PS5 Gets New Features, Variable Refresh Rate Arriving ‘In the Coming Months’ [IGN]

Sony outlined the features in a PlayStation Blog post and also confirmed that variable refresh rate (VRR) would arrive in the coming months. This means that users with HDMI 2.1-compatible TVs and PC monitors will experience smoother gameplay, sharper graphics, and reduced input lag.

In the new update, available globally today, users with accounts registered to the U.S. and UK can now use voice commands to open different apps, pause and play media, and more by saying “Hey PlayStation”, similar to Amazon’s Alexa.

When creating a party for online chat, users can also now choose between an open party, meaning friends of party members can join without an invite, or a closed party, meaning only invited users can join.

This can be done on the PS App too, which has received other updates including UI enhancements, a “dark mode” option when using Remote Play, and new language options.

Sony has also added a “Pro Tips” section to the control centre where users can read refreshers on PS5 features such as how to apply game presets on your console, pin videos and apps to your screen while you play, and share your screen with friends.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.