PS4 System Software Update 5.50

Sony Computer Entertainment have today released a mandatory update for Playstation 4.

This new PS4 system software update provides improved organisational features, additional parental controls and supersampling for Sony PS4 Pro.

Organisational Features

There are numerous new features to the PS4 operating system:

• Wallpapers via USB
• Custom Tournament Images/Backgrounds
• Improved Library UI
• Quick Menu Enhancements
• Notifications Update
• Background Music on Playstation Now

Wallpapers

With the new PS4 system software update, users are now able to import custom images and wallpapers directly from USB storage, a much sought after feature.

In order to take advantage of this feature the image files on the USB media must be located in a folder named “Images” in order for the new PS4 system software update to “see” them.

To find and apply the images insert your USB media to the Sony Playstation 4 console and then using the PS4 operating system navigate to:

Settings > Themes > Select Theme > Custom > Select Image > USB Storage Device

Custom Tournament Images

PS4 system software  update 5.50 allso allows users to apply custom images for use as a team logo or background.

To find and apply the images insert your USB media to the Sony Playstation 4 console and then using the PS4 operating system navigate to:

Events > Teams > Select Team Name > Edit Team Profile

Improved Library UI

There are two new additional tabs to Library which have been added through PS4 system software update 5.5.0.

• This PS4
  • Name/Avatar
• PS Plus Tab

There is also the addition a command to hide certain applications. This accessed via Options menu in Library.

This PS4 Tab

This tab lists all applications currently installed on the PS4 console.

Name/Avatar Sub-Tab

This sub-tab lists all of the applications you have purchased using your currently registered PSN ID.

PS Plus Tab

PS4 system software update 5.50 also adds another tab to Library. PS Plus tab makes it easier to distinguish game you own from PS Plus subscription games. If your PS Plus membership is no longer active then a PS Plus icon with a lock will appear next to the game icon indicating that the game content is no longer available until you reinstate your PS Plus membership.

Quick Menu UI Improvement

Quick Friends

Access custom friend lists from Quick Menu. This allows you to:

• See who’s online
• Send messages (whilst playing)
• Send invites (whilst playing

Quick Music

Another useful feature of PS4 system software update 5.50 is the ability to manipulate music and media player features via Quick Menu:

• Spotify: use the square button
• Media Player/USB Music Player: triangle button to play/pause. Square for volume control.

Notifications

To remove old notifications, using the PS4 operating system navigate to Notifications and press triangle button (or select Options) to open the notifications management dialog. Here you can select single notifications to delete or bulk apply  delete action to notifications.

Background Music on Playstation Now

PS4 system software update 5.50 allows you to now play music whilst sreaming a game through Playstation Now.

Note: Background Music may not always be available depending on what the user is doing.

Parental Controls

There is a minor but important improvement to the parental contols of the PS4 console.

Playtime Management

Playtime Management allows the ability to set limits on the length of playtime an individual minor user can enjoy.

To apply this feature of PS4 system software update 5.50, using the PS4 operating system navigate to :

Settings > Family Management

This can also be controlled via Playstation Network on PC via a web browser or smartphone. From these controls the user can also set the PS4 console to log out once the alloted time has expired or to increase/decrease the amount of playtime.

Playtime Management will send a notification to the minor user informaing them of when they should save and quit what they are doing.

Supersampling (PS4 Pro Only)

The PS4 system software update has added a supersampling option to Video Output Settings to the PS4 Pro. To turn on this new feature, using the PS4 operating system navigate to:

Video Output Settings > Supersampling Settings

This will increase the visual quality of a display that is running at 1080p or less common for non-full HD display devices.

Some games will render at a higher resolution and be downscaled to match the connected display output effectively allowing the user to enjoy a more detailed image.

Note: performance may vary.

Playstation 4 is one of the best selling consoles in histiryand continues to sell well. Many top rated games are currently released for the Sony Playstation 4 such as Grand Theft Auto V, Call of Duty series and Assassin’s Creed Origins.

You can check the current game charts using the links below:

Playstation 4
Xbox One
PC
Nintendo Switch

Please share your thoughs in the comments section.

Michael, Editor – ChartX Games

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