sony has started testing a new beta version of the PlayStation 5 software That includes support for Dolby Atmos, up to 8TB of M.2 SSD storage support, and a variety of user interface enhancements. The beta is rolling out in select countries today, and Sony typically makes beta features available to all PS5 consoles within a few months.
The biggest addition is support for Dolby Atmos. In PS5 games, it seems that Sony’s implementation of 3D audio (Tempest 3D AudioTech) will be compatible with Dolby Atmos devices such as sound bars, televisions or home theater systems. Media apps like Netflix may also update their apps on PS5 soon to support Dolby Atmos audio. “Tempest 3D AudioTech plays specifically on Dolby Atmos audio devices in use, including upper channels, allowing for even greater levels of immersion in PS5 game audio landscapes,” Sony explains in a statement. playstation blog.
The PS5 currently supports up to 4TB of expandable M.2 SSD storage, but that maximum will be increased to a cap of 8TB with this beta software. You will still need an M.2 SSD that meets the minimum requirements (mainly 5500MB/s or faster), but doubling the storage limit means there are even more storage options for PS5 owners.
Sony is also adding a bunch of UI improvements and some quality of life changes with this latest PS5 software update. You can now silence the PS5 beep that sounds when you turn the console on or off, or when it enters rest mode. Sony also offers the option of simply changing the beep volume.
You’ll also get a new option to enable haptic feedback from a DualSense controller while navigating the PS5 UI. Sound effects, such as moving focus from one section to another, will trigger haptics with this option enabled, along with haptic feedback for when you reach the end of a scrollable section.
This controller haptic feedback is available along with a new accessibility feature that allows you to assign a second controller to an account to use as an assist controller. This is great for helping kids or friends complete a difficult part of a game or navigate the PS5 UI.
Sony is also improving the social aspects of PS5. You will now be able to invite players to a closed party without adding them to a party, and you will also be able to send open or closed party invites to groups instead of just a single friend. Like Discord, you can now see a preview of someone sharing your screen before joining a party, and it’s now easier to see which friends are at parties in the friends tab. Sony is also adding emoji reactions to messages.
You can register to have access to Sony’s PS5 beta builds hereand this particular update should roll out to all PS5 consoles in the coming months.
