Sony releases PlayStation 4/5 system software updates
Sony has announced that the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 system software update will be rolling out globally today, and confirmed plans to offer the long-awaited variable refresh rate (VRR) on the PlayStation 5 in the coming months.
After the system update, players can create or join open/closed parties on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5; on the PlayStation 5 Game Base and Trophy cards, there will be UI enhancements and accessibility features such as headset mono audio; PlayStation 5 players in the U.S. and U.K. can test out the voice command feature, which can now be used to find and open games, apps, and settings, as well as control media playback via voice.
Sony says it plans to roll out the variable refresh rate feature on the PlayStation 5 in the coming months, which requires plugging in an HDMI 2.1-compatible TV or PC monitor to synchronize the display’s refresh rate with the graphics output of the PlayStation 5 console. The new features will enhance the PlayStation 5’s visuals to minimize or eliminate afterimages. Introducing a variable refresh rate will make the game feel smoother to play because the scene can be rendered in real-time, which not only looks sharper, but also reduces input lag. Of course, the actual effect varies depending on the display device used by the player and the specific game.
As an option, Sony is also allowing players to apply variable refresh rates to unsupported PlayStation 5 games. Of course, this approach may cause display problems in some games, and players can turn off or turn on related options at any time.
