Highlights
The latest beta update for the PS5 by Sony brings forth a plethora of advantageous enhancements. This includes an augmented storage capacity for solid state drives, enabling users to store more content. Moreover, gamers now have the convenience of connecting a second controller for added support during gameplay.
The update prioritizes accessibility, offering new features like haptic feedback in the system's menus to accommodate gamers with hearing or sight disabilities. Additionally, the update includes social media improvements like emoji reactions and enhanced party features. Ease-of-use features such as a search function in the game library and tutorials for different console functions are also added.
The PlayStation 5's latest beta version is currently testing a range of significant enhancements for the console, including accessibility and audio improvements, among others. Since its highly-anticipated launch in late 2020, Sony has been consistently introducing new improvements to the hardware. These updates have brought a plethora of new features, such as Discord voice chat and voice commands, that enhance the gaming experience for players. The most recent firmware beta update for the PS5 has already generated excitement within the PlayStation community due to a key change. This update significantly improves the console's storage capacity for player-installed solid-state drives (SSDs) by doubling the available space from 4 GB to 8 GB. Players have long been requesting a larger storage capacity for SSDs, especially with the increasing size of popular games. Additionally, the update introduces several other helpful features for players to experiment with.
The console's firmware has been significantly enhanced in the latest PS5 beta, focusing on accessibility, audio options, and social media functions. Notably, the beta patch allows players to utilize two controllers simultaneously to navigate the console, offering new ways to engage with friends or assist a child in overcoming challenging game sections. Moreover, the PS5 update introduces haptic feedback for the system's menus, providing vibration cues when navigating through various options. Sony highlights this feature as particularly beneficial for gamers with hearing or sight disabilities.
PS5 Beta Update for July 2023
New Accessibility Features
Assist Controller Feature: Users now have the ability to connect a second controller to their account for assistance.
Enhanced System UI Feedback: Introduces haptic feedback effects when navigating PlayStation 5 menus using official controllers.
Support for Compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled Devices
3D Audio: Adds support for 3D Audio powered by TempestTech for Dolby Atmos devices.
Social Feature Enhancements
Party UI Update: Players can add others to closed parties without adding them to a group.
Improved Screen Sharing Preview: Players now have the ability to preview the screens of other party members who are sharing their screens.
Seamless Game Joining with Friends: Players can conveniently identify which friends are currently engaged in joinable games using the Friends tab and easily join by accessing their Profile card.
Players can now view the tournaments they have joined, the tournaments they have won, and the upcoming tournament schedule in the Games Hub.
Players now have the option to express their reactions to chat messages by using emojis.
Ease-of-Use Features
Game Library Search: Players can now use the search function within their Game Library.
Game Assistance Cards: The game assistance cards have been enhanced to display information on activities that are currently available, were available in the past, will be available in the future, and activities that have already been completed. Additionally, they now provide more comprehensive details for each help card.
Explore Exciting Additions: Sony has introduced new tutorials that cover a range of console functions, allowing users to discover and make the most of the latest features.
Mute PS5 Beep Sound: Players can now adjust the volume of the PS5's start-up sound.
Support for larger capacity M.2 SSDs
The PS5 now offers support for M.2 SSDs of up to 8 TB capacity. Additionally, Sony's latest update introduces compatibility with Dolby Atmos-enabled HD devices, enabling players to optimize their soundbar or home theater setup. Enhancements to social media features are also prominent in this update, with the inclusion of emoji reactions in the messaging system, screen sharing previews, and updates to the console's Party UI. Furthermore, the update includes a search function within the game library and improvements to the console's help systems.
Sony has enhanced accessibility in its consoles and games with the latest PS5 update. An upcoming PS5 Access controller, to be launched this year, will offer interchangeable buttons and a user-friendly design for players with disabilities. Sony's popular games like The Last of Us Part 2 and God of War Ragnarok have received accolades for their inclusive features. The recent firmware update from Sony is loaded with numerous new additions that make gaming on PS5 even more convenient.