When PCU brought you the news of the PlayStation Pro announcement, we also told you that there would be a big firmware update to existing PS4 consoles coming this week.  Well, that time has arrived, and we have the rundown on the (rather large) update.

After being in its beta phase for just over a month, the PS4 4.0 firmware update has been released.  Users will now see new folders, a new quick menu, and of course, the HDR compatibility that was talked about in the announcement that Sony gave regarding the PlayStation Pro. Let’s take a look at some of the more notable features of the update.

• First, is the improved PlayStation Quick Menu.  The size has been reduced, so it no longer takes up the full screen. There are now some additional customization options, allowing users to tweak the music they’re playing, adjust the parties they can join, and even see trophies for the game they are currently playing. However, players are not able to send messages through the new menu.
• Then, there is the folder feature. PlayStation users can now create folders, in which to organize their respective home screens.  Let’s face it, though…you know we’re just going to stash all of our unused apps into those, right?
• Player profiles have also been tweaked for this update. It’s now easier to see what games your friends play, as well as the trophies they’ve earned. Additionally (much like most social media profiles), PlayStation users can now use a “cover photo”, which will go over the top half of their profiles. This, however, must be one of the screenshots the users have taken while playing. In other words, we still cannot upload our own image to use.
• Now to one of my favorite things. If you have a LAN cable, you will now be able to transfer all the data currently stored on your console to a new one – if you upgrade to the PS Pro, for instance. Sony has stated that the data transfer will be quick & easy.
• There’s also been an update to the (mostly unused & uncared for) “What’s New” section. Sony has now made it so that users can see what their friends are playing, what parties they’ve joined, and get a glimpse at trending screenshots & videos worldwide.
• Finally, we get to the HDR compatibility. If you have a TV with HDR capability, you will now be able to use it to its full potential. All games & apps that support HDR, will now render with said HDR. It does need to be said, however, that there are no games out which currently have HDR capabilities. It seems that there will be some HDR patches being pushed out in the next few months, as we get closer to the release of the PlayStation Pro.

This is one of the larger firmware updates that Sony has pushed out in quite some time, and it seems that they’ve listened to their fans with some of the features. In addition to what we mentioned above, there are also smaller tweaks to the firmware, which include many video services (Twitch, YouTube, and Dailymotion) now supporting broadcasts in 720p at 60 frames per second.

With all the recent news about the PlayStation Pro, it would seem that Sony is really gearing up for its release with an update like this. We here at PCU will be keeping our eyes open for any new developments on the upcoming console shift.