Summary

  • Update 9.00 for PS5 brings improved DualSense features like controller speaker function and mic input quality.
  • Users can also now adjust brightness of console power indicator light.
  • In addition to further performance improvements, players can interact with gaming hosts via Share Screen through emojis and pointers.

Sony releases Update 9.00 for the PlayStation 5 console, adding in a number of new quality of life features, including the ability to dim the power indicator light, as well as making further improvements to the DualSense audio and microphone. If rumors are to be believed, 2024 could be a big year for Sony, even with a currently sparse first-party release schedule. There are rumblings that Sony could be preparing some sort of PS5 Pro Console announcement later this year, as the company recently stated that the current model is entering the later half of its life cycle.

As fans wait for new first-party game announcements, Sony continues to work behind the scenes on keeping their consoles updated with the latest technology and functionality. In fact, many were surprised to see the PlayStation 3 get a new system update in February, which made further improvements to system performance overall. While that update may not be very exciting, current PS5 users will have to download a brand-new update for their console upon logging in, with this latest patch adding in a number of highly requested features.

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For many players, one of the biggest changes comes to Sony's DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers and the sound quality they offer. Following this update, the controller speakers can now produce higher volume sound, which Sony indicates will help players hear in-game sounds and voice chat audio more clearly. In addition, the mic input quality has also been improved thanks to a newly added AI machine-learning model. Background noise, which can sometimes be captured, like game audio or button clicking, are now better filtered out to provide a better voice chat experience.

Outside of the DualSense controller updates, this patch also allows PS5 users to adjust the brightness of their console power indicator light from the system settings. The recently added Share Screen feature to the PS5 has also received a handful of new functionality as well. Players who are watching Share Screen can now interact with the host's gameplay by utilizing pointers and emoji reactions once the Viewer Interactions setting is enabled from its settings.

The use of AI technology shouldn't be too surprising for fans as a recent patent filed by Sony indicated the company could be developing some sort of framework for AI streaming. The patent reveals that the "AI player" could also incorporate machine leanring and analyuze feedback data to update its in-game behavior to better represent human players. It's clear that Sony continues to push its technology and if these patents actually come to fruition, AI could be a bigger part of the PlayStation brand's future.

PlayStation 5 Update 9.00 Patch Notes

  • We've updated the device software of the DualSense and DualSense Edge wireless controllers to improve their sound features.
    • The controller speakers can now produce higher volume sound, allowing you to hear in-game sounds and voice chat audio more clearly.
    • The mic input quality on these controllers has been improved with a new AI machine-learning model. Background noise from button presses and game audio are suppressed, resulting in a better voice chat experience.

  • You can now adjust the brightness of your PS5's power indicator.
    • Go to Settings > System > Beep and Light, and then select Brightness.

  • We've added new features in Parties and Share Screen.
    • Players watching Share Screen can use pointers and emoji reactions to interact with the host's gameplay.
      • Viewers can use a pointer or indicate a specific location on the gameplay screen with ping.
      • Viewers can also send emoji reactions.
      • This feature is available when the host turns on Viewer Interactions in the Share Screen settings.

  • Unicode 15.1 emoji is supported. You can now use them in messages.
  • We've updated the device software of the DualSense and DualSense Edge wireless controllers, PlayStation VR2 headset, PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, and Access controller to improve stability.
  • We've improved system software performance and stability.
  • We've improved the messages and usability on some screens.
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PS5
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Brand
Sony
Original Release Date
November 12, 2020
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Sony's PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon's Souls and Astro's Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.

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Original MSRP (USD)
Disc Edition: $499.99; Digital Edition: $399.99