Sony reveals PS4 user interface

Sony has shown off what the user interface for its PlayStation 4 will look like, along with some examples of how the PS4 will work with tablets and smartphones.

Sony's PlayStation 4 launch last week may not have shown us what the console looked like (and left some other things unanswered), but the company has been more than happy to give us a good look at what the user experience will be like.

Here are a few of the screens you'll see on the PS4, along with some examples of how Sony will integrate gaming with your tablet and smartphone.

You

As revealed at the launch, Sony wants to push the real names and identities for the PS4, claiming that friends lists will come from "existing social networks". While you'll still have a PSN ID, it's your real name that will be seen most.

Games

The social side of the experience will be integrated carefully. You'll be able to see who on your friends list owns the same games, as well as any media they've shared about that title.

Shared media

The ability to share not just screenshot but also videos of your gameplay experiences has been much touted by Sony. There's even a simplified video-editing app to help you create the clips you'll apparently want to show your friends, which they'll supposedly be watching.

Broadcast media

It's not just sharing clips and shots — you'll be able to live stream your gameplay to friends, as well.

Streaming

People watching the stream will be able to make text comments as they watch. If you look at the bottom of the screen, you'll see the "buy" button. It looks like Sony will be integrating the PlayStation Store throughout the PS4, hoping that media sharing may result in spontaneous purchases, perhaps.

Friends

Newsfeeds from your friends' likes, your own accomplishments and any general gaming interests that the PS4 has noted for you look like they'll be aggregated in a single tiled-deign page.

Smartphone

Sony looks to be hoping to keep a fairly consistent user interface across devices, if this screenshot of the game streaming being viewed on a phone is anything to go by.

Tablets

Sony talked about the ability to push PS4 games to the Vita, but this tablet screen shows that the company is serious about making the second screen experience for the PS4 work on a variety of different devices with different form factors.