PS5 System Software Update: Classic Console Designs Return, Audio Focus Arrives
Get ready for some nice changes your way. Sony has announced a new system software update for the PS5. It's bringing back an option many of you have asked for, plus adding a handy new audio feature. The rollout begins globally in phases from April 24th.
Relive the Past: Classic PlayStation Console Designs Are Back!
Remember those sweet, limited-time designs that gave your PS5 home screen the look and feel of a vintage PlayStation console. Great news. Sony listened loud and clear. Thanks to an "overwhelmingly positive response" from fans, the retro aesthetic and feel of the PlayStation 1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 user interfaces are now officially back to stay. You can now customize your PS5 home screen with these beloved designs for good.
Look for this feature under the Settings menu. It will likely be labeled as "Appearance," so that you can change up your console's look whenever you're in the mood to relive the past.
Tune In: Say Hello to Audio Focus for Headphones
Enhancing your gaming experience isn't just about how it looks. It's also about what you're hearing. The new update brings in "Audio Focus," a feature that enables you to gain more control over your sound, especially when playing with a headset or headphones.
Audio Focus enhances your gameplay and makes things more accessible for you by being able to increase quiet sounds up to your comfort level. It might make your character's lines easier to make out and less noticeable in-game audio cues like footsteps audible, and even render party chat vocals easier to make out.
Some examples of types of sounds that you can have increased are listed below:
Boost Low Pitch:
Perfect to make engine revs and deep rumbling noise audible in a large way.
Boost Voices:
Steals the show in bringing out voices – whether that be your in-game avatar or a party member."
Boost High Pitch:
Perfect for highlighting higher, sharper sounds like footsteps or clanks of metal."
Boost Quiet Sounds:
Enhances low-sounding noises across a broader frequency range, so you don't miss a beat.
You can also personalize the strength of each boost (Weak, Medium, Strong) and even adjust the levels for the left and right channels of the headphones separately to your preference.
You can reach the Audio Focus settings through Settings > Sound > Volume > Audio Focus. It will also be accessible directly from the Control Center during gameplay for convenient tweaks.
Important Note: Audio Focus only for headphones connected via USB or the analog jack. Not for audio outputting through HDMI to your AV receiver, TV, or soundbar.
What Do You Think?
It seems like Sony is hearing what players have to say with these patches. Reintroducing a fan-favorite cosmetic choice and introducing a practical tool for audio tweaking. Are you stoked about having those old-school themes return Or is the new Audio Focus something you'll be utilizing right away Let us know what you're thinking.
Source: Playstation Blog
