By Tom Warren, a senior editor covering Microsoft, PC gaming, console, and tech. He founded WinRumors, a site dedicated to Microsoft news, before joining The Verge in 2012.
Sony has started testing a new PlayStation 5 software beta that includes Dolby Atmos support, up to 8TB of M.2 SSD storage support, and a variety UI improvements. The beta is rolling out in select countries today and Sony typically makes beta features available to all PS5 consoles within a few months.
The biggest addition is Dolby Atmos support. In PS5 games it looks like Sony’s 3D Audio implementation (Tempest 3D AudioTech) will be compatible with Dolby Atmos devices like sound bars, TVs, or home theater systems. Media apps like Netflix can also update their apps on PS5 soon to support Dolby Atmos audio. “Tempest 3D AudioTech specifically renders to the Dolby Atmos audio devices in use – including overhead channels – allowing for even greater levels of immersion in the audioscapes of PS5 games,” explains Sony in a PlayStation blog.
The PS5 currently supports up to 4TB of expandable M.2 SSD storage, but that maximum is being increased to a 8TB limit with this beta software. You’ll still need an M.2 SSD that meets the minimum requirements (mostly 5,500 MB/s or faster), but a doubling of the storage limit means there are even more storage options for PS5 owners.
Sony is also adding a bunch of UI improvements and some quality of life changes with this latest PS5 software update. You can now mute the PS5 beep sound that chirps when you turn the console on or off, or when it goes into rest mode. Sony is also offering up the option to simply change the beep volume, too.
You’ll also get a new option to enable haptic feedback from a DualSense controller while
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