760°

Sony’s Latest Firmware Update For PlayStation 4 Could Be One Of Its Biggest Yet

There could be some big things coming to the latest firmware update for PS4, like the ability to change your PSN name and downloading PS1 classics. WWG runs down what could be the most exciting features.

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PhoenixUp2470d ago

Anytime a PlayStation console updates moves to a new whole number means that it's going to be a huge update

zivtheawesome2470d ago

wait weren't the .5 updates usually the bigger ones or am i remembering it incorrectly. what was added each time?

GameBoyColor2468d ago

The whole number change is the big one system wide. The .5s are usually features added.

ziggurcat2468d ago

whole number updates are usually the ones with the biggest feature additions. .5 increments usually have something new, but not nearly as big as the whole numbered ones.

NewMonday2468d ago

after over a decade I can finally change my name tag

(if rumors are true)

dantesparda2468d ago

Its not the whole numbers that are the big updates, its all .50 increments that are big, so for example, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, etc.

VenomUK2468d ago

I believe that we will get PSN name changes when Sony actually announces it!

I'm happy with mine because I chose wisely - between the USA and UK release of PS3 I had 5 months to think about it. But I know plenty who would love to change their PSN ID. I think it will happen, an old Sony user questionnaire asked people about it. Shuhei Yoshida will certainly have reported back about it, but there are technical issues with implementing this so I don't want to bet on what year.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2468d ago
ModiJi2470d ago

Looking forward to it, last update was fantastic.

I_am_Batman2470d ago

PSOne compatibility would be a great. It could also indicate that they will increase compatibility over time and might go for full compatibility with the PS5 so that you can play all your PSN and hopefully physical games on one console. Wish list would also be great even though it should've been implemented a long time ago.

InKnight7s2469d ago

It would be awesome but, Ps4 don't support CD format at all(ps1). Restricted reigon for DVDs will be another problem(ps2). I hope they find way to do Ps3 games.

fr0sty2468d ago

Cell processor isn't easy to emulate, and since PS4's CPU isn't known for being super strong, I wouldn't bet on PS3 emulation.

UltraNova2468d ago

What a shame the Cell processor had to die just to satisfy some lazy devs...

DarkZane2468d ago

All the PS4 need to read CDs is a firmware update. The laser for CD is in there, it's listed in the safety manual.

The software to read CDs is just not there, but the hardware definitely is.

Not that it matters, because PSOne classics likely means the ones we got on PSN for PS3/Vita/PSP, not actual disc backward compatibility.

FITSniper2468d ago

@UltraNova
It had to "die" because it was a dead end. Outside of the PS3, it didn't sell all that well. Yes it's difficult learning curve had a lot to do with that, but that's what happens when you do something extremely custom. They wanted to turn a specialized processor into a general purpose one and that doesn't work so well.

thekhurg2468d ago

@ultra

You can't just label a developer lazy because they aren't given the time or resources by their publisher to do a bunch of highly unique coding for cell processors. Especially when they're already strapped for time working more conventional hardware types.

Cell was amazing but in the age of multi platform gaming it was just too dense for anyone that wasn't making an exclusive.

rainslacker2468d ago (Edited 2468d ago )

@Ultra

It didn't really die. Most of the new technologies from CELL now exist in GPU's, and was a result of IBM and Sony's CELL efforts. It was what made GPU compute more readily available.

I think if Sony tried to continue with the CELL concept, it wouldn't be set up the same for this or future gens, because of the change in developmental procedures for games not requiring so much offloading in the direction of the CPU. It just made more sense to add it to the GPU, since they were mostly already set up for such procedures.

In any case, continuing with CELL would have been an expensive endevour, because CELL in general is more a niche processor designed for very specific things, so the cost to manufacture can't be offset by a more mainstream distribution.

In any case, with today's x86 technology, coupled with changes and advances in GPU technologies, the purpose of the CELL is kind of redundant and not even necessary with today's developmental paradigms.

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_-EDMIX-_2468d ago

That would nice, but I already have most of my favorite PS1 titles as digital on PS3. I've been buying them up for a while when sales come.

Recently re-played Resident Evil 3.

" might go for full compatibility with the PS5 so that you can play all your PSN and hopefully physical games on one console"

That would be pretty cool, but extremely unlikely. That would be crazy though!

Bruh2468d ago

They literally can do that with PS Now already, Sony just needs to stop being cheap and allow digital titles you own on PS3 to be streamed for free on Now.

Aenea2468d ago

Yeah, it's about time they would connect the 2 systems (they've been separated systems from the beginning) so PS Now can check if you actually own a game digitally and then stream that for free.

2468d ago
Mr_Writer852468d ago (Edited 2468d ago )

The problem with that is Now isn't and never has been an alternative to BC, and costs money to run.

Taking off the gamer specs for a moment, they have to pay to run the service, and I'm guessing games added to the service aren't free.

So I don't think it's tech that's stopping this it's the fact that doing this would cost millions to run with 0 profit made.

Sony are a business not a charity.

Edit what gum said.

Bruh2468d ago

@ImGumby

Hence why I said its cheap of them, its all fan-service. In fact backwards compatibility as a whole is fan-service, a companies doing it for good-will and good press. They'll def lose money on certain ends, but if you can promote the service through allowing gamers to stream their older library I would think its better than limited trials as to getting gamers more interested in Now.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2468d ago
ASBO-52468d ago

I hope they fix the audio sync problem i the media player, been messed up for waaaaaaaaaaaay too long

McGlinchey122468d ago

I never got that is it your internet speed?

blackblades2468d ago

Pretty sure the internet has nothing nothin to do with the media player.

Shakengandulf2468d ago

I haven't experienced this.. sure u haven't changed something your end, most amps/audio setups let u adjust audio sync.

boing12468d ago

It's a drifting de-sync. Must be a playback issue.

boing12468d ago

Yeah, same here. Started happening two updates ago.

blackblades2468d ago (Edited 2468d ago )

It's probably your videos.

pixlz2468d ago

Nah, its definitely a media player thing. Its actually why i still use my PS3. No drifting audio sync.

The Media player app could be much better.

McGlinchey122468d ago (Edited 2468d ago )

Sorry not his internet speed but his router signal/interference if he is using wireless

ASBO-52468d ago

WTF?? Why is my comment down voted? How can wanting them to fix a known issue with audio sync be something to disagree with?

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2468d ago
Bronxs152468d ago

Something SO big for them, to warrant a new version number has been on Xbox last gen. Change your username. Wow.

Wonder what they can add. I'm really surprised they added HDR to base PS4 a while back.

Aenea2468d ago

1) changing username does not need a firmware change, all done on the database and only needs a web interface to change it
2) it's not like both have been adding things from the other, didn't Xbox recently acquire 'communities' of some sort?

So I don't really get your tone...

yomfweeee2468d ago

Yep, you got it.... the whole new version number is simply because of username feature. You're the smartest man alive.

Bronxs152468d ago (Edited 2468d ago )

From the article. They play it up. Calling. It a huge feature and a game changer. Just found it funny because it's such a small thing. Mean while Xbox updates offered things like 360 backward compatibility. And the next one is adding original Xbox backward compatibility.

I guess the guy above didn't much like my tone since I guess it's pointing out the obvious. MS has been adding better features to their consoles this generation. Both software wise, backward compatibility and hardware wise like including 4k uhd in one s and one x.

(Insert mandatory remark about exclusives are all that matter and 4k blu dying or something)

Ps. Article quote
"This could be a huge feature. Some people have been looking to change the name of their PSN ID for what seems like years, without the ability to do so. It’s unsure how Sony will manage this option, as managing millions of names on the network probably takes a heaping handful of effort. But if Sony can introduce this, it will help players diversify their online personality into something that’s more fitting, rather than the default name they registered with when they first signed up with the PlayStation Network. If there’s a way for Sony to effectively make this happen, it could be a game-changer for a lot of online players."

Show all comments (76)
50°

Here's Everything I Expect From The Witcher 4's Combat

Danish from eXputer: "The Witcher's upcoming sequel needs to overhaul the series' combat system if it wants to make a big splash among gamers."

110°

Square & Bandai Namco Being Honest About Quality Is A Step In The Right Direction

Saad from eXputer: "After suffering from massive financial hits, Square Enix & Bandai Namco appear to be turning over a new leaf but I'm still unconvinced."

Nerdmaster2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

I was talking about games with some Japanese guys here in Japan, and it seems like around here Bandai Namco has a fame of making low-quality games, with the occasional gem.

About Square Enix, I believe they lack the capacity to improve. They should learn with Capcom (although even Capcom still makes some bad mistakes), but I don't think they ever will. They keep chasing whatever is new at the time (blockchain, AI...) to say "we innovate", without considering the public perception and if these things actually improve the games or not. Them releasing too many small games with no advertising also shows a lack of trust in its own products. Even with their biggest games, like turning FF into an action game with XVI and the very divisive plot changes regarding whispers and timelines in VII Remake, shows them trying to attract a new generation of gamers without understanding what made the series so big in the first place.

shinoff21832h ago

I want a true ff7 remake. With thatcsaid I'm way happier with 7 remake then I was with ff16. I'd still prefer turn based but square keep chasing these Lil kids

VersusDMC1h ago

People love the new FF's overall...the problem is the abundance of 7's they release that lose money or make very little like diofield, star ocean divine force, Valkyrie asylum, harvestella, foam stars, etc. Advertising wouldn't have saved those games. Apparently Forespoken had a big Advertising budget but we saw how that went.

shinoff21831h ago(Edited 1h ago)

Star ocean divine force actually sold well from what I've read not ff type numbers but well enough. Was a dope game to.

FinalFantasyFanatic13m ago

Bandai Namco is going to Bandai Namco, I do believe that Square Enix can't change without changing the entire management, they've had these issues for more than a decade and haven't learnt, I have very little faith they can course correct. I'll still buy their better remasters/remakes like Star Ocean 2 though (not FF7R).

CrimsonWing691h ago

I don’t know why NOW they decide on this, but I guess later is better than never.

80°

Baldur's Gate 4 Has a Huge Uphill Battle Without Larian

With confirmation that Larian Studios will not develop another Baldur's Gate game, the fourth entry has a major challenge on its hands.

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gamerant.com
kythlyn3h ago

Larian had big shoes to fill themselves. Hopefully another studio can pull off the same miracle, but uphill battle is an understatement at this point. It feels impossible that BG3 even exists and accomplishes what it does.

franwex3h ago

I doubt anyone will attempt a Baldur’s Gate 4 for minimum a decade. It took about 20 years to get a third one for a a reason.

shinoff21831h ago

I'd just copy every single thing larian did obviously with different story and characters. Sometimes innovation isn't needed at that particular time.