Key Points:
- Discord Voice Chat Integration: PlayStation 5 users can now directly access Discord voice chat from their consoles, streamlining communication with friends.
- Expanded Functionality for Child Accounts: Child accounts gain the ability to link third-party apps like Discord and music streaming services, with added parental controls for monitoring and management.
- Improved System Performance and Stability: The update brings general system enhancements, improved messaging clarity, and resolves specific issues with PlayStation hardware.
Sony has released a substantial firmware update (version 24.04-09.40.00) for the PlayStation 5, bringing exciting new features and improvements to the console’s functionality. This update caters to both enhanced communication and tighter parental control.
The most anticipated addition is the long-awaited integration of Discord voice chat. Gamers can now seamlessly access Discord voice channels directly from their PS5 consoles. This eliminates the need for switching between devices and simplifies communication with friends during online gameplay sessions. To access this feature, users simply need to open the Game Base within the Control Center and select the dedicated Discord tab.
This update also introduces expanded functionality for child accounts. Younger players can now link their child accounts to third-party services and apps, unlocking features like Discord voice chat, music streaming via Apple Music and Spotify, and even game broadcasting and sharing on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Importantly, Sony has implemented new parental controls to accompany this expanded functionality. Parents and guardians will receive notifications when a child’s account links to a third-party service and will have the ability to manage these connections, ensuring a safe and controlled online experience for younger users.
The update goes beyond communication features, offering general system improvements. The update enhances system software performance and stability, improves the clarity and usability of messaging on certain screens, and even addresses specific hardware issues. Notably, the update resolves a problem with the PULSE Elite Wireless headset that caused it to turn off when an audio cable was connected. Additionally, the update improves the stability of the PlayStation Link connection and reduces the brightness of the status indicator light on the PULSE Elite Wireless headset after establishing a PlayStation Link connection.
With this update, Sony demonstrates its commitment to continually improve the PlayStation 5 experience for all users. The addition of Discord voice chat integration streamlines communication, while the expanded functionality for child accounts, coupled with enhanced parental controls, empowers families to navigate the online gaming world with greater control and peace of mind.
