Cover-Credits:
Sony has invited certain participants from selected countries to participate in its latest PlayStation beta update. The update includes a host of features, like support for Dolby Atmos, storage support up to 8TB of M.2 SSD storage, and multiple enhancements in their user interface.
Players can also customize their multiplayer sessions, find new ways to connect with new players, and much more. The update also features support for a secondary controller on the primary profile, enhancing the convenience of the gaming experience for players.
New Accessibility Features on PlayStation 5
In a blog post on 31st July, PlayStation announced the new range of updates that the PlayStation 5 will include, enhancing the gaming experience. New accessibility features like support for 3D audio on Dolby Atmos, a second controller for assistance, and storage support for up to 8TB of M.2 SSD storage are part of this software update.
3D Audio for Dolby Atmos Devices
Arguably the biggest update to the software is support for Dolby Atmos, rendering Sony’s 3D AudioTech compatible with devices that have surround sound and Dolby Atmos technology. Providing an immersive gaming experience, this feature is available on Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices like sound bars, TVs, or home theater systems. This allows for even greater immersion in the audio experience in PS5 games.
Secondary Controller for Assistance
Another accessibility feature allows you to assign a secondary controller to one account, letting it function as an assist controller. This feature is a refreshing approach to collaborative gaming, making it easier to help children and friends navigate through particularly difficult sections of a game. In simple words, this means that two controllers can control a single element on the screen as if it were operated by a single controller.
Haptic Feedback
In an attempt to provide a more dynamic and sensory gaming experience, Sony has also introduced the option to turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating the PS5 interface. Controllers that support this update include the DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller.
Social Features Enhancements
Additionally, Sony is also focusing on the social aspects of the gaming device. Some of the features that have made the cut are as follows:
Party UI update - This feature allows you to invite your friend to a closed party without adding the player into a group, or creating one. Moreover, players can now send party invitations to groups instead of being restricted to individual invites, making collaboration more flexible.
Share Screen Preview - If someone is sharing their screen in a party, you will be able to see a preview image of the shared screen before joining a party.
Join friends’ game sessions with ease - This allows you to easily peruse through your friend list and check which of your friends are currently participating in an activity that you can join.
Game Hub Tournaments Tile - This section presents the number of tournaments you have entered, along with the highest ranks achieved. It also presents the timeline for the upcoming tournaments.
Sony has also introduced additional features like reacting to messages with emojis, making communication fun and engaging; the ability to search for games in the library; improvements in game cards; and finally, the highly requested option to mute the PS5 beep sound when powering on the console.
Lastly, players can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB, previously up to 4TB, to expand storage space on their PS5 console. However, there are certain requirements that the M.2 SSDs must meet. They are listed on the official PS5 blog page (hyperlink).
These updates are limited to invited participants from countries like the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, Germany and France. However, Sony has promised a global release later this year, with more enhancements and updates.
