Sony opened up beta registration for their big upcoming update for the PS4, System Software Update 5.50, back in mid-January. Beta registrants will be finding out shortly whether or not they will be participating in the update’s beta. In the meanwhile, details on what the update will include have been revealed.
Update 5.50 will include Play Time Management, Library UI updates, Quick Menu enhancements and more.
Play Time Management
Sony will be introducing ‘Play Time Management’ with update 5.50. This feature will allow family managers (and adult family members who are set as guardians) to manage PS4 playtime for child family members on PSN.
Family managers/guardians can apply playtime restrictions in two ways. One, parents can limit gameplay time. Two, make gameplay accessible within set hours. Child accounts will be notified during gameplay to let them know when to save and quit their game.
Family managers/guardians have the option to add extra game time through their smartphone or PC. In addition to that, the family manager/guardians can choose whether or not to automatically log the child out of their PS4 once their playtime is over.
To manage playtime:
- Go to settings > Family Management on your PS4
Alternatively:
- Log into your PlayStation account on your Web Browser and manage gameplay time through there.
Library UI Updates
Two new tabs have been added to the library to make navigation easier. In addition to the new tabs, the ‘Hide apps’ function will be added to the library that will hide certain applications (betas, trials, and demos) under the ‘Purchased’ tab. You can hide apps through the ‘Options’ settings.
New Tabs:
- This PS4
- This tab lists all the applications installed on the PS4 system and the tab with your name/avatar lists all the items you’ve purchased with your PSN ID.
- PS Plus
- The PS Plus tab will feature the games you have downloaded for free through the PS Plus monthly free game program. If the game is no longer accessible because your PSN subscription lapses, a PS Plus symbol will appear on the game with a lock to note that the game is no longer accessible.
Quick Menu Enhancements
Update 5.50 will include various enhancements to the Quick Menu.
- The pulldown menu’s ‘Friends’ tab will feature quick access to specific friends that are featured in your custom list. It will also display who is currently online.
- Listening to music on the PS4 will now feature Quick Menu shortcuts.
- If you’re using Spotify on PlayStation Music, the ‘square’ button will serve as the shortcut for volume control.
- When you’re on the Media Player or the USB Music Player, ‘triangle’ will work as the shortcut for play or pause, and the ‘square’ button as the volume control.
Background Music on PS Now
Background music may not always be available, however, you will be able to listen to your own music while streaming a game on PS Now.
Notifications Update
The ability to delete old notifications.
Go to Notifications, press ‘triangle’ or ‘Options’ to open a meny that will allow you to delete a single notification or multiple notifications.
Custom Wallpaper Import via USB
Import your own images to the PS4 through a USB to use as a background image.
- Go to Settings > Themes > Select Theme > Custom > Select Image > USB Storage Device.
Customize Tournament Team Pages
Customize Tournament Team Pages with your own team logo or background via USB imports.
- Events > Teams > select your team > Edit Team Profile.
Supersampling Mode (PS4 PRO)
PS4 Pro owners will receive a ‘supersampling mode’ which will enable those with HDTVs (1080p or less) to experience enhanced visuals in PS4 games.
Supersampling mode will take games that render to a higher resolution when connected to a 4K TV to downscale to match the HDTV. Some games already feautre this, however, this mode will be of a benefit to 4K enhanced games that do not have supersampling.
Sony notes: Certain games’ image clarity may not improve with this feature.
