Sony has already released the latest PS4 update patch to reach 8.00 firmware. As announced, it will be the last major update before the arrival of PS5 and includes interesting new features.
Group and message applications are now linked and simplified, using the same systems for voice chats and messages instead of having two different applications. It is also no longer possible to create events or access user-created ones, and the possibility of creating private communities has also been eliminated, although existing ones can still be accessed. All microphones can now also be muted using a quick menu and improved support for third-party 2-step verification applications.
Setting the tone for PS5, the PS4 Remote Play application has been renamed to PS Remote Play, now adding PS5 support as soon as the console is available next November. This is one of the first steps to integrate the new console into the PlayStation ecosystem.
There are also modifications to the parental control systems, combining in one feature the options to "communicate with other players" and "view content created by other players"; now it will be "communication and user-generated content". With regard to the control, children will be able to send a specific request to their parents to use communication features in certain games, with the ability to make specific exceptions.
Finally, new avatars for Bloodborne, Journey, Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, The Last of Us Part II and more have been added.
Original content by Jose L. Ortega.
Here's an update on the PS5 backward compatibility. The Game Boost should allow you to play some PS4 games with the new console's features.
