Sony has filed a patent for a device similar to Xbox Snap

Sony has patented a new device that appears to be similar to Xbox Snap, the Xbox One's ditched multi-tasking feature that enabled players to stream television shows while simultaneously playing games.

Details of the patent were shared over on TheGamePost. At present, it's simply called an "Information Processing Device," but the attached abstract seems to imply that this will use similar sub-screen technology to Xbox Snap.

Here's the official description for Sony's new patent:

"Provided is an information processing device which: displays a main screen including main content; displays a sub-screen including sub-content of a different type from the main content at the same time as the main screen; 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."

If you're familiar with Xbox Snap, you'll know that displaying a sub-screen with content that is detached from the main content - i.e. the game you're playing - on the same monitor was pretty much its entire purpose. Microsoft had to can Snap a few years back, partially because it was primarily supported by the same Windows 8 software as the also-ditched Kinect.

This isn't Sony's only new patent to have recently surfaced online. Apparently, the PS5's UI could potentially be able to help players who are stuck by showing them footage from other people's games.

Despite patenting an Xbox Snap-esque feature, Sony isn't pulling a whole lot else from its competitor. For example, it was recently revealed that the PS5 would have no system like Smart Delivery in place, which allows people who purchase games on current-gen to redeem them for free on next-gen consoles. Instead, upgrades between console generations will be left up to the discretion of individual publishers.