There Are Some Secret Features in PS4 Firmware Update v3.50

PSN down? Now you don't even need to Google it

by Sammy Barker Thu 3rd Mar 2016

Despite requests from Sony not to share any specific details regarding PlayStation 4 firmware update v3.50, the full feature list has... Well, inevitably leaked on Twitter. And there's much more to the system software overhaul than the ability to receive friend notifications and to appear offline. In fact, there are quite a few features that the platform holder's yet to officially announce.

For instance, according to the patch notes, you'll now be able to view the PlayStation Network's status from the console itself. You'll also be able to send party invitations to communities and share 'What's New' activities with others, while Sub Account functionality will be improved for users of a "certain age". Accessibility options will also be compatible with "more features".

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Still not a huge list of improvements, then, but there's some decent stuff in there. Have any of these improved your opinion of the upcoming update? Don't break your NDA in the comments section below.

[source twitter.com]

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

1
FullbringIchigo
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

the ability to see PSN status is a great addition

2
Melucine
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

Imo kinda boring and a bit useless update, nothing that I would like to see in it.

3
Worlock_ed
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

I just want to change my PSN ID

4
get2sammyb
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

@Melucine It's fine, it just feels like there's no headline feature or improvement. Bit disappointing, I agree.

5
Melucine
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

@get2sammyb Friends notification, offline indication and a new service to upload videos are the only thing that make a difference, nothing to be exciting about imo. Where are the folders? the library management, external hard drive support, just to mention some of the things they can do ?
Sure it is a small step to the right way, but nothing special to make the do a close beta test. At least they should have enable the remote play to PCs, it seems like a future that does needs a testing.

6
Victor_Meldrew
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

@Worlock_ed yeah, I don't see why they can't swap all usernames with an ID number and provide an additional function for 'seen as' usernames. I've heard some nonsense on hear about the complexities of making such a change but that's nonsense to me, a straight swap of usernames to a ID number seems fairly straightforward.

7
FullbringIchigo
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

@Melucine i for one would rather they release these features over time and ensure they work rather than all at once and risk messing up the system

8
Melucine
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

@FullbringIchigo I don't disagree with that, but they are minor updates that they don't need a beta testing. Remote Play on the other hand has a lot of potential to fail without the tests.

9
FullbringIchigo
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

@Melucine this is also true

10
RoosterCogburn
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

I guess all these updates will come across a bit mundane for me until they announced external HD compatibility. I was happy with the ps4 functionality out of the box, so the further updates and iterations are just icing on the proverbial cake.

11
usb
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

@warlock_ed just create a new psn id problem solved

12
Draythedestroyer
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

To be fair when the top dog is posting photo's of himself to all his followers on the PSN all NDA's go out the window.

13
IvanDrago316
Thu 3rd Mar 2016

Re the PSN status feature - Would it not make more sense for some kind of display (like a red light for down/green light for fine) on the main menu screen? Up in one of the top corners for example. That way you would see it at a glance without having to access the Settings/Network sub menus. Decent addition but could be executed in a better way I think.