The latest PlayStation 5 system update drops today, and it includes some highly requested features, and so much more. So buckle up!
After being available for beta members, the second major PlayStation 5 system software update is now available for all. Some of the highlights include additional SSD storage expansion, 3D audio support for compatible TV speakers and enhanced remote play features.
SSD Storage Expansion
So, let’s begin with what is likely to be one of the most anticipated features, storage expansion. The latest update will now allow all PS5 players to expand their storage with a compatible M.2 SSD.
Once installed, players will be able to store and launch PS5 and PS4 games, as well as media apps from the expanded storage. You will also be able to switch between storage options. Like what already can be done if you have an external hard drive connected to your PlayStation console.
While the demonstration video on how to install an M.2 SSD is quite straightforward, it is vital that you install compatible storage for your PS5. For instance, your extended storage must have an “effect heat dissipation with a cooling structure (as a heatsink) that meets the dimensional requirements.”
To ensure that you do install a compatible M.2 SSD into your PlayStation 5, additional information can be found via this PlayStation Support page.
3D Audio For Built-In TV Speakers
The 3D audio feature for the PlayStation 5 is fantastic. It can turn just about any decent gaming headset into something that sounds like it far exceeds the value you might have paid. However, 3D audio technology is now coming to compatible built-in TV speakers. Rejoice!
Once enabled in the Sound section of your PS5 Settings screen, this feature is said to transform “standard two-channel TV speaker audio into three-dimensional sound,” which sounds great to me (sorry not sorry for the cheap pun).
To make the most of the TV 3D audio, you can measure the acoustics of your room by using the built-in microphone of the DualSense controller. So, in a nutshell, your 3D audio will be uniquely tailored to your room.
Enhanced Remote Play and PS App Features
The latest update also extends to the PS Remote Play and mobile PS Apps. The remote play feature has been available for quite some time already. This feature allowed players to remotely stream PS5 and PS4 games with a wi-fi connection. However, now iOS and Android players can use mobile data to stream games if a wi-fi connection is not available.
Obviously, you’ll need a decent broadband connection and mobile data signal to get the best out of Remote Play via your mobile device. Thankfully, you can select from a few preferred video quality choices. Similar to what you might find on social media platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.
In terms of the PS App, from next week on Thursday, September 23rd, users will be able to Share Screen broadcasts together from a mobile device. According to the blog post, to enable this feature, you must first: “join a party voice chat from your mobile device with a friend who’s playing on a PS5 console. Then ask your friend on PS5 to start their Share Screen broadcast. Please note, only players on PS5 can broadcast via Share Screen.”
Furthermore, it seems that the Android version of this feature may take a little longer to roll out. So, you may be waiting for an extra week until it’s available on your device.
What else can we look forward to with the latest PS5 software update? Courtesy of the PlayStation Blog:
- Control Center customization. Players can now customize their Control Center more freely by rearranging or choosing which controls to hide or unhide at the bottom of the screen.
- Enhanced Game Base. Players can now easily view and write messages to friends and Parties directly from Game Base in the Control Center.
- Game Library and Home Screen updates. If you have PS4 and PS5 versions of the same game installed, they’ll now appear separately in the “Installed” tab of the Game Library and on the Home screen. Each game’s tile now also clearly indicates its platform.
- Screen Reader controls. Players can now pause or resume Screen Reader (Press “PS + Triangle buttons”) and have it repeat anything it reads (Press “PS + R1 buttons”).
- PlayStation Now resolution selector and connection test tool. PlayStation Now subscribers can choose between 720p or 1080p (depending on the individual game) to accommodate their preferred video resolution for game streaming. A streaming connection test also helps them identify and troubleshoot any problems with their connection.
- New Accolade Type: “Leader.” Following an online match, players can award others with a fourth accolade type, “Leader,” which is visible on players’ profiles.
- Automatic capture of “personal best” videos. When players compete in challenges for a better time or a higher score and set a new personal best, a video clip of the action will automatically be recorded. Players can also share clips of their personal bests directly from the challenge card in the Control Center, or from their Media Gallery. Players have direct control over this functionality via their Captures and Broadcast settings.
What about the PlayStation 4?
If you’re a PlayStation 4 player, don’t worry, Sony hasn’t forgotten about you. Following the release of the latest system update, you can now view PS5 trophies on your PS4. You can even have a peek at other players’ PS5 trophies via your PS4. Finally, Party chat hosts can now disband a Party without having to remove players individually.
What new features are you looking forward to testing out most of all with the new update? Let us know across our social media channels.
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Featured Image Credit: Sony