PlayStation 5 Might Support Multiple Picture-in-Picture Layouts

• A highly exciting patent submitted by Sony unveils a possible functionality offered by the operating system of the PS5 console. 
• More precisely, PlayStation 5 might come with picture-in-picture options, showing different kinds of customizable content.
• None of this is official, as Sony is still keeping mysteriously quiet about the software powering its upcoming console.

PlayStation 5 will be launched globally by the year’s end, which means that we’ll hear plenty about the upcoming console over the next couple of months. However, we can’t hide the fact that Sony has been strangely quiet, waiting until early this month to unveil new details. Of course, we’re talking about the console’s specs, all-new design, as well as additional information about the new DualSense controller and a whole lineup of exciting new accessories. However, it looks like we’ve only scratched the surface there, with plenty of stuff still hidden from us.

One of the things not yet unveiled is the upcoming console’s software. We know that Sony uses its own operating system for PlayStation consoles, with each new generation presenting a big leap forward in every possible sense. Therefore, we’ll most certainly see plenty of existing information about the operating system of PlayStation 5, which is going to be “lightning fast” and a “complete overhaul.” However, an interesting new patent has surfaced that might point to a concept used by PlayStation 5.

Sony’s “Picture-in-Picture” Concept.

There’s not much information provided by the accompanying documentation to the patent. However, we can easily see what this concept is describing. We’re talking about a picture-in-picture functionality, with different overlays appearing on the screen as you play a game. This could include a small video feed that could be placed somewhere on the screen, with extra information added as well (like a stream of comments, for example). This goes hand-in-hand with speculations of Sony launching a ‘PlayStation Assist’ app and further integrating that technology with its (rumored) virtual assistant.

Keep in mind that we’re not talking about some futuristic functionality here. Instead, all kinds of picture-in-picture layouts are available on practically all popular devices, ranging from computers, smartphones, tablets, up to smart TVs. And since almost all of today’s popular platforms come with their digital assistants, it’s not that far-fetched to see Sony deciding to create its gaming-related AI assistant. All of this is already technically available, and these features could help PS5 users improve their gameplay experience. Of course, we can do nothing but wait until Sony decides to talk more about the upcoming PlayStation’s software, which we hope will happen soon enough.