For a few PlayStation 4 owners, a new update is on the way. The beta test for update version 3.50, codenamed “Musashi,” starts today, and it comes with a few interesting features for Sony’s flagship console.
Remote Play
The most notable addition in the Musashi update is Remote Play functionality on a PC or Mac, which means that you could stream PS4 gameplay to a computer. The feature was initially revealed in November with a tweet from Shuhei Yoshida, the head of Sony Worldwide Studios. In the past, Remote Play worked only on the PlayStation Vita handheld and the Xpera Z2 and Z3 smartphones.
With Remote Play on a computer, Sony joins Microsoft in the streaming race. In August, the Xbox parent company allowed users to stream gameplay from their Xbox One to a Windows 10 PC at 1080p and 60 frames per second. However, it’s still unclear as to what resolution and framerate will be available on Sony’s Remote Play platform.
Even though it’s coming with the update, beta testers won’t be able to use it. Sony is probably still in the process of developing the streaming app, or ensuring that controllers are supported on both PC and Mac with its own driver. However, the announcement said that “you can look forward to it soon.”
Play With Friends Or Stay Invisible
The rest of the update includes more features for online play. You can plan a scheduled event for group parties, so when everyone shows up at the specified event time, they will automatically join a party, which saves time in the setup process.
If you want to remain invisible to online friends, you can change your settings to appear offline. You can toggle your online status manually, or automatically appear offline once you enter your account. Conversely, if you want to keep track of a friend’s online status, you can set up a notification that tells you when they’re online.
Even if you’re not playing the same game, you can join a party with your friends. In the new update, the party menu also shows you what games your friends are currently playing. You can either choose to join them and play the same game, or start a completely different title altogether.
Coming Soon
Sony didn’t put a release date on the Musashi update, nor did it specify how long the beta test would take. PC and Mac Remote Play is the most notable highlight within the update, and Sony will likely keep fans informed on its progress as it continues to polish the next big update for the PlayStation 4.
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