PlayStation has announced that the newest PS5 firmware is rolling out to all users tonight/over the next day, bringing with it the welcome new features that have been in beta for a hot minute including expanded M.2 SSD capacity, Tempest 3D AudioTech on Dolby Atmos devices and the ability to turn off the console’s “welcome beep.”
On top of these, PlayStation’s also introduced some brand-new features, like new voice command options (thought not locally, unfortunately) as well as Remote Play support on TVs running Android TV OS 12.
Here’s everything in the update, according to the PlayStation Blog:
Newly announced features
PS Remote Play support on additional Android devices
- PS Remote Play allows you to stream games from your PS5 or PS4 console to another device – including smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android), PCs and Mac – over the internet or through your home network. This provides you with more options to enjoy your favorite games even when you’re away from the living room.*
- Starting today, the PS Remote Play app will be available on devices running Android TV OS 12.**
- Here are the verified devices so far:
- Chromecast with Google TV (4K model)
- BRAVIA XR A95L model
- To use Remote Play on these devices, search for the PS Remote Play app on your Android device to download and install the app.
- To learn more about PS Remote Play, visit PlayStation.com.
New Voice Command options (U.S. and U.K. limited release)
- Voice Command has been improved.
- Say “Hey PlayStation, help” to activate Help content. You can now navigate between help content pages using Voice Command.
- Say “Hey PlayStation, what’s new?” and you can now check for new PS5 features and see the current PlayStation Plus monthly games lineup.
- Note: Voice Command (Preview) is currently available in English for PS5 players with accounts registered to the U.S. and U.K.
PS5 Beta features rolling out globally today
Previously announced features that were part of the beta will also be included in the global release.
New accessibility features
- Use a Second Controller for Assistance. You can now assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller, and use two controllers to operate your PS5 console as if you were using a single controller. This feature introduces a new way for you to enjoy games collaboratively with others or help a friend or child navigate a particularly challenging section of a game.
- To use an assist controller, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers] > [Use Second Controller for Assistance], and then turn on [Use Assist Controller].
- You can use an assist controller when your main controller is a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a PS5-supported third-party controller.***
- System UI Haptic Feedback. You now have the option to turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating your PS5 with your DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller.
- When enabled, system sound effects for certain events will also be reflected physically through haptics, such as moving focus, reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, or when you receive a notification or start up a game. This optional feature enhances immersion and is particularly useful for players with some level of sight or hearing disability, who appreciate the additional feedback on their inputs.
- To turn on this feature, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers], and then turn on [Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation].
Support for compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices
- 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be enjoyed by those who own compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs or home theater systems. Tempest 3D AudioTech specifically renders to the Dolby Atmos audio device in use – including overhead channels – allowing for even greater levels of immersion in the audioscapes of PS5 games. ****
- To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output] > [Audio Format (Priority)], and then select [Dolby Atmos].
Social feature enhancements
- Party UI update. You can now invite a player into a closed party without automatically adding the player into the group or creating a new group. Additionally, players can now send open or closed party invitations to groups instead of only individual players.
- Share Screen Preview. When someone’s sharing their screen in a party that you can join, you’ll now see a preview image of their Share Screen, even before you enter the party.
- Join friends’ game sessions easily. You can now easily see which of your friends are in an activity you can join under the [Friends] tab.
- The Joinable icon will be displayed next to friends who are playing a game you can join.
- You can join a friend’s game directly by pressing the options button and selecting [Join Game], or by selecting the ”Join” button on their profile card.
- Game Hub tournaments tile. In the game hub, you can now see how many tournaments you’ve entered and the highest place you’ve achieved, as well as the start time for the next tournament. You can select the tile to see the full tournament list.
- React to messages with emojis. You can now add reactions to messages with emojis, which makes communicating with friends quicker and easier.
Ease-of-use features
- Search for games in your library. You can now search for games within your game library.
- Game Help improvements. Game Help cards have been improved.*****
- In addition to in-progress activities, you can now see available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities.
- When a card is selected, its details are now displayed on the right side of the card, making it easier to find objectives and their corresponding hints.
- Discover new features. Browse useful tips for getting the most out of your PS5 and learn about new features in the new Discover Tips section.
- Go to [Settings] > [Guide & Tips, Health & Safety, and Other Information] > [Guide and Tips], and then select [Discover Tips] to view all the tips.
- Mute PS5 beep sound. You can now mute or adjust the volume of the PS5’s beep sound when turning it on or off, or putting it in rest mode.
- Go to [Settings] > [System] > [Beep Sound].
- To adjust the beep sound volume, select [Volume].
- To mute the beep sound, turn on [Mute Beep Sound]
Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs
- You can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB (up from the previous 4TB limit) to expand storage space on your PS5 console.
- Important: M.2 SSDs must meet the requirements outlined on this page. Please read the page linked above carefully before purchasing any M.2 SSDs for use with your PS5.
