PS4 April Update Details

As promised, Sony is just about ready to go live with update 1.7 for the PS4, which is slated to bring some oft-requested features and improvements to Sony's current-gen console. The update should go live some time tomorrow, April 30th, alongside firmware updates for both the PS Vita and the PlayStation mobile app.

While we've already covered some of the new features packed into update 1.7 — like the ShareFactory editing app and the ability to pre-load digital games — Sony has now detailed the patch in full. And, as it turns out, there are a few more incredibly handy features in the pipeline than we originally thought.

For example, post-update 1.7, players will be able to stream at a higher resolution on the PS4 and they will be able to archive their streams for later viewing. Although Sony got a lot of things right with the PS4 out of the gate, the console's streaming capabilities were a little less-than. Now, the PS4 should be able to close the gap between it and its competitors.

On a similar note, this PS4 update gives players the ability to turn of HDCP during gameplay, which will allow for game capture via secondary devices (El Gato, HD PVR, etc.). Sure, the PS4's native gameplay recording app, and now ShareFactory, make gameplay sharing even easier, but some gamers, present company included, prefer the control afforded by outside devices.

PS4 SHAREfactory editor

Other highlights of update 1.7 include an option to set the DualShock 4's light bar to Bright, Medium, or Dim; better Share options for videos and screenshots; and new PlayStation Camera commands that allow gamers to launch installed apps with voice. For a full rundown see below:

  • Automatic Pre-download: No more waiting until after a game is released to start downloading select pre-ordered games from PlayStation Store. This new feature allows you to get to your games faster by automatically downloading select pre-ordered games up to several days in advance of the release, so that it’s ready to play as soon as the game is released on launch day. There’s also a countdown timer prior to the release of the game so you’ll know how soon your game will be available for you to start playing.
  • Option to Disable HDCP for Games: This highly requested feature will allow you to have the option to turn off HDCP for games so you can capture longer gameplay sessions directly from your HDMI output and export them elsewhere.
  • USB Export Option for Captured Gameplay: It’s now even easier to show off your heroic gaming moments and the SHAREfactory videos you create with the world using this feature to export your videos and screenshots to a USB drive. Just click on the DUALSHOCK 4 SHARE button, save your gameplay on a USB drive, and then share your proudest achievements on other social networks and other video platforms.
  • Live Broadcasting in HD and Archiving Support: We’ve increased the resolution for live broadcasts so you and your friends can watch games livestreamed in 720p HD. You can also archive your broadcasts on Twitch or Ustream and watch them again later.
  • New SHARE Options: We’ve got a number of new SHARE settings that will give you better control of what you want to share with your friends. Here is what you can look forward to:
    • Change the default gameplay recording time in the SHARE menu under Video Clip Settings.
    • Save only the video clips and screenshots you want by selecting Upload Screenshots or Upload Video Clips for each capture. Also upload video clips and screenshots during your live gameplay broadcasts.
    • Select specific Facebook audiences to share each video or screenshot with.
  • New DUALSHOCK 4 Options: New light bar settings have been added for DUALSHOCK 4, allowing you to change it to Bright, Medium or Dim in the Settings menu. The touchpad has also been updated, allowing you to navigate the on-screen keyboard using the DUALSHOCK 4 touchpad.
  • New Friends Options: It’s now easier to find Friends and send requests with the ability to search Friends-of-Friends, view Mutual Friends on another user’s profile, and accept Friend requests directly from the Friends list.
  • New Trophies Sort Option: You can now sort Trophies by rarity in the Options menu.
  • PlayStation Store Payment Support: Similar to PS3, we’re introducing Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) for PS4 for content purchased on PS Store, starting with PayPal support.
  • More PlayStation Camera Commands: More voice commands are added to PlayStation Camera, allowing you to launch the apps installed on your PS4 with the sound of your voice.
  • New PlayStation Plus Icon: For Plus members, you’ll now have the PS Plus icon appear next to your SEN ID on the login screen, home screen and other areas across the PS4 system’s sleek user interface.
  • Music Unlimited SHARE Options: With a Music Unlimited subscription, you can easily share your favorite songs with your friends by pressing the SHARE button on your DUALSHOCK 4.

In addition to the PS4's new update, the Vita is also getting an update to allow for faster syncing between console and handheld. Now, the Vita will automatically sync with the PS4, provided the same SEN account is logged in to both systems.

And for the PlayStation App on mobile, users are getting a few new push notification options for friends requests and updates.

Despite some missing features at launch, it appears the PS4 is fast improving - incorporating features that gamers have requested and some that they didn't even know were possible. Pre-loading and HDCP control are certainly two of the bigger features for update 1.7, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Again, the update should go live some time tomorrow.

What update 1.7 features are you most excited about? What features do you hope to see in an upcoming update?

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Source: PlayStation Blog