X

Sony's PS4 update lets you experience HDR today

Latest software update for Sony's console lets you play games in HDR and adds PS4 Pro-specific streaming features.

Headshot of Ty Pendlebury
Headshot of Ty Pendlebury
Ty Pendlebury Editor
TV and home video editor Ty Pendlebury joined CNET Australia in 2006, and moved to New York City to be a part of CNET in 2011. He tests, reviews and writes about the latest TVs and audio equipment. When he's not playing Call of Duty he's eating whatever cuisine he can get his hands on. He has a cat named after one of the best TVs ever made.
Expertise Ty has worked for radio, print, and online publications, and has been writing about home entertainment since 2004. He is an avid record collector and streaming music enthusiast. Credentials
  • Ty was nominated for Best New Journalist at the Australian IT Journalism awards, but he has only ever won one thing. As a youth, he was awarded a free session for the photography studio at a local supermarket.
Ty Pendlebury
2 min read
<p></p>

Sony unleashed a highly anticipated PlayStation 4 software update on the gaming public Tuesday with features including high-dynamic range (HDR) and support for the new PS4 Pro.

The software update, version 4.00 (code-named Shingen), also offers a refreshed system UI, Folder organization, updates to the Quick Menu and Share Menu, and Library improvements. The update preps the way for Sony's two new PS4 models: the PlayStation 4 Slim, coming September 15, and the PlayStation 4 Pro, coming November 10.

Sony said last week that all PS4 users, not just owners of the Pro, would be able to use the HDR feature. Owners of compatible TVs will be able to select HDR in the Video Output Settings for gaming and streaming entertainment content. The PS4 Pro will not get a 4K Blu-ray player as expected and will not be able to display 4K/HDR disks.

ps4-whats-new.png

A view of the new Activity Feed.

 Sony

In anticipation of the Pro's launch in November, the update includes 1080p streaming for Remote Play on PC/Mac and compatible Xperia devices, YouTube live broadcasts (30/60fps) and Twitch (30fps). Sony also introduced a "Data transfer to New PS4" feature, which lets users to backup over a wired LAN connection, in anticipation of people upgrading to the new console. Gamers will be able to transfer games, user info and saved data over a local network instead of having to backup to the cloud first.

Other changes include a redesigned What's New, which includes more information about your friends' activities, plus a new content info screen. The update also brings an enhanced Music section that lets users navigate and control Spotify without needing to open the app.

Watch this: Sony unveils PlayStation 4 Pro