Sony is rolling out a beta firmware update for the PS5 which includes new accessibility and audio options, among other new features.
As detailed by a new article on the officialPlayStation Blog, the new beta firmware will be rolled out to invited users in the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Germany and France before its features will eventually be made available to everyone.
The beta includes new accessibility features, including the ability to assign a second controller as an ‘assist controller’ to a single account, and the ability to turn on haptic feedback while navigating the PS5 system menu.
The beta also adds support for Dolby Atmos HDMI devices like soundbars, TVs or home theatre systems.
This will enable the console to pass the PS5’s 3D Audio feature to Atmos devices by rendering the 3D Audio channels (including overhead ones) to Atmos speakers.
PlayStation 5– July 31 Beta Firmware patch notes
New Accessibility Features
Use a SecondController 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.
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.
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 devices in use – including overhead channels – allowing for even greater levels of immersion in the audioscapes of PS5 games.
Ease-of-use features
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.
