PS4 System Software 5.50 Brings New 'Supersampling mode'
The PlayStation 4 system's next major system software update 5.50 is tolling out to Beta testers today, and PS4 Pro users will see a new 'supersampling mode' under Settings, which enables those with HDTVs (i.e., 1080p or less) to enjoy an enhanced visual experience when playing some PS4 games.
With supersampling mode, games that render to a higher resolution when connected to a 4K TV will downscale to match the HDTV. Certain games already have 'supersampling' benefits as part of their 'PS4 Pro Enhanced' feature set, but this new mode can enhance the experience for those games that don't already have the feature. However Sony says that because PS4 Pro's added power and modes benefit different games in different ways, please note that certain games' image clarity may not improve with this new feature.
In 5.50, Sony is also introducing Play Time Management, Library UI updates, further enhancements to the Quick Menu, and much more.
Play Time Management will allow family managers (and adult family members who are set as guardians) to manage PS4 playtime for child family members on family on PSN. If needed, the family manager/guardians can apply playtime restrictions to make sure that the child is only playing for a set amount of time or within set playable hours. Notifications on PS4 will be sent to the child during gameplay so that he or she knows when they should save and quit. The family managers/guardians also have the option to add extra game time via their smartphone or PC. In addition, the family manager/guardians can choose whether or not to automatically log the child out of their PS4 once their playtime is over.
In addition, two new tabs are being added to Library to make it easier for you to see which apps you've installed and purchased. The 'This PS4' tab lists all the applications that are installed on the PS4 system, and the tab with your name/avatar lists all the apps that you purchased with your PSN ID.
This update also adds a new PS Plus tab to the Library, which clarifies what games you own from PS Plus' Monthly Free Games. If your PS Plus membership is expired, a PS Plus icon with a lock will appear next to your game so you'll know you cannot play the game until you've re-subscribed.
Sony is also adding a function that will allow you to hide certain applications under the 'Purchased' tab in the Library. In 'Options,' you can hide content including betas, trials or demos of games that you probably won't be going back to.
Whenever you're listening to music on PS4, you'll be able to access certain shortcuts from the Quick Menu. If you're using Spotify on PlayStation Music, the 'square' button will serve as the shortcut for volume control. And when you're on the Media Player or the USB Music Player, 'triangle' will work as the shortcut for play or pause, and the 'square' button as the volume control.
With Background Music on PlayStation Now, you'll be able to listen to your favorite tracks while streaming a game on PS Now. Just keep in mind that, similar to when playing a game locally on PS4, background music may not always be available.
This update will also give you the ability to delete old notifications for better organization and management.
Love customizing your PS4 Home Screen? Well, this new update will give you even more options. You can import your own images to PS4 from a USB stick and set it as your wallpaper. You can also zoom and crop your images so they look perfect on your dashboard.
Last but not least, following the 5.50 update, you'll be able to customize your Tournaments team page with your own team logo or background that you can import from a USB stick.