Sony has announced that the next system software beta is rolling out today, adding Discord voice chat, Variable Refresh Rate support at 1440p resolution, and several new social features. Beta participants from the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Canada and the UK should receive an email with instructions on starting the beta. Remember that not all features will make it into the live update when it releases “in the coming months.”
To join Discord Voice Chat, players need to link their Discord and PSN accounts on PS5. You can use the app on a mobile device or computer to start voice chat on the console. Other social features include starting or requesting a Share Screen from a friend’s profile, a “Join Game” icon in party chat, and a “Friends Who Play” tile in the game hubs.
It’s also possible to upload game captures and screenshots manually to the PlayStation App via your consoles, which also works with the existing auto-upload. As for Variable Refresh Rate at 1440p, you’ll need an HDMI 2.1 display with VRR support and a compatible game.
New ease-of-use features include PS4 to PS5 save data migration, PS5 to PS5 data transfer, improvements to the screen reader, an update for the DualSense Wireless Controller, game capture using voice commands (restricted to US and UK players), and more.
Sony has yet to confirm rumors of Cronus, feature that allows for cloud streaming PS5 games with PlayStation Plus Premium. It’s reportedly included in update 7.00, which releases on March 8th, so stay tuned for more updates.