PS4 System Software 5.00 now available for download

Vertical display of the PlayStation 4 Slim PlayStation

Sony has released the firmware update for their gaming console PlayStation 4, codenamed Nobunaga.

PS4 System ver5.00 promises features and functions where some are new while most appear to be minor improvements. The 375 MB update is mandatory to the system and will automatically begin downloading once the console turns on.

At the center of the firmware update is PS4's built-in broadcasting system getting a major enhancement. Users can now stream their games at 1080p on 60 frames per second (fps). This, of course, is under the premise that the user has a very strong and stable connection.

For the PlayStation Virtual Reality (PSVR), a new setting will display Spectator and Spectator's Comments in VR Mode, making it easy for PSVR streamers to keep communicating live with their viewers.

A blog post in the site wrote, "Before 5.00, you were only able to follow Verified Accounts, but now you can follow any user without having to be friends with them."

This update of the PS4's Friends List mean that "Overwatch" players can invite other players who are playing the same game without adding them as friends, thus making it easy to pick out which ones are toxic from those who are not. Furthermore, this enhanced management tool will make it easier for users to follow content creators and other gamers.

Yet, the most important update to the system is the revamp on the PlayStation Network accounts that features Parental Control. Dubbed as "Family for PSN," this system works under the Master/Sub account system. With the update, one account will be the Family Manager that will assign other accounts to Parent/Guardian, Adult, or Child. Accounts under Child can be restricted by accounts under Parents or Guardians. These restrictions include online communication, internet browsing, and limited spending for the PlayStation Store.

Other improvements include the Messages update. Sent messages that have website links will display a preview of the website.

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