Sony has announced that its 1.7 firmware update for PlayStation 4 will be available today for download. Normally system updates aren’t all that thrilling, but the latest version comes toting some new features that may interest you more than you think. For a mere point-one update, it’s pretty loaded.
The first notable change (and the most heavily emphasized by Sony) is something called SHAREfactory. Though it’s name doesn’t exactly explain its function, SHAREfactory is an editing tool for gameplay videos. In addition to standard video trimming tools, you’ll be able to add transitions and visual filters as you deem appropriate. Perhaps the coolest feature, though, is the built-in commentary system. Audio or video commentary is supported, and for the latter you can have a picture-in-picture setup going, where a mini-you explains to viewers what’s actually happening. I’ll probably just use it to pretend I’m Skyping with Captain Qwark, but to each his own.
Next is an auto-download feature for pre-ordered games. Essentially, what it’ll let you do is opt to download a pre-purchased game ahead of time, at which point your PS4 will schedule itself to begin the download process several days in advance. When the title does finally release, the game will be entirely downloaded! You can play literally the moment the game is released. As cool as this sounds, I’m pretty shocked Sony is actually allowing it — won’t hackers put cracking this at the top of their to-do list? If the game is sitting there downloaded two days before release, I’ve got to imagine somebody’s going to make breaking Sony’s defenses a top priority. It won’t be me though, I’m way too lazy.
SHAREfactory and early downloads are 1.7’s heavy hitters, but there are also some quality of life improvements making the cut as well. The built-in share button can now be used to export content directly to a USB device, which I imagine must be useful for some players, while live gameplay broadcasts in 720p will finally arrive as well. The software plugs directly into Twitch or Ustream, allowing for instant archival and viewing at a later date.
There are a host of other nips and tucks I won’t delve into here, like improved all-around functionality of the share button and customizable organization of trophies, but just know that this is an update you probably won’t want to put off downloading for no apparent reason. Sony just recently announced that Driveclub is coming in October, so if you want to live-stream your high speed endeavors to friends or fans, you have approximately six months to get this taken care of. Check out the PlayStation Blog for the dirty details, including updates for Vita and the PlayStation App, and happy downloading!
