After Sony Interactive Entertainment held a private beta, the company has now made the PS4's big Update 5.0 available for all users. As is to be expected, there are not only a few huge features included in the update, but also lots of small improvements that ought to improve the system's functionality overall, with Sony also having put out the update's complete patch notes, which can be found in full at the end of the article.

To be specific, PS4's Update 5.0 weighs in at 375 MB, and it will be mandatory for all users to install. In order to do so, just turn on the console, and the update should begin downloading automatically, with one of the first major enhancements being included offering the ability to stream using the system's built-in broadcasting capabilities, as PS4 Pro users should now be able to stream in 1080p and 60 FPS.

Furthermore, PlayStation VR users ought to be able to see new messages and comments coming through while broadcasting after the application of the PS4's Update 5.0. Not to mention, PlayStation VR is also adding 5.1ch and 7.1ch virtual surround sound support in order to further clarify the audio of the headset for those who wish to use it for either gaming or for viewing applications such as Netflix.

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The PS4's Update 5.0 also provides Friends Lists with greater management tools, such as the ability to set up separate lists of friends, with the feature replacing the old Favorite Groups tab. And in another move to assist in reducing the amount of time spent in menus, the Quick Menu is being updated to have more options. For example, one will be able to check on download progress, see new party invites, see one's current Spotify playlist, and even be able to leave a party from within that menu.

Additionally, Update 5.0 for the PS4 also adds the ability to disable messages and other notification pop-ups while watching media, with users also being able to change how much of a message is displayed, as well as its color, while playing or watching any form of content. Parental Control features have been altered, too, putting one user in charge as the "Family Manager," giving them the capacity to set up other accounts and label them as a Parent/Guardian, Adult, or Child. Child accounts can be managed by Parents or Guardians insofar as the "use of online features and communication with other players," game restrictions, Internet browser restrictions, and PlayStation Store spending limits are concerned.

Taking all of this into account, the PS4's Update 5.0 definitely brings quite a lot to the table, but it's likely that PlayStation fans will be a tad miffed at some features that were overlooked for others. For instance, fans have been consistently adamant about wanting the ability to change one's username, but Sony has yet to implement it as an option.

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PS4 Update 5.0 Patch Notes

Main Features In Version 5.00 Update

  • You can now add users of your PS4 as family members. This makes it easy to manage your child’s account information and to restrict PS4 features. To add family members, select (Settings) > [Parental Controls/Family Management].
    • As the family manager, you can set up your family.
    • Up to seven family members (including you) can be in your family and use online features.
    • Multiple adults can be in your family. The family manager can make other adults in the family parents or guardians. The family manager and family members who are parents or guardians can adjust parental controls for the children in your family.
    • You can configure parental control settings for each child. Using parental controls, you can restrict use of online features and communication with other players, set restrictions for games, restrict use of the Internet browser, and set spending limits for PlayStation Store.
    • You can configure parental controls anytime from your PC or smartphone.
  • You can now follow anyone, not just verified accounts. Select (Follow) on a person’s profile screen, and their activities and broadcasts will appear in [What’s New]. You automatically follow your Friends, but you have the option to unfollow them.
    • Recommendations for who to follow are now offered based on the games you play. Select (Friends) > (Follow).
    • You can now choose who can follow you and who can see your follow list. Select (Settings) > [Account Management] > [Privacy Settings], and then configure each setting.
  • (Custom Lists) has been added to (Friends). Create custom lists to easily organize your Friends and choose players to send messages or game invitations to.
  • For certain broadcasts, (Communities) now appears on the (Live from PlayStation) viewing screen. To access the broadcaster’s community, select (Communities).
  • You can now view (Notifications) on the quick menu.
  • The following languages have been added as system languages.
    • Czech, Indonesian, Hungarian, Romanian, Vietnamese, Greek, Thai.
  • When broadcasting PlayStation VR gameplay, you can now see spectator comments on your VR headset screen.

Other Features In Version 5.00

  • For (Messages), screen layout has been improved, and the following features have been added.
    • You can now receive music that has been shared with you as a message. Select the message to play the music.Messages containing a URL now display a preview.
  • The following features have been added to the quick menu.
    • You can now select [Leave This Party] to leave the party.
    • You can now see albums and playlists for songs playing in Spotify.
    • A clock has been added.
  • The following features have been added to (Settings) > [Notifications].
    • You can now disable pop-up notifications during video playback.
    • You can now choose the color of pop-up notifications.
    • You can now choose to show or hide message details in notifications.
  • You can now choose to broadcast in 1080p (60 fps) when using Twitch on your PlayStation 4 Pro.
  • You can now enjoy Blu-ray Disc and DVD content in virtual surround sound when you connect headphones to PlayStation VR.

The PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro are available now.