Announced by Sony this week, PS4 System Software 4.00 is a major release of the console’s operating system. Several aspects of the PlayStation 4’s core user interface have received attention, making the console simpler and easier to use. There’s also a new design being rolled out across the UI to give menus and notifications a more modern appearance.
There are now new system backgrounds for more customisation. Popup notifications have been redesigned to be easier to read and icons across the system have been reworked to be simpler and more obvious to look at. Sony describes the refresh as “a fresh coat of paint,” rather than a complete overhaul. It is aiming to retain the overall look and feel of the current design.
Images of Sony PS4 System Software 4.00 update
Sony
The company has implemented one of the most heavily requested features for the PS4’s interface. Fans have been asking for new ways to organise content in their collection, making it easier to view installed games and apps on a single screen.
With this update, Sony will introduce folders to the PS4’s content launcher. This will allow you to group apps and games into a single tile on the launcher. Selecting the tile expands the folder, revealing all the items within. This will allow you to save space on the launcher by collecting together similar games. Titles you don’t play as frequently can be hidden away, leaving more space for your favourites.
There are further changes coming to the Library. A new tab, Purchased, allows you to see at a glance all the content you’ve bought and own, regardless of whether it’s installed. The current Games and Applications tabs will now focus on content that’s actually installed, cutting more clutter from the interface to make it easier to find titles in the launcher.
Images of Sony PS4 System Software 4.00 update
Sony
Elsewhere, Sony has refreshed the User Profile screen to make easier to see information about your own gaming career at a glance. For the first time, you can add a custom background image to your profile to make it distinctively yours. Important statistics such as your progress towards game Trophies are now emphasised, letting you see how close you are to completing your collection.
The Quick Menu and Share Menu have each been overhauled to be faster and easier to use. They now cover only a small portion of the side of the screen, allowing you to keep an eye on game play while you interact with the menu. Previously, the menus were a full screen overlay that completely obscured the game.
Images of Sony PS4 System Software 4.00 update
Sony
The Quick Menu has been expanded with new options, including the ability to check the online status of friends and quickly access your Party, Favorite Groups and Communities. The menu can be customised, allowing you to order it as you want and add or remove items depending on the features you use the most.
The Share Menu has seen a similar update, focused on improving ease of use and quick access. It now saves the last social network you shared clips or screenshots to so you don’t need to select a share provider each time you open the menu. Sony said it creates a more “streamlined” sharing experience that cuts out a step in getting your content online.
Images of Sony PS4 System Software 4.00 update
Sony
The complete update is a substantial one that extends the PS4’s software with new capabilities that fans have been requesting. Sony says there’s still more to come, however. The final version 4 update will come with new features that aren’t available in the current beta, giving players more to look forward to.
Sony will announce the final launch date for the update “in the coming weeks.” The new software is likely to release alongside Sony’s announcement of the heavily upgraded PS4 “Neo,” expected to be revealed early next month.
