PS4 Firmware v4.50 is officially available as of today, bring with it lots of new features and improvements. Since the changelog for the beta was revealed, Sony has managed to add in extra features including automatic activation of the PS4 as primary system on first login, in-game chat compatibility using Remote Play and more.
Main features in version 4.50 update
- You can now use a USB storage device to install applications or move applications from your PS4’s system storage. The following USB storage devices can be used. Select (Settings) > [Devices] > [USB Storage Devices], select the connected USB storage device and then format it for use as extended storage.
- External hard disk drive
- USB 3.0 or later
- 250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum capacity
- The quick menu is now more user-friendly. Creating, joining and other party features are even easier to access.
- (Notifications) has been redesigned. All notifications now appear in a single list.
- When using Remote Play on a Windows PC, Mac, Xperia Smartphone or Xperia Tablet, you can now use your device’s microphone for voice chat in games or in parties.
- You can now use screenshots to customise the background of your home screen and function screen. Select (Settings) > [Themes] > [Select Theme] > [Custom].
- You can now post screenshots directly to activities, such as those shown in [What’s New]. Press the SHARE button, select [Screenshot] and then select [Activities] as the upload destination. Also, you can now tag games and fellow players.
- You can now post animated GIFs to activities and social applications.
- Your status is now visible as (Mobile) when you sign in to an application such as (PlayStation App), even when you are away from your PS4 system. This means you are available to communicate with Friends.
- You can now make a party public or private, even after the party has been created. Select (Party) > [Party Settings] > [Party Privacy].
- PlayStation VR now supports Blu-ray 3D content.
Other features in version 4.50
- The PS4 system you use to sign in to PlayStation Network for the first time is now automatically activated as your primary PS4 system.
- As a parent or guardian, you can now easily create sub accounts for your children when creating your master account.
- You can now upload or download saved data directly from the home screen. Press the OPTIONS button and then select [Upload/Download Saved Data].
- You now have the option to share screenshots on PlayStation Network. When sharing, you can also adjust privacy settings.
- You can now launch (SHAREfactory) directly from (Capture Gallery). Press the OPTIONS button while viewing (Capture Gallery) and then select [Edit in SHAREfactory].
- You can now change the colour of your profile screen to match the cover image. On your profile screen, select (Options) > [Change Cover Image] > [Change Background Colour].
- When reporting inappropriate content, you can now preview your report before sending.
- The design of (PS4 Remote Play) for Xperia has been updated.
- When you receive a party invitation, you can now respond from (Messages) or (PS Messages) with a quick reply.
- Your profile screen cover image on your PS4 system is now displayed in (PS Messages).
- Cinematic mode image quality on PlayStation VR has been improved.