The next PS5 system software update will let you dim its glowing lights

PlayStation has announced a new wave of features coming to the next PS5 system software update, which is now in beta.

According to the PlayStation Blog, the new features are rolling out to beta participants, and should you be signed up to receive such invitations, you’ll receive an email later today.

The headline features of the new update include enhancements to the DualSense wireless controller’s built-in mic and speaker. According to the blog post, the in-controller speaker can now send sounds at a higher volume, and with improved clarity.

The update will also improve the clarity of audio when a player uses voice chat via the controller, rather than a dedicated headset.

Also included in the update is new Share Screen functionality which allows players who are viewing a host playing a game to interact with the screen, such as drawing on the screen, sending emoji reactions, and more.

Finally, the update will allow players to change the brightness of the large colourful bars that appear on the PlayStation console.

The bars, which indicate the console’s power state, can be switched from bright (the default setting) to medium, as well as dim. There’s no way to turn them off entirely, presumably so that the console isn’t disconnected from power when it’s on, or in rest mode, as this can result in data loss.