PlayStation Beta Update Adds Party Options, Voice Commands To PS5

gamespot.com:

Sony is rolling out a new beta for its PS4 and PS5 consoles tomorrow, adding a suite of UI changes, adjustments, and accessibility features. Most notably though is an entirely new feature coming to PS5 that will let users give the console voice commands.

Limited to U.S and U.K users, the version of voice command heading to PS5 consoles is a preview according to a post on the PlayStation Blog. Still, players who make it into the beta will be able to have their PS5 open a game or app, as well as pause or resume media playback using their voice, just like PS4 users can. From a screenshot shared in the same blog post, it seems that users will be able to give voice commands to their PS5 by saying «Hey Playstation!» first.

As for party chats, users enrolled in the beta on PS5 and PS4 will be able to start closed parties as well as open parties. Closed parties are essentially invite-only voice chats, letting players pick and choose who gets in. Users on PS4 will also be able to individually adjust the voice volume of anyone in their party, just like PS5 users can.

The PS5's UI is also getting some slight changes, although folders--a popular feature on the PS4--aren't on that list. Instead, users will be able to filter their game collection by genre and tag some to be kept on their home screen. Additionally, the home screen will be able to hold a total of 14 games and apps.

While these changes, among others, will be coming in the latest PS4 and PS5 betas, not everyone will be able to try them out. According to the blog post, access will only be open to selected beta participants in applicable countries. Of course, everyone with a PS4 or PS5 will be able to try out these features when they're officially rolled out later this