ThePlayStation 4has had a successful shelf-life, attracing players through its technology and exclusive games. Some would have thought that support for the console would begin to fade as therelease date of the PlayStation 5draws closer, but Sony has now released a new PS4 system software update. The console has now had software update 8.00 implemented and it brings some changes that fans were expecting as well as some surprise additions.
There had been talks ofbeta tests for this PlayStation updateand it seemed that the primary focus would be on chat functions. While this has proved to be largely correct, the PlayStation website also notes other changes that fans may have not expected. There are new avatars, authentication steps, and parental controls coming to the console, but most players will notice how chat and party functions have been altered. Whether or not players will appreciate the changes to the chat systems remains to be seen.
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Party and messages “will be more tightly linked together” after this update and this will be done through changes to the UI. The “Groups” function will unite these elements and allow players to chat through one app. There will also be the handy quick menu option to “mute all microphones.” This feature is straightforward but it will be appreciated byPlayStation 4and 5 players who want some time to think. Community creation and private event privileges will also be removed, although existing communities will remain unscathed. On top of these social changes, there will also be some updates to other areas.
The latestPlayStation updatemakes parental controls will be easier to operate as “Communicating with Other Players” and “Viewing Content Created by other Players” becomes one setting entitled “Communication and User Generated Content.” Children will also be able to request communication features going forward and parents will be able to decide whether to grant these permissions.
On top of these parent control features, players will now be able to use third-party authentication applications alongside the console and there will be new avatars from games such asBloodborne,Journey,Ghost of Tsushima,God of War,The Last of Us Part 2,The Last of Us Remastered,Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
There appears to be a healthy mix of functionality updates alongside some personalization. Many will be pleased with thenew features coming to the PlayStation 4and many will be interested in seeing how the software update ties in with the upcoming PlayStation 5.
PlayStation 4is available now.
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