The word Yukimura might not mean much to anyone right now but PlayStation gamers could be celebrating it tomorrow.
Yukimura is the codename for the system software update, version 2.50, which will bring a range of big new features to the PS4 this week.
Here is a round-up of the key things you can expect:
Suspend/Resume
Suspend/Resume, which will be supported by nearly all titles, will allow PS4 owners to spend less time waiting for games to load and more time playing. Gamers will be able to suspend their game by putting their PS4 into rest mode, and then quickly resume where they left off by pressing the PS button on the controller, which wakes their system.
Back-up and restore hard disc drive to USB drive
PS4 owners will be able to back-up and restore the hard disc to and from an external USB drive. Hard disc drive data includes settings, saved data, screenshots and video clips as well as games, patches and download data.
Find and connect with Friends
PS4 owners will be able to search for Facebook friends with their linked account. Friend requests and real name requests can be sent together in one step when adding a friend on PS4.
The update will allow users to easily view what their friends are playing by adding a ‘Friends Who Play This’ section on each game detail page, while also highlighting which friends are currently online and playing it.
The process to create a party has also been streamlined with a reduction in the number of steps required. Additionally, the What's New section will now feature a section where users can see what their friends are currently playing, enabling them to join in the game if they own it or find out more on PlayStation Store.
Share your trophies and trophy list enhancements
PS4 owners have been sharing their most impressive gaming moments since the launch of the system, and with Yukimura a screenshot will automatically be captured when a trophy is earned.
The update will also make it easy for players to share trophy information to Facebook, Twitter or via message by pressing the share button.
Additionally, users will now be able to sort their trophy list by earned date, not earned and grade as well as the option to remove games from the trophy list that have zero per cent completion.
Accessibility options
Yukimura introduces new options to customize the user experience with PS4, making it easier for gamers with impaired vision and limited manual dexterity to play.
Customized button assignments for Dualshock 4 and a zoom feature for displayed pictures and inverted colors will be available for all system functions, apps and games. Enlarged text will be available across the graphical user interface, including message and party, and enlarged text will also be enabled for use in the system's browser. Bolder fonts and higher contrast UI will be available for all system applications but will not apply to games or third-party applications.
Remote Play and Share Play
For games that support 60fps, users will be able to automatically enjoy those games with 60fps for both Remote Play and Share Play on supported devices. A PS Vita system software updates at the same time will enable it to support 60fps streaming for Remote Play.
Automatic installation for system software updates
Users will be able to automatically install future system software updates.
Sub-account upgrade
Users 18 years of age or older with sub-accounts will be able to upgrade to a master account directly on PS4, removing restrictions on chat and enabling users to add funds to their wallet, purchase content and more.
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