different forms of partnerships, and I'm particularly excited by the broadband partnership,” he added.
PlayStation 4 is currently set for a Nov. 29 release in Europe, Australia and New Zealand and Nov. 15 in the U.S. and Canada.
