Abstract: A user interface on a controller for a gaming console that provides access to system software from within any gaming application running on the console. The system software runs concurrently with other gaming applications and renders a system user interface, system notifications, and messages on top of running gaming applications. The user interface can be added to any controller and other peripheral to access to the system menu such that users can have a uniform experience without requiring substantial effort by gaming application developers.

Abstract: An operating system architecture that provides a high level of system functionality in a multimedia console through the use of concurrent system applications, while reducing the lack of control that multimedia applications have while running on the console. At power ON, a predetermined amount of system resources are reserved within which the concurrent system applications execute. The multimedia applications are afforded control over the unreserved system resources and do not need to support system functionalities as the concurrent system applications provide system functionalities to end users.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling users and developers to store data on a number of different types of local and remote devices connected to a multimedia console or a gaming console. The range of available storage devices creates issues that are addressed to avoid apparent inconsistencies in storage performance (e.g. latency). A consistent method of reading and writing data is provided such that end users and developers do not have to be concerned with restrictions and limitations inherent to various devices.