PS5 New Beta Update Brings Several QoL Improvements

Sony has released a new beta update for the PlayStation 5, hot on the heels of their URL game session linking feature. This update boasts several quality-of-life improvements; read on to discover what's new and who can participate.

Sony Announces New PS5 Beta Update: Personalized 3D Audio and More

Key Features of the Beta Update

A standout feature is the creation of personalized 3D audio profiles for headphones and earbuds. This allows for a customized audio experience tailored to individual hearing characteristics. Users with compatible devices, such as the Pulse Elite wireless headset or Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, can run sound tests to generate a personalized profile, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience with improved sound localization.

[1] Images taken from PlayStation.Blog The update also refines Remote Play settings, providing users greater control over remote access to their PS5. This is especially helpful for households with multiple PS5 users, allowing the primary user to restrict remote access to specific individuals. This is managed via [Settings] > [System] > [Remote Play] > [Enable Remote Play], where authorized users can be selected.

For users of the latest slim PS5 model, adaptive charging for controllers is included. This feature optimizes power consumption by adjusting charging times based on the controller's battery level while the console is in rest mode. Enable this by navigating to [Settings] > [System] > [Power Saving] > [Features Available in Rest Mode], selecting [Supply Power to USB Ports] > [Adaptive]. This ensures efficient energy use by cutting power to the USB port after a period of inactivity if no controller is connected.

Global Release and Beta Participation

Currently, this beta is limited to invited participants in the U.S., Canada, Japan, U.K., Germany, and France. However, Sony plans a global rollout in the coming months. Invited participants will receive an email today with download instructions. Remember, some beta features may not be included in the final release or may change based on user feedback.

Wakai highlighted the importance of community feedback, stating, "Thanks to feedback from our PlayStation community, we’ve introduced many new features and refinements over the past few years to enhance your gaming experiences on PS5." Sony is keen to receive beta feedback to further refine the update before its global release.

Previous Update and New Features

This beta follows the recent Version 24.05-09.60.00 update, which introduced URL-based game session invites. To invite players, users open the game session action card, select Share Link, and scan the QR code with a mobile device to share the link (for open sessions only). This new beta builds upon this social gaming enhancement with further personalization and control options.