A new PlayStation 5 update ‘improves system performance’

Voice command features remain in beta

Sony Interactive Entertainment has released a new PlayStation 5 system software update.

The platform holder said PS5 software update version 21.02-04.51.00, which rolled on Tuesday, “improves system performance”.

Little about what the update actually does is known, but this isn’t uncommon. Updates that “improve stability” are regularly released on PlayStation hardware.

While it isn’t included in this update, PS5 beta participants in the US and UK have been testing new ‘Hey, PlayStation!’ voice command features for finding and launching games and apps, as well as controlling media playback.

Following PS5’s first system software beta last July, the console’s second beta will also introduce new customisation options across party chat, Game Base and accessibility settings, which Sony has detailed on the PlayStation Blog.

The features being tested will be made widely available when the final system software updates launch globally later this year.

PlayStation owners interested in testing software betas can register to do so for PS4 and PS5.

Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed it will stream a new State of Play presentation this Wednesday, March 8.

Kicking off at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 10pm UK and lasting for about 20 minutes, the broadcast will focus on announcements and updates for games coming to PS5 and PS4.

“Note: We won’t have any updates on PlayStation VR2 titles or hardware in this broadcast,” Sony said.