PS5 Could Include Multi-Screen Viewing, According to New Patent

A new patent belonging to Sony was published today, indicating a possible feature coming to PS5. The patent is for an “Image Processing Device” but seems to be more line with multi-screen viewing or a picture-in-picture feature. The patent describes as displaying “a main screen including main content” and “a sub-screen including sub-content of a different type from the main content at the same time as the main screen.”

It further notes that, “The information processing device receives a switching operation to switch from a mode for receiving an operation on the main screen to a mode for receiving an operation on the sub-screen, and highlights the sub-screen when switching to the mode for receiving an operation on the sub-screen is performed.” Interestingly enough, this sounds very much like the Xbox One’s Snap feature which allowed for simultaneously playing a game while having another (like YouTube) running. Snap would be removed a few years for the sake of better performance.

It remains to be seen if Sony will implement this feature in the PS5. The company has yet to reveal its new user interface as well which has been touted as a “100 percent overhaul” of the PS4’s UI. More details will doubtless arrive in the coming months so stay tuned.

The PlayStation 5 is currently slated to release this holiday season. It will have two models – one with an Ultra-HD Blu-ray drive and the other lacking said drive catering to more digital consumers.