Sony Launches PS5 Beta Firmware Update with New Features

Sony is releasing a beta firmware update for the PS5, introducing new accessibility and audio options, among other additions. The update will be initially available to invited users in the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Germany, and France, before being rolled out to all users.

New Accessibility Features

• Use a Second Controller for Assistance: Assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller, enabling collaborative gaming or helping others navigate challenging game sections. To enable this, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers] > [Use Second Controller for Assistance] and turn on [Use Assist Controller].
• System UI Haptic Feedback: Turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating the PS5 system menu. This feature enhances immersion, particularly for players with sight or hearing disabilities. To enable this, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers] and turn on [Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation].

Support for Dolby Atmos-Enabled Devices

The update adds support for Dolby Atmos HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs, or home theater systems. This allows the console to pass the PS5’s 3D Audio feature to Atmos devices, providing an even more immersive gaming experience. To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output] > [Audio Format (Priority)], and select [Dolby Atmos].

Social Feature Enhancements

• Party UI Update: Invite players to closed parties without automatically adding them to the group or creating a new group. Additionally, send open or closed party invitations to groups instead of individual players.
• Share Screen Preview: Preview images of someone’s shared screen before entering a party.
• Join Friends’ Game Sessions Easily: Easily see which friends are in an activity you can join under the [Friends] tab. Join a friend’s game directly from their profile card or by pressing the options button and selecting [Join Game].
• Game Hub Tournaments Tile: View the number of tournaments entered and the highest achieved placement, as well as the start time for the next tournament. Select the tile to see the full tournament list.
• React to Messages with Emojis: Add reactions to messages using emojis for quicker and easier communication with friends.

Ease-of-Use Features

• Search for Games in Your Library: Easily search for games within your game library.
• Game Help Improvements: Improved Game Help cards now display available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities. Card details are shown on the right side for easier access to objectives and hints.
• Discover New Features: Browse useful tips for maximizing your PS5 experience in the new Discover Tips section. Access it through [Settings] > [Guide & Tips, Health & Safety, and Other Information] > [Guide and Tips] > [Discover Tips].
• Mute PS5 Beep Sound: Adjust or mute the PS5’s beep sound when turning it on or off, or putting it in rest mode. Access this feature through [Settings] > [System] > [Beep Sound].

Support for Larger M.2 SSDs

Expand storage space on your PS5 console by using an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB (previously limited to 4TB).

These new features are part of the PlayStation 5 – July 31 Beta Firmware update.