PS5 and PS4 system software beta updates this week will preview voice command, open and closed parties

Sony will roll out features in testing for the PS5 and PS4 system software on Wednesday for players who are registered in the beta program. This is a good chance for console gamers to preview some of the highly requested features on these systems, including the preview of the voice command function.

The company is set to roll out a number of unreleased features and improvements for the PlayStation system software that could be released on PS5 and PS4 in the following months. One of the highlights of the beta updates launching this week is the addition of Open and Closed Party options.

With more online multiplayer games launching in recent years, communication features like PlayStation’s Voice Chat or Party have become more helpful. The updates coming to PS5 and PS4 beta this week will give testers more options in setting up their parties, particularly by allowing them to choose between an Open or Closed Party.

As their names suggest, an Open Party will be accessible to anyone, even without an invitation from the host. Friends of party members can also join without waiting for an invite. A Closed Party, on the other hand, is only available to players with an invitation.

While still in beta, only beta testers can join Open Parties on PS4 and PS5. But Closed Parties can be accessible even to console gamers using an officially released version of the system software.

Sony has also included a preview of the PS5 voice command for beta testers in the United States and the United Kingdom since the only language currently supported is English. Players using the beta software can use the trigger phrase “Hey, PlayStation!” to search games, open apps, and media playback controls.

“You can help us improve the feature through our feedback program, which will sometimes record your voice commands (in accordance with our Privacy Policy) and let you provide instant feedback from time to time,” Sony said. But PS5 beta testers can also disable the voice command function from the system settings.

Sony has more features rolling out this week in beta that are detailed in a blog post. PS5 and PS4 players who are already registered to Sony’s beta program are the ones with the chance to get invited to test these features. Invitations will be sent through their registered email address starting Wednesday. PlayStation players who want the same chance in the future can still register here for PS5 and on this page for PS4.

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