PS4 to get major firmware update soon – here’s how to sign up to beta test version 6.0
SONY has put out a call for eager gamers to test the next version of its PlayStation 4 software.
Version 6.0 of the PS4 firmware - the software that you see when you load up your PS4 before going into games, video apps, and the like - is likely to include some significant updates.
Sign-ups are currently open in and the , and should open for European gamers.
currently indicates that enrolment has closed -- but that's just because it hasn't been updated since enrolment closed for the 5.5 update, not because they're not longer looking for 6.0 update testers.
All you need to be eligible this time around seems to be an active PSN account, and working PS4. Previously PS Plus or PS Now subscriptions have also been required.
We don't know what any of the changes will be yet, but expect them some to leak as soon as the beta goes live, and be officially confirmed shortly thereafter.
Last time there were a raft of interface changes and bug fixes, as well as a new suite of parental control features.
Need a refresher on everything that was changed then? Read on.
What was new in PS4 System Software 5.50 update?
New features include:
Play Time Management – There are new parental controls that let Family Managers set limits on how long a child is allowed to play for. Go to Settings > Family Management, and then check and manage your kid's playtime each day. You can also control this using your PC or smartphone via the .
Import custom wallpapers via USB – If you think the standard PlayStation background is a bit rubbish, you'll be able to import your own images to use a custom wallpaper via USB stick.
Library design improvements – A bunch of general user interface improvements are being added to your content library, which should make it easier to navigate and find the content you want more quickly.
Quick Menu enhancements – The Quick Menu is also getting improvements, including the ability to access custom friends' lists directly from the menu. This should make it easier to see who's online, and then send them messages or invitations while you're in-game.
PS4 Parental Controls – what can you do?
Here's what parents can do thanks to the PS4 5.50 update...
- Sony has added a new feature called Play Time Management
- It's available to Family Managers, who are adult family members set up as Guardians
- It gives you the ability to control when, and for how long, each individual child can play for
- Playtime can even be set to vary depending on the day of the week
- For instance, you can allow your child to play for two hours between 4-7pm during the week
- And you could also set it so they can play for four hours between 8am and 8pm on the weekend
- You can monitor and change these settings on the go from your PC or smartphone
- Just use the PSN account
Notifications update – You'll now be able to permanently remove old notifications from your PS4. Just go to the Notifications panel, and press 'triangle' or 'options' to select single (or multiple) notifications to delete.
Background music on PlayStation Now – Sony is making it possible to play your own music in the background while you stream games on PS Now.
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Supersampling mode on PS4 Pro – A new supersampling mode will let you enjoy an "enhanced visual experience" when playing some games on a PS4 Pro when using a HD television.
What do you think of this new update? Let us know in the comments.
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