Sony details planned PS4 voice chat improvements

Sony has detailed plans for improved Party chat functionality on PS4.

These include better audio quality, increasing the maximum Party size from eight to 16 participants, and improved network connectivity.

The company said in a PlayStation Blog post that PS4 users will soon be able to register for a chance to participate in a preview scheme to test the new features.

Successful applicants won’t be able to join the same Party or use Share Play with players who aren’t participating.

“However,” Sony said, “the preview code we’ll be providing can be redeemed by 20 different qualifying accounts, so share the code with your friends and try out the new Party updates together.

“Once you participate in the Preview Program, Parties that you’re able to join will have an asterisk (*) in front of the Party name.”

Additionally, English-speaking US testers will receive early access to a chat transcription feature available through Party and the PS4 Second Screen app.

“By using this feature, you can convert Party voice chat to text on your Second Screen app, or enter text into your app which will be read aloud to other Party members,” Sony said.

While the new features will hopefully be rolled out to all PS4 users following successful testing, Sony added the following caveat: “Features and changes in Preview Program are not final, with no fixed release date, and subject to change without notice.”

According to Sony, the PlayStation Network has over 94 million monthly active users.