PS4 software update 4.50 is now live. The new update includes features like external HDD support, boost more(PlayStation 4 Pro) custom wallpapers and more. Check out complete features list below.
New in PlayStation 4 Software Update 4.50:
Boost Mode (for PlayStation 4 Pro only)
Boost Mode comes to PlayStation 4 Pro. This feature has been designed to provide better performance for select legacy titles that have not been patched to take advantage of the PS4 Pro’s faster CPU and its faster and double-sized GPU.
This can provide a noticeable frame rate boost to some games with variable frame rates and can provide frame rate stability for games that are programmed to run at 30 Hz or 60 Hz. Depending on the game, the increased CPU speed may also result in shorter load times. You can turn on Boost Mode by going to Settings > System.
Voice Chat for Remote Play
Software Update 4.50 for PS4 brings voice chat when using Remote Play on Windows PC, Mac or a Xperia device. This is especially useful if you’ve got a gaming session planned with your friends, but you’re away from your system. You can switch your mic on and off via the microphone icon on the Tool Bar of the Remote Play app.
Off Console Availability
Software Update 4.50 for PS4 brings added an icon, shaped like a smartphone, which indicates a player is logged into PSN but away from their system.
PS Messages and Communities app Updates
Software Update 4.50 for PS4 updated the PS Messages (Android/iOS) and PS Communities (Android/iOS) apps with a few handy features.
- When you receive a Party invitation from your friends on PS Messages, now you can respond with a quick reply, “I’ll join later” or “Sorry, I can’t join,” when you want to get back to them ASAP.
- On the Communities app, you can now easily check the PSN service status under Settings > View Status of PSN Services.
- Also on the Communities app, iOS users can tell at a glance if there are any new posts in their community by checking the badge app icon (the number in a red circle at the top-right corner of the app’s icon).
External HDD Support
Now Sony PS4 users can use external HDD with their console. With this update, you have the option to store content to an external HDD. Just plug a USB 3.0 HDD into your PS4 and that’s it.
This is compatible with HDDs up to 8TB in size. You can download and install applications directly to your extra storage, and the saved contents are easily manageable through the settings menu.
Also, all the applications saved in the external HDD will appear in the Content Launcher of the Home Screen so it’s easy to keep track of what apps you launched recently.
Custom Wallpapers
PS4 System Software Update 4.50 adds the ability to set your favorite in-game screenshot as the background image for PS4’s home screen. Drop-shadows on text, and the option to dim the Function Area, will help keep the system icons and texts on the home screen clearly visible even if the background image you selected is super bright.
You can also edit screenshots using Photo Mode in Sharefactory to make your one-and-only custom wallpaper.
Improved 2D Images on PS VR
With this latest update, the resolution of the system screen displayed on your TV is significantly better when you’re out of VR mode. Also, the resolution of Cinematic Mode on PS VR will improve — if your PS VR screen size is set to Small or Medium, the frame rate of content viewed in Cinematic Mode goes up from 90Hz to 120Hz with this update.
Quick Menu Refresh
With PS4 System Software Update 4.50 the Quick Menu will cover even less of your gameplay screen, and you’ll be able to access handy Party features via Online Friends, like creating new parties, inviting friends, and joining parties, without transitioning to the separate Party app.
Simplified Notification List
Sony has condensed all of the tabs to a single simplified list with this PS4 System Software Update 4.50, making it easier to see all of your notifications all at-a-glance.
You can also quickly access the Notification settings from the Options Menu to turn off or customize which pop-up notifications appear on your screen, so you’re only being notified about your top priorities.
Post on PlayStation Network Activity Feeds
PS4 System Software Update 4.50 also adding the ability to post directly into the Activity Feed, which appears in a variety of places across the console, including What’s New. Under What’s New, you’ll see a new option to post things like text, screenshots, and gifs directly into your Activity Feed. You can also tag games or other users to make sure they don’t miss your post. It’s a great way to show off your greatest triumphs.
Tying into this new feature, Live from PlayStation will show screenshots that users uploaded to PSN as a Public Activity, so you can show off your best gameplay moments not only to your friends, but to users around the globe.
3D Blu-rays on PlayStation VR
With PS4 System Software Update 4.50, the console now supports 3D movies in stereoscopic 3D directly on the PS VR headset.
