We’ve covered the PlayStation 4’s hotly anticipated v1.70 firmware update in great detail over the past few months, but a lot of the information that we’ve uploaded has centred on the headline features such as video editing suite SHAREfactory and the oft-requested pre-load functionality. Fortunately, the platform holder has just released a full list of patch notes for the upgraded system software, and it includes a handful of unexpected features.
For starters, the refresh will make it easier for you to find people to play with by allowing you to search the ‘Friends-of-Friends’ section of a user’s profile, view mutual buddies, and accept requests directly from the Friends list. You’ll also be able to type using the DualShock 4’s touchpad, as well as sort your Trophies by rarity. If that wasn’t enough, the update will add new voice commands, allowing you to boot up even more apps with your mouth.
If you’re not so keen on sharing your credit card information with Sony, then PayPal support has been added to the PlayStation Store, while PlayStation Plus subscribers will be highlighted with a new icon across the entire user interface. Lastly, if you’re also a Music Unlimited member, you’ll now be able to tell the world about your favourite songs by tapping the share button. Best not use that while enjoying B*Witched’s back catalogue, though.
We’ve included the full roster of patch notes below. Which features are you most looking forward to testing out for yourself? Remember to leave your PS4 in standby mode overnight if you want to minimise the disruption caused by this update, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on the refresh once you’ve had a chance to check it out.
PS4 Firmware Update v1.70
Automatic Pre-download: No more waiting until after a game is released to start downloading select pre-ordered games from PlayStation Store. This new feature allows you to get to your games faster by automatically downloading select pre-ordered games up to several days in advance of the release, so that it’s ready to play as soon as the game is released on launch day. There’s also a countdown timer prior to the release of the game so you’ll know how soon your game will be available for you to start playing.
Option to Disable HDCP for Games: This highly requested feature will allow you to have the option to turn off HDCP for games so you can capture longer gameplay sessions directly from your HDMI output and export them elsewhere.
USB Export Option for Captured Gameplay: It’s now even easier to show off your heroic gaming moments and the SHAREfactory videos you create with the world using this feature to export your videos and screenshots to a USB drive. Just click on the DUALSHOCK 4 SHARE button, save your gameplay on a USB drive, and then share your proudest achievements on other social networks and other video platforms.
Live Broadcasting in HD and Archiving Support: We’ve increased the resolution for live broadcasts so you and your friends can watch games livestreamed in 720p HD. You can also archive your broadcasts on Twitch or Ustream and watch them again later.
New SHARE Options: We’ve got a number of new SHARE settings that will give you better control of what you want to share with your friends. Here is what you can look forward to:
Change the default gameplay recording time in the SHARE menu under Video Clip Settings.
Save only the video clips and screenshots you want by selecting Upload Screenshots or Upload Video Clips for each capture. Also upload video clips and screenshots during your live gameplay broadcasts.
Select specific Facebook audiences to share each video or screenshot with.
New DUALSHOCK 4 Options: New light bar settings have been added for DUALSHOCK 4, allowing you to change it to Bright, Medium or Dim in the Settings menu. The touchpad has also been updated, allowing you to navigate the on-screen keyboard using the DUALSHOCK 4 touchpad.
New Friends Options: It’s now easier to find Friends and send requests with the ability to search Friends-of-Friends, view Mutual Friends on another user’s profile, and accept Friend requests directly from the Friends list.
New Trophies Sort Option: You can now sort Trophies by rarity in the Options menu.
PlayStation Store Payment Support: Similar to PS3, we’re introducing Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) for PS4 for content purchased on PS Store, starting with PayPal support.
More PlayStation Camera Commands: More voice commands are added to PlayStation Camera, allowing you to launch the apps installed on your PS4 with the sound of your voice.
New PlayStation Plus Icon: For Plus members, you’ll now have the PS Plus icon appear next to your SEN ID on the login screen, home screen and other areas across the PS4 system’s sleek user interface.
Music Unlimited SHARE Options: With a Music Unlimited subscription, you can easily share your favorite songs with your friends by pressing the SHARE button on your DUALSHOCK 4.
[source blog.us.playstation.com]
Comments 25
A couple of features I was kinda hoping might be in there but alas. I'm not planning on leaving my PS4 in standby mode in case if anything goes wrong with the update from Sony's end. Just bought my PS4 so I'm still in that caring for it like a small child phase lol
Sammy, you were correct before that HD streaming, and archiving would be in 1.70. I'm glad it's there. I can't wait for tomorrow.
@Clamedeus I was! However, it wasn't originally supposed to be part of this update - I guess they decided to bundle a couple of updates together, which is why this is such a bumper one!
I did say 'Disappointment awaits' and i was right (well for me anyway) Even tho there are some cool features for all the updates(for the PS4 + PSVita + PS APP) Nothing i really wanted is on that list :-/ Oh well maybe in another 5 months we will get MP3 playback and DLNA and Folders etc etc.
Da*n, that is one sexy patch! I was not expecting them to add more voice commands, but it's a very welcome addition. Look at me talking like I have a PS4 to take advantage of these features...
Expecting the unexpected, but these features listed here are pretty expected.
I do however enjoy being able to send friend requests by text now. So gamers who I randomly play a lot with or when I find out friends have a PSN, I can add them simply by text instead of going through the process of them texting me their name & me remembering to look at the text when I actually do get home & then having to use the PS4 on-screen keyboard. So I am glad for the PS App update.
STILL waiting on being able to have the earbud/mic that comes in the box pluged into the pad AND have the chat of the "Party chat" come out the tv at the same time, its draning
and Youtube . . . . . -.-
@get2sammyb Ah, well. I'll still give you credit.
Why aren't people talking about how we can change our avatar to any photo we want, according to Yoshida via Twitter ?
Literally the only thing I care about there (as I have no interest in the share functions) is the lightbar options.
Nice patch. I'm not sure what use sorting trophies by rarity is, though... would make more sense to be able to sort by date obtained like on PS3, so you can get all those you still need to get together at one end of the list.
I suspect things like DNLA, mp3 playback, and perhaps the suspend/resume feature will come with 2.0, perhaps sometime around E3. Not things that I need personally, but it'll stop a bit more of the endless whining.
Looking forward to the "navigate the on-screen keyboard using the DUALSHOCK 4 touchpad"
Hey! Bewitched are god damn national treasures over here
Disappointment. Only Sony device I own that doesnt play mp3.
Cool features navigate the on-screen keyboard using the DUALSHOCK 4 touchpad sound cool! Happy we can now record longer times!! I will be able to record a hole dungeon battle on FF14 now yay!! but still couple that are missing I thought "might" be in here Sammy?!.. Changing the back round to whatever we like,and same with our avatar picture? Not fussed about this mp3 play back missing! Also would like the feature to have my friends pop up on screen when they come online (yes I know it's a copy of the bad side!) But it was a very good thing I'm missing! but overal I'm happy with this update, PS4 is in stand by ready and waiting lol
@Midzark You can upload your own picture via the Playstation app to change your avatar & notifications have been added with this update too
@Paranoimia The endless whining is starting to grate isn't it? Im hoping they do the same & get most of the features in with a 2.0 update. Those puzzled as to why a Youtube app from Google isn't included with a Sony firmware update has me chuckling though
Thankfully Sony have decided to split the Sharefactory off into a seperate download so the 1.70 update is only a measly 194Mb, I hear the Sharefactory weighs in at around the 900Mb mark. I can't see myself using it enough to warrant a mandatory download. Still no 3D Bluray playback, but its not a bad update. At least now I can change my avatar to a nice, hot, steaming...bowl of beef ramen
@MadchesterManc Thank You!! just done it yay
Love the update, but come on Sony! If they're all about sharing and caring with this new console, then it's only logical to put a gifting option in the store :/ When will that come around, it'd be so much easier to give birthday presents and the like of downloadable games and content.
Either way, great update, but Sony's surprised me with such lack of foresight there. It wouldn't be so bad if they at least mentioned it as a coming feature or something.
@MadchesterManc Yes, the crying about a YouTube app is an odd one - not Sony's responsibility at all. I'm sure they're asking for one, but they can't force them to make it.
I do find it strange, though, that they didn't incorporate direct YouTube uploads into ShareFactory - it would be the perfect opportunity. If you're going to offload to USB and upload to YouTube via PC, you may as well edit on PC as well, since it's infinitely easier with a keyboard and mouse.
@adf86 Why worry about standby? The PS4 does not auto update the system, it just downloads the update which you have to install manually.
@Dohv because you could already do that. Remember this is your private profile pic not your public avatar which cannot be set to anything other than the preset images.
The only update with this is that you can do this from the companion app now (which has nothing to do with the firmware update)
@MadchesterManc its not your public avatar its your profile pic which is private.
Apparently, one of the newest features is constantly crashing your PS4 mid-game. 2 systems in the house and both are now unplayable thanks to the 1.70 update. Thanks Sony for beta testing so well prior to release!
Here is an update that i can almost guarantee you dont know about. You know about the PS Vita Remote Play support yes? The PS4 has had it for a while now.
Well, did you know that this update adds PS Vita TV Remote Play support? No? Well, now you can connect a PS Vita TV to a PS4 with Remote Play. I should know, i have done it successfully and played some Second Son.
Dont believe me? Youtube search ''Second Son PS Vita TV'' and you will see my video as first result proving this.
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