Get ready for a mandatory update, people! PlayStation 4's next big patch is finally out of beta and PS4 and PS4 Pro owners can now start downloading version 5.50 of the system software. The new software doesn't bringing any sweeping UI changes; but there are some interesting features worth exploring.

The most noticeable highlights of the update include additional parental controls, a supersampling option for PS4 Pro, and some very cool new organization options. Let's go ahead and break down each change and how it will impact the user experience...

Parental Controls/Play Time Management

This feature builds on the new range of parental controls that were added in patch 5.0.0. The new options give Family Managers (and adult family members who are set as guardian), the power to set limits on when and for how long each individual user can play for.

To managing playtime; go to Settings > Family Management on your PS4, or sign in to PlayStation Network account as a family manager or guardian on your web browser from your computer or smartphone, to check and manage your child’s playtime each day.

Another cool addition is that notifications will be sent to children during gameplay so that they know when they should save and quit. The super user/family managers can also set the PS4 to log out once the playtime session is over, and increase or decrease game time anytime by accessing the web portal.

Organization/UI Changes

This change adds two new tabs to the Library, to allow users to see which apps have been installed and purchased. The ‘This PS4’ tab lists all the applications that are installed on the PS4 system, and the tab with the user's name lists all the apps that they have purchased with the PSN ID.

PS Plus tab

This update also adds a new PS Plus tab to the Library, which clarifies what games you own from PS Plus’ Monthly Free Games. If your PS Plus membership is expired, a PS Plus icon with a lock will appear next to your game so you know which games you can play if you re-subscribe.

Hide apps

As requested, we’re adding a function that will allow you to hide certain applications under the ‘Purchased’ tab in the Library. In ‘Options,’ you can hide content including betas, trials or demos of games that you may not be going back to.

Supersampling mode on PS4 Pro

PS4 Pro should also be able to see the new supersampling mode under Settings. This options allows those with HDTVs (1080p or less) to take advantage of an enhanced visual experience when playing some PS4 games.

This mode allows some games to render at a higher resolution and then be downscaled to match the HDTV – allowing PS4 Pro owners to leverage the benefits of an image clarity boost even if their PS4 Pro is not connected to a 4K TV.

In addition to those features, players can also now customize their wallpapers with their own uploaded images. There are also some minor updates to notifications and the quick menu.

System update 5.5.0 is available now for PS4 owners.

Source: DailyStar