A new system software update for PS5 and PS4 will roll out today, bringing with it new party features, and some refreshed UI elements.
In ablog post,PlayStationalso revealed that variable refresh rate (VRR) support will be coming toPS5“in the months ahead”.
While the update’s only real change for thePS4is a refresh of the party system, which haschanged multiple timesin recent years due to fan feedback, there are some more significant new features for PS5 players.
PS5 players based in the US and the UK will be able to try the new Voice Command feature in a preview phase, which allows users to open games, apps and settings, as well as control media playback with their voice. This feature is only available in English.
The PlayStation app and PlayStation Remote Play app have boh also received enhancements, with the ability to join or create parties directly from the app.
The Game Base UI on the Remote Play app has also been upgraded, which PlayStation claims will “make it easier to access the Friends, Parties and messaging features delivering a consistent player experience with PS5.”
In a section at the bottom of blog titled, “On the horizon: Variable Refresh Rate support for PS5”, the team explained how the feature, which is currently available on theXbox Series X, will work when it launches on PS5.
VRR syncs the framerate of the game you are playing to your monitor, which, in theory, reduces noticeable frame-rate drops and other graphical issues. Only HDMI 2.1 compatible TVs currently support the feature.
PlayStation claims that the feature will be able to be applied to games that don’t support it, however, the results may vary.
“As an added option, you’re able to also choose to apply VRR to PS5 games that don’t support it. This feature may improve video quality for some games. If this results in any unexpected visual effects, you can turn off this option at any time. Both VRR and this secondary option can be turned on or off.”
