Sony has released a new update for the PS5. This includes user-friendly features for those who also like to listen to music while playing. Fans of PSVR2 titles have also been considered.
At regular intervals, Sony delivers new updates for the PS5 consoles. These are mainly for system maintenance. Too often it simply states: “We have improved the performance and stability of the system software,” and “We have improved the messaging and usability on some screens.”
However, the now released update has more than that. The new features bring meaningful quality-of-life adjustments. These also apply to the new PS5 models, which are to be available in time for the Christmas season.
Improvements in music playback and new option when playing with the PlayStation VR2 headset
What features are included in the new system software? Sony has added helpful changes to the PS5 console with the update 23.02-08.20.00. In the Control Center, you can now search your music categories, playlists, and songs much more user-friendly thanks to a new two-column layout.
For players with a PSVR2 headset, a setting has been added that gives you more options for image display on the TV. You can now freely decide whether the passthrough image from the camera should be displayed on your TV or not.
With the passthrough image, you can quickly switch between normal gameplay and a transparent view. This saves you from having to take off the PSVR2 headset every time you want to quickly drink or eat.
What else is there? In addition to these two features, a new voice command has been integrated. With the command “News”, you can search for new PS5 features. However, this feature is only available in English. Currently, it is only accessible to player accounts from the USA and the United Kingdom. When the restriction will be lifted for other regions remains unclear.
When will the update come? Update 8.20 is already available for PS5 and can be downloaded by you. After installation and a restart, the new features will be available to you.
What is the download file size? Sony states a download size of about 1.19 GB. Therefore, gamers with slower internet shouldn’t have to wait too long for the download to complete.
The patch notes at a glance (via playstation.com):
- Music in the Control Center is now much more user-friendly. Thanks to the two-column layout, you can easily browse different categories, playlists, and songs.
- You can prevent accidentally transmitting your surroundings while streaming games with your PlayStation VR2.
Go to Settings > Accessories > PlayStation VR2 and enable block passthrough view on the TV to prevent the passthrough image from the camera from being displayed on your TV while using your PS VR2.
- If you say “News” via voice command on a screen, you can now search for new PS5 features.
The voice command (preview) is currently only available in English for players with PlayStation Network accounts in the USA and the United Kingdom.
- We have improved the messaging and usability on some screens.
How do you like the new update? Do you find the features useful or would you have preferred something else? Let us know!
