Sony has rolled out the beta version of PlayStation 4 system software update 5.50, offering a glimpse on what the firmware upgrade will offer to owners of the console.
The arrival of the next major PlayStation 4 system update was signaled by Sony's announcement last month that it was looking for beta testers. Gamers who signed up can now take a peek at PlayStation 4 version 5.50, but for those who did not volunteer, here is what to expect from the firmware update.
PlayStation 4 Firmware Update To Version 5.50: What's In It?
Sony detailed the contents of the PlayStation 4 version 5.50 update in an official PlayStation blog post, where it said that selected beta testers will receive an email with instructions on how to download and install the firmware upgrade.
The first major addition by PlayStation 4 version 5.50 is the Play Time Management feature, which will allow parents to manage the playing time of their children. Through the feature, parents will be able to monitor their child's daily playing time of the PlayStation 4 and apply restrictions as they see fit.
The firmware upgrade will also add the new tabs to the PlayStation 4 Library. The This PS4 Tab will contain all the apps that are installed in the console, while the Name/Avatar tab will show all the apps purchased with the PlayStation Network ID that is signed in. This will make it easy to look for purchased but not yet installed games. Lastly, the PS Plus tab shows the free games that the user has downloaded from the monthly offerings of the PlayStation Plus subscription. In addition, players can now choose to hide apps in the Purchased tab.
PlayStation 4 version 5.50 also comes with certain enhancements to the Quick Menu, including a pulldown menu under the Friends tab. The Quick Menu will also add shortcuts for listening to Spotify on PlayStation Music.
The next major system update will also allow gamers to play background music on PlayStation Now, delete old notifications, import custom wallpapers through a USB, and customize Tournaments team pages.
PlayStation 4 Pro Owners To Receive New Graphics Mode
The PlayStation 4 system software update 5.50 also adds a new "supersampling mode" for PlayStation 4 Pro users. The new graphics mode allows players with HDTVs, with resolutions of 1080p or less, to enjoy visual upgrades for some titles.
Supersampling mode will allow PlayStation 4 Pro owners to experience the benefits of higher resolution rendering on some games, even if they do not own a 4K TV. The visual upgrade, however, is not applicable to all games.
