PS5 New Beta Update Brings Several QoL Improvements

Sony's latest PlayStation 5 beta update follows the recent URL game session sharing feature, delivering several quality-of-life improvements. This article details the update's features and beta participation.

Sony Unveils Enhanced PS5 Beta Update: Personalized 3D Audio and More

Key Enhancements in the Beta Update

Announced on PlayStation.Blog by Sony's VP of Product Management, Hiromi Wakai, the new PS5 beta update (available today) introduces personalized 3D audio profiles, improved Remote Play options, and adaptive charging for controllers.

A key highlight is the customizable 3D audio for headphones and earbuds. Users can optimize their audio experience by creating profiles tailored to their individual hearing. Compatible devices, such as the Pulse Elite wireless headset and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, facilitate sound quality tests to generate personalized profiles, resulting in more immersive gameplay and improved sound localization.

[1] Images sourced from PlayStation.Blog The update also refines Remote Play settings, allowing greater control over remote access to the PS5 console. This is especially beneficial for households with multiple PS5 users, enabling the primary user to restrict remote access to specific individuals. Access 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 controller charging is now included. This feature intelligently manages power consumption by adjusting charging times based on the controller's battery level while the console is in rest mode. Enable this via [Settings] > [System] > [Power Saving] > [Features Available in Rest Mode], selecting [Supply Power to USB Ports] > [Adaptive]. This conserves energy by cutting power to the USB port after a period of inactivity if no controller is connected.

Beta Program and Global Rollout

Currently, the beta is limited to invited participants in select regions (U.S., Canada, Japan, U.K., Germany, and France). A global release is planned for the coming months. Invited users will receive an email with download instructions. Note that some beta features may not be included in the final release or may change based on user feedback.

Wakai stressed the value of community input in shaping these updates, highlighting the community's role in past improvements. Sony anticipates valuable feedback from beta testers to further refine the update before its wider release.

Building Upon Previous Updates

This beta follows the Version 24.05-09.60.00 update, which introduced URL-based game session invites. Players can share a link via the game session action card, allowing others to join open sessions by scanning a QR code. This new beta expands upon this social feature with enhanced personalization and control options.