PS4 Firmware Update 4.5 Is Live, Boost Mode Included

PlayStation 4 update 4.50 introduced GIF support so you can share much more than just pictures and videos. External HDD support has been one of the heavily requested features, and Sony is adding it finally. If the already offered storage space on your console is not enough, you can increase this further by plugging in a second HDD to the console externally. However, the company detailed that the newly added feature will not be effective with all games and likewise it advised the users to switch off the Boost Mode if they experience unexpected performance delays. PS4 Pro owners will now see better performance on legacy titles that aren’t yet patched to exploit the faster CPU and double-sized GPU on the PS4 Pro.

According to Sony’s Vice President, the Boost Mode will provide noticeable frame rate boost and stabilize frame rates for games with varying FRs, especially for titles which were only developed to carry out at 30 or 60 Hz. Also, screen resolution for Playstation VR’s Cinematic Mode is improved.

To get started, you’ll need to connect your external hard drive to the PlayStation 4 (or PS4 Pro).

Voice chat will be part of Remote Play on three platforms – Windows PC, Mac or an Xperia device.

Sony in a blog post on the official PlayStation blog mentioned about more new features in the update.

Previously, such performance improvements were only possible on software that had been optimised to do so.

Other features include a Voice Chat for Remote Play, Off Console Availability, and updates on PS Messages and PS Communities apps for both Android and iOS.

As with most internet-connected hardware these days, the PlayStation 4 is updated regularly.

Boost mode will enable older titles that have not been optimized for the PS4 Pro to run better on the console. It’s called Boost Mode. If one turns the setting off, the game will continue to play as though it was running on a regular PS4. In addition, you can now change the privacy settings for individual posts.

The resolution of the system screen displayed on your TV will be “significantly better” when out of VR mode.