PS5’s huge beta firmware is out, adding 3D audio without headphones and more

Sony has launched a significant new PlayStation 5 software update for beta testers, introducing a large number of new features.

Beta update 2.0-04.00.00 began rolling out on Thursday for users who enrolled in Sony’s PlayStation 5 system software beta program.

In addition to the ability to expand the PS5‘s storage with an off-the-shelf M.2 SSD, the PS5 beta enables 3D audio support through TV speakers (the feature has only worked with headphones since launch).

“You can also measure the acoustics of your room using the microphone on your DualSense wireless controller to apply the 3D audio setting that’s optimised for your room,” the update notes read.

• Related: PS5 storage upgrade guide - How to upgrade PS5's SSD storage

Sony also says it has improved the game audio quality of some titles when 3D audio for headphones is enabled.

From the PS5 home screen and game library, different platform versions of the same game that have been installed will now be listed separately, with icons indicating which is the PS4 one and which is the PS5 version.

In Game Base, users can now access party text chats and send messages from the control menu. Players can also see how many friends are online, busy, or offline, and manage multiple friend requests simultaneously.

In Trophies, players can now track up to five trophies per game in the control centre using the trophy tracker. When viewing the trophy lists of games, trophies will now be displayed vertically instead of horizontally, allowing more information about each one to be displayed by default.

Sony also says users can now customise their control centre more freely by rearranging all of the controls at the bottom of the screen.

In PlayStation Now, Sony says the streaming connection test now lets users identify and fix problems with their connection, and players can now choose their maximum streaming resolution to optimise performance. Game hubs will also make it clear if and when a title is set to be removed from the subscription service.

Further reading

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Sony is finally rolling out PS5 SSD storage expansion, starting with beta users

But only specific types of drive are supported, and players may need to attach their own heatsinks

When players are competing in challenges for new best times or high scores, PS5 will automatically record a clip if they set a new PB. And Sony has introduced more video lengths for users to choose from when saving recent gameplay.

Parental controls have also been updated so that when a child requests to play a game or use communication features, their parent will get a notification via the PS5 and PlayStation app.

The child will also be notified if their request has been accepted or denied, or if they’ve been barred from playing a game or using a communications feature.

Sony also says it has simplified the process of connecting, disconnecting and setting up internet connections, and that it has updated the DualSense wireless controller device software to improve stability.