After a few people got to download the beta a little early last week, PlayStation has now officially revealed PS4 Update 5.50 alongside the beta going live today.
Play Time management
In system software update 5.00 we introduced a range of parental control enhancements. These allowed assigned Family Managers to easily control what each individual child plays, watches and views online.
Play Time Management builds on this, giving Family Managers (and adult family members who are set as guardian), the ability to set limits on when and for how long each individual child can play for. Managing Playtime is easy; go to Settings > Family Management on your PS4, or sign in to PlayStation Network account as a family manager or guardian on your web browser from your PC or smartphone, to check and manage your child’s playtime each day.
Import custom wallpapers via USB
By popular demand, you can now import your own images via USB stick to use as custom wallpapers on PS4. Once imported, you can even zoom, crop and preview them in-situ to help get the perfect look on your dashboard. Note that the picture files on a USB stick need to be located in a folder named “IMAGES” for the PS4 to recognize them. Just go to Settings > Themes > Select Theme > Custom > Select Image > USB Storage Device.
Library UI improvements
- ‘This PS4’ and Name/Avatar tab
Two new tabs are being added to Library to make it easier for you to see which apps you’ve installed and purchased. The ‘This PS4’ tab lists all the applications that are installed on the PS4 system, and the tab with your name/avatar lists all the apps that you purchased with your PSN ID. This feature also makes it easy to search and find games you’ve already purchased but have not yet installed.
- PS Plus tab
This update also adds a new PS Plus tab to the Library, which clarifies what games you own from PS Plus’ Monthly Free Games. If your PS Plus membership is expired, a PS Plus icon with a lock will appear next to your game so you know which games you can play if you re-subscribe.
- Hide apps
As requested, we’re adding a function that will allow you to hide certain applications under the ‘Purchased’ tab in the Library. In ‘Options,’ you can hide content including betas, trials or demos of games that you may not be going back to.
Quick Menu enhancements
With the launch of 5.50, you’ll be able to access custom friends’ lists directly from the Quick Menu. This will make it easier to see who’s online, and then send them messages or invitations – especially when you’re in the middle of game.
Notifications update
Users will be able to permanently remove old notifications from their PS4 – for better organisation and management. Just go to Notifications and press the ‘triangle’ or “OPTIONS” button to open up a menu that will allow you to select a single or multiple notifications you’d like to delete.
Background music on PlayStation Now
With Background Music on PS Now, you’ll be able to listen to your favorite tracks while streaming a game on PS Now. Just be aware, similar to when playing a game on disc or via digital download on PS4, background music may not always be available.
Supersampling mode on PS4 Pro
PS4 Pro users taking part in the beta will see a new ‘supersampling mode’ under Settings, which enables those with HDTVs (i.e., 1080p or less) to enjoy an enhanced visual experience when playing some PS4 games.
With supersampling mode, some games will render at a higher resolution and then be downscaled to match the HDTV – allowing PS4 Pro owners to leverage the benefits of an image clarity boost even if their PS4 Pro is not connected to a 4K TV. Please note performance will vary, as games are optimised differently to take advantage of the power of PS4 Pro.
