Sony has released new firmware, the so-called “System Software”, for the two game consoles PlayStation 5 (test) and PlayStation 4 and is also promising another update, which “in the following months“ is intended to bring a variable frame rate to the PlayStation 5 using Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
Voice control in US and UK
The update announced today and already in the rollout updates the system software from version 21.02-04.51.00 to 22.01-05.00 and thus introduces the features that were already rolled out in a beta version in February with new party options and the voice control “Hey PlayStation !“ as well as various improvements for the “Game Base” menu.
Voice control, which is activated with the command “Hey PlayStation!”, is reserved for console players in the US and UK for the time being. Sony does not reveal when the feature will be rolled out to other regions.
New party chat options
In response to community feedback, Sony says it has made some changes to the party system:
- Open and closed parties
- When starting a party, either an open or a closed party can be chosen:
- An open party allows friends to see the party and join without an invitation. Friends of party members can also join.
- A closed party is only for invited players.
- Note: When in Game Base on PS5 and Party on PS4 for starting a party [Offene Party] is selected, only players using the beta version of the PS5 or PS4 system software can join.
- To start a party that players not using the beta version can join, must [Geschlossene Party] to get voted.
- Updated the voice chat reporting feature
- When reporting something someone said at a party, there are now icons to identify who is speaking.
- This will help PlayStation’s security team take appropriate action based on the report.
- Share Play update
- “Share Play” can be launched directly from the voice chat card. You no longer need to launch Share Screen first to use Share Play.
- Voice Chat Volume
- Each player’s voice chat volume can now be individually adjusted at a party on PS4, just like on PS5.
Extensions to the Game Base on PS5
In addition, System Software 22.01-05.00 features UI improvements for the “Game Base” and trophy cards, as well as mono audio for headphones on the PlayStation 5.
- Voice chats are now called parties. For easier access, the Game Base menu has been divided into three tabs: Friends, Parties, and Messages.
- From the Game Base Control Menu and Maps you can now:
- all friends on the tab [Freunde] can be seen in the controls menu or access the player search and friend request functionality from links on this tab.
- add a player to a group or create a new group directly from Game Base in Control Center. This card can also be used to send text messages, short messages, pictures and video clips, and view a group’s shared media.
- When someone in a party is sharing their screen, the (On Air) icon is now displayed.
- It’s easier to decline friend requests by clicking the button on the friend request list [Ablehnen] was added.
Game Base menu (Image: Sony)
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Variable refresh rate is on the horizon
The variable refresh rate is coming as an update, Sony promised back in November 2020. So far, the PlayStation 5 cannot address displays with variable frame rates to match rendered images and refresh rate.
While not yet included in this system software update, the manufacturer announced another PS5 firmware update “in the following months“, which VRR should finally bring to the PlayStation 5. As is well known, the feature requires a TV or monitor with an image input via HDMI 2.1.
We’re also pleased to share that Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is planned to release on PS5 in the coming months.
On HDMI 2.1-compatible TVs and PC monitors, VRR dynamically syncs the refresh rate of the display to the PS5 console’s graphical output.
This enhances visual performance for PS5 games by minimizing or eliminating visual artifacts, such as frame pacing issues and screen tearing. Gameplay in many PS5 titles feels smoother as scenes render instantly, graphics look crisper, and input lag is reduced.
Previously released PS5 games can be fully optimized for VRR through a game patch and future games may include VRR support at launch.
Sony
Sony also wants to use VRR for games that don’t actually support a variable refresh rate, “to improve video quality“. According to the manufacturer, both the general VRR option and the secondary option for unsupported games can be deactivated at any time.
Microsoft currently has a unique selling point for game consoles in this regard with the Xbox Series X and S (test), which have supported the feature since the start of sales.
Updates to the PS App and PS Remote Play
Another small update is the PS app, whose UI has been updated according to Sony to make it easier to access friends, parties and messaging functions. In addition, open and closed parties can now be created and entered directly via the app. Users of the PS Remote Play app can also use a dark mode that adapts to the theme of the respective mobile operating system.
PS App and PS Remote Play (Image: Sony)
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Further information can be found in the detailed article on the PlayStation.Blog.