The PS5 has received a new beta firmware update that adds a long awaited audio feature, in addition to other brand new options.
Sony has announced via the PlayStation Blog that the new beta firmware update for the PS5 will be rolling out starting today. Those who are a part of the beta program will soon be notified of the update on their console. The update adds a long awaited feature in the form of Dolby Atmos support, which should greatly benefit those who have their console hooked up to supported audio equipment.
Dolby Atmos Support
With the addition of Dolby Atmos support, owners of compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices like soundbars, TVs, or home theater systems will be able to experience enhanced 3D Audio, driven by Tempest 3D AudioTech. With Tempest 3D AudioTech’s specialized rendering for Dolby Atmos audio devices, including overhead channels, players will be able to immerse themselves even deeper into the audioscapes of PS5 games.
New Accessibility Features
The beta firmware introduces a new feature that allows you to assign a second controller as an assist controller to a single account, enabling seamless operation of your PS5 console using two controllers. This feature opens up possibilities for collaborative gaming experiences with friends and family, as you can now work together or offer assistance during challenging sections of a game.
Additionally, you now have the option to enable haptic feedback effects while navigating your PS5 using the DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller. This enhancement brings a heightened sense of immersion and responsiveness to your interactions with the console, further enhancing your gaming experience.
Social Feature Refinements
The latest beta firmware update allows you to invite a player to a closed party without automatically adding them to the group or forming a new group. Furthermore, players have the option to send party invitations, both open and closed, to entire groups rather than being restricted to individual players only. This way, you’ll now have more flexibility in managing your parties and invitations with these new features.
Before joining a party where someone is sharing their screen, you’ll now get a preview image of their Share Screen, providing a glimpse of what’s happening even before entering the party.
Under the ‘Friends’ tab, you can now easily identify which of your friends are engaged in activities you can join, streamlining the process of connecting with them.
In the game hub, you have access to valuable tournament information, including the count of tournaments you’ve entered, your highest achieved position, and the start time for the next tournament. A simple click on the tile reveals the full tournament list.
Expressing yourself during conversations with friends has become quicker and simpler with the addition of reactions to messages. Now you can add emojis to convey your feelings and thoughts effectively.
Quality of Life Improvements
You now have the ability to search for specific games within your game library, making it easier to find and access your favorite titles. Additionally, Game Help cards have been updated, providing even more valuable information and assistance to players during their gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the new Discover Tips section will aid you in finding useful tips for optimizing your PS5 experience and learning about the latest features. You now also have the option to mute or adjust the volume of the PS5’s beep sound when powering on, powering off, or entering rest mode, giving you more control over audio settings.
Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs
You can now utilize an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB (previously limited to 4TB) to expand your PS5 console’s storage space, providing ample room for your growing game library and content.
