Sony is sprucing up its PlayStation 4 with a major update, and now we know more about what to expect.
The 3.00 system update for PS4 hits the system tomorrow, according to Sony’s PlayStation blog. We’ve previously covered this update, but now the company has shown off many of the new features in greater detail. This includes sharing clips to Twitter, YouTube broadcasting, and more. Gamers and critics have largely preferred Sony’s interface and system software to the Xbox One since both systems launched in November 2013, but Microsoft is also planning a major update for November. The 3.00 PS4 update could potentially help the Sony system keep its lead in the $30 billion console-gaming race.
Let’s take a quick look at each of the major new features:
Twitter video sharing
Since the PlayStation 4 launched, you’ve had the option to share recorded gaming clips to Facebook. Sony eventually added YouTube and Dailymotion, and now it’s also adding Twitter. That social media site has beefed up its video options over the last year or so, and now it could get a ton of use thanks to the huge PS4 install base.
PlayStation Plus section
PlayStation Plus is one of Sony’s most popular features, but it’s often hard to know exactly what you’re getting from it. That’s because PS Plus games and discounts are buried in the store — or at least they were. This update will introduce a dedicated section for the premium subscription service. A button will appear on the home screen and you can click it at any time to see your free games and other deals instantly.
YouTube broadcasting
Again, that Share button on the PS4’s DualShock 4 has always enabled gamers to broadcast their gameplay to Twitch and Ustream. But the 3.00 update will also introduce a YouTube Gaming option.
Events
Sony will try to make its massive community of PS4 owners feel more connected with a new Events feature. This hub will give each game a place to inform you about upcoming challenges and activities that you can either participate in or watch. The idea behind this is to improve engagement and keep people returning to older games for a longer period of time.
Improved social features
And it’s not just events that will help give the PS4 community a boost. Sony is also improving the messaging system. It will enable you to quickly access groups you chat with frequently and even manage a list of favorite groups you might want to keep for various games. Oh, and you can also use emoji-style stickers in chat now.
Those ideas are also expanding to a new official Communities hub where players can create central locations for people to join based on games or other shared interests.