Sony has announced that the latest major software update for the PlayStation 4, version 4.00, will be available tomorrow. This update – codenamed Shingen – has been anticipated for some time now.
We have known for a few weeks that the update will contain some new features PS4 owners have been clamoring for. Those who participated in the 4.00 beta have already tried them out. Chief among them is folders and library organization. A system UI refresh, complete with a new Quick Menu and a revamped Share Menu, is another part of the update that improves the look and feel of the system. Also part of the UI refresh is the ability to view Trophies offline, useful for a trophy who…er, Hunter like me.
On their PlayStation Blog post, however, Sony details other changes that were not part of the beta. Among them is the firmware updates required for the upcoming PlayStation 4 Pro. That includes 1080p streaming for Remote Play and Share Play; 1080p 30/60fps live broadcasting on YouTube; and 1080p 30fps live broadcasting on Twitch. This update will also add HDR video output to all PS4s, which will allow them to display HDR content, providing an HDR compatible display is used.
The Quick Menu will now include an enhanced Music section that allows you to control and play music on Spotify without having to open the app. The Music section will also allow players to discover playlists recommended for whatever game a user is playing.
Other UI changes will include a revamped What’s New section that offers more information about what friends are playing; a redesign to the Content Info screen that will show more information about selected games; and a new Data Transfer feature that allows transfer of all data over wired LAN. This is meant as a way for players who buy a PS4 Pro to easily transfer their data from the old console to the new one.
The PlayStation 4 Update 4.00 should be ready for install as soon as players turn on the console tomorrow.
